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riven1950's avatar
riven1950
Explorer
Oct 16, 2016

torque wrench

Can someone recommend a basic torque wrench for me. I have a lot of tools but never owned a TW.

Will not be building engines or that sort of thing so something basic that actually works, without breaking the bank, would be nice. Basically getting it to torque the lug nuts on my TT. I have 1/2 inch socket drives if there is one that works with that. I am ordering all new lug nuts and figure I may as well torque them per specs versus the old method I have been using.

BTW due to an issue with my break away switch I am going to get my breaks checked, maybe lube bearings. Just curious if shops such as CW or RV dealers actually torque these wheel lugs or do they just use an impact wrench, or do impact wrenches have torque adjustments on them? Thinking of taking mine to my local tire shop but need to check and see if they can handle the electric brake check / repair if necessary.
  • As said, just get a Harbor Freight model. It will be more than good enough for what you are trying to do.
  • `A torque wrench is not some thing you'd want to go cheap on.
    I have one of these
    https://store.snapon.com/TORQUE-C629053.aspx
  • Riven,

    Most reputable places have "Torque Bars" that they use with the air wrench to set lugnuts. These control the final torque. I can't answer for CW.

    You can probably get one on Craig's list or at Hazard Fright on sale. But, if it is a click type, it will out of calibration. If you can find a bending beam type, they have less resolution (you don't really need much) but they cannot loose calibration.

    Matt - the automotive lab refugee
  • Harbor freight sells several 1/2 inch torque wrenches that work well for the occasional wheel lug.
  • Check Harbor Freight. They often sell pretty good torque wrenches for $10 on sale. I spent $30 for 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drives. They actually tested well against TW's costing 30 times as much.
  • riven1950 wrote:
    Can someone recommend a basic torque wrench for me. I have a lot of tools but never owned a TW.

    Will not be building engines or that sort of thing so something basic that actually works, without breaking the bank, would be nice. Basically getting it to torque the lug nuts on my TT. I have 1/2 inch socket drives if there is one that works with that. I am ordering all new lug nuts and figure I may as well torque them per specs versus the old method I have been using.

    BTW due to an issue with my break away switch I am going to get my breaks checked, maybe lube bearings. Just curious if shops such as CW or RV dealers actually torque these wheel lugs or do they just use an impact wrench, or do impact wrenches have torque adjustments on them? Thinking of taking mine to my local tire shop but need to check and see if they can handle the electric brake check / repair if necessary.


    Look on your local Craigslist - I just got one for $15 - just to have in the RV.

    BOL,

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