Torque wrench

messar

Well-known member
Sep 11, 2010
89
0
Looking to buy a torque wrench - what range makes the most sense for working on a D2? I'm thinking 3/8 in drive is probably enough, and probably a range of 5-100 ft lb.

Thanks,

matt
 

DiscoSux

Well-known member
Nov 9, 2010
207
0
59
Elizabethtown, PA
Yeah, 1/2". I recommend an all metal unit. My Craftsman plastic cracked and broke after 10 years but very, very little use. I got a used MAC off Ebay for about $60.
 

messar

Well-known member
Sep 11, 2010
89
0
Thanks for the answers - curious why 1/2 inch. The only thing I can think of that's really high is the axle nuts. Even the wheels are only a bit of 100 ft lbs. A lot of low numbers though.

Whatever I do, I'll buy a good one - I've been bitten too many times trying to save and getting cheap tools....
 

Tugela

Well-known member
May 21, 2007
4,767
567
Seattle
I use a 1/2". The way I look at it, you can use an adapter to make your 1/2" drive a 3/8", but going the other way with a 3/8" to 1/2" adapter you're still turning a 3/8" drive. I think a 1/2" drive gives a wider range of options and usability, but other people may have different experiences.
 

rovercanus

Well-known member
Apr 24, 2004
9,651
246
Torque wrenches have better accuracy at the middle to upper end of thier range. Buying one that ranges from 5 to 100 will not be very good in the lower range, especially if it's a cheap one and it slips out of calibration.
I would get a 50 to 250 and a 5 to 80.
 

thospb

Active member
Dec 8, 2010
35
0
Placerville CA
A 3/8" up to 100FtLbs will handle everything for the engine (except for the dampner). The biggest problem on aluminum engines is stripping bolts so I like a 3/8". If you want to torque the suspension parts I would get a 1/2" up to 250FtLbs. Most people just run the suspension down with an impact. Buy good quality used off EBAY, Snap-On, Mac, etc.

Also, get a click-type. Either a wind-up or a set type.
 
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adriatic04

Well-known member
Mar 22, 2007
2,506
2
cleveland, oh
ive used my 3/8 more than I have my 1/2. My original purchase was for 1/2 but just as others pointed out, they are best in their middle to high range so I ended up with a 3/8 for its range on most parts.

I also weighed in on my needs for my bikes. Lots of precise torques needed for carbon parts, I use it more for my bike than I do the truck. The truck usually gets a turn till tight :smilelol:
 
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jymmiejamz

Well-known member
Dec 5, 2004
6,010
362
36
Los Angeles, Ca
I would get a 3/8" one, if you need more than 75 ft. lbs., then you can probably use an impact. What are you planning on using the torque wrench on? The only thing I really use mine on is engine work for the most part.