[Shotimes] RE: (OT) Cheap Torque Wrenches

[Ron Porter]

As the original poster said, and as I stated, we are using it for lug nuts.
In fact 99%+ of my torque wrench usage is for lug nuts. I have an older
beam-type that I have used for engine stuff for the last 30+ years.

BTW, (there have been a bunch of interesting posts on the whole subject!!)
apart from getting click-type torque wrenches calibrated occasionally, the
procedure is supposed to be to set the wrench to it's lowest setting when in
storage, and not leave it at the last setting that you had used. This is
supposed to keep it calibrated longer by not stressing the internals. Also,
don't do things like remove bolts/nuts with the torque wrench

Another interesting point is that Sears will recalibrate a wrench, but the
cost is virtually as high as getting a new wrench. Apparently the "trick" is
to return it to Sears before the 12-month warranty expires, and claim it is
"Out Of Calibration". This is supposed to be enough reason to justify an
exchange.

Also, most wrenches are not supposed to be guaranteed accurate in the lowest
20% of their scales, so it is better to get a lower-scale wrench for lower
torque settings.

Ron Porter 

-----Original Message-----
From: Rich Larsen [mailto:rlecads@xmission.com] 
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2003 5:53 PM
To: 'Ron Porter'; 'Shotimes'; 'V8List SHO'
Subject: RE: (OT) Cheap Torque Wrenches


I have this particular torque wrench because I figured it would be cheaper
than getting my old Craftsman recalibrated.  I soon learned the trade off
for the low price.  For torqueing lug nuts it should be fine, but forget
using it in the engine compartment.  It takes about a 45 degree swing to get
a click.  That might be a bit exaggerated but not by too far.

Rich Larsen
Substation Designer
Engineering CAD Solutions, Inc.
801-561-3396
 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ron Porter [mailto:ronporter@prodigy.net]
> Sent: Friday, October 03, 2003 3:38 PM
> To: Shotimes; V8List SHO
> Subject: (OT) Cheap Torque Wrenches
> 
> We have had a discussion of torque wrenches on the 911 for the last few
> days.
> 
> Anyway, this guy mentioned the $10 Harbor Freight wrench below. Sounded
> great, and I ordered one for each car, just to use for lug nuts. If you
> enter the p/n online, you can see the picture & info, plus it's $19.99. Do
> as he says and "order from printed catalog", and it's $9.99!! For the
> catalog, enter as 239 - 3 - vga in the three p/n windows.
> 
> Yes, it is a 1/2" drive, but it is good to 150 lbs/ft. They have a 3/8"
> drive for $17.99, but it's only good to 80 lbs/ft.
> 
> Ron Porter
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Kevin Schwall [mailto:kschwall@bellsouth.net]
> Sent: Friday, October 03, 2003 8:10 AM
> To: 911/993/996
> Subject: [911] Torque wrenches
> 
> After reading a similar account regarding a very successful test of the
> Harbor Freight click-type torque wrench a year or so back, I picked one up
> for the princely sum of about $10.  For a ratcheting CLICK-type torque
> wrench!  Anyhow, while I haven't tested it against anything more precise
> than my old Craftsman beam-type torque wrench, it has done its job
> perfectly.  Fit and finish is not Snap-On quality, but for 1/20th the
> price
> it's a STEAL.  Disclaimer:  I use it for lug nuts, not commercial jet
> landing gear bolts.  For the latter I might go the Snap-On route.
> 
> If you go to www.harborfreight.com and enter part number 239-3VGA in the
> "order from printed catalog" window, you'll get it for $9.99 now.
> 
> Kevin
> $10 wrench, $60 lug nuts