Torque Wrench..Recommendations?

[Montari]

I'm in the market for picking up a new torque wrench. I'm looking for feedback on what brands/models are good. I'm looking for a breakaway type with a reasonable range of torque settings useful for automative work (preferrably with ft/lb and Nm readings)

I'm not after something cheap and nasty. I've seen a kinchrome one for $95 and a sidchrome one for $200. I have an old set of sidchrome tools from many years back and I think they're fantastic but I understand that they changed ownership a few years back and the quality may have dropped. Hence I'm after opinions of what is good and available in todays market rather than what was once good (not that the sidchrome tools are of less quality today than in years gone past, I don't know).

I don't want something thats going to strip and crack under pressure like some of the kmart special tools my brother once turned up with. I'd rather buy it once and let it last a lifetime. Brands to stay away from also appreciated.

Thanks
PS couldn't find any threads after searching. If I missed them please provide a pointer

[Sonnymad]

I'm in the market for picking up a new torque wrench. I'm looking for feedback on what brands/models are good. I'm looking for a breakaway type with a reasonable range of torque settings useful for automative work (preferrably with ft/lb and Nm readings)

I'm not after something cheap and nasty. I've seen a kinchrome one for $95 and a sidchrome one for $200. I have an old set of sidchrome tools from many years back and I think they're fantastic but I understand that they changed ownership a few years back and the quality may have dropped. Hence I'm after opinions of what is good and available in todays market rather than what was once good (not that the sidchrome tools are of less quality today than in years gone past, I don't know).

I don't want something thats going to strip and crack under pressure like some of the kmart special tools my brother once turned up with. I'd rather buy it once and let it last a lifetime. Brands to stay away from also appreciated.

Thanks
PS couldn't find any threads after searching. If I missed them please provide a pointer

I have had my warren and brown torque wrench now for 16years and its never lost its calibration, i have it checked every year.i also have the new sidchrome tools,been using them for over a year now,they are awsome and havent had an issue yet,hope this helps.

regards sonny

[sirhc]

Warren& brown ..........Buy from Repco

[andrew77]

i have a half inch drive kincrome one that came with my 285 pce set. no probs with it, used about once or twice a month and still getting correct readings(3 yrs old). Can pick one up for around 80 bucks, comes with a nice plastic case and and 1/2 to 3/8 inch adaptor.

[Drewie]

Warren & Brown is the go, had mine for years, I like the click out pin that pops when it reaches the correct tension. I have been around some very talented engineers/engine builders over the years and they have all used Warren & Brown tension wrenches. Won't go wrong with one of them.
Also remember never use a tension wrench to loosen or back off a nut or bolt as it is a sure way to bugger it up, have another wrench at hand for that.

[vassam]

Warren and brown are good but after a bit of usage the screw which retains the pin in comes loose and the pin drops out. Norbar are great wrenches where you adjust the torque setting by turning the handle and locking it in. Kinchrome are ok, but if you want to get what you pay for, buy a Snap On, they are ****ing great.

[andrew77]

snap on snap on! yeah good tools but pay through the nose for em! if ur wanting to go around that price u wont go past the stahlwille! at least they make their tools unlike other brands! not starting a shit fight but imho, snap on are a bit over priced for a company that buys, not makes their tools!

[Thumper]

Norbar are best from a parts, calibration compliance.

Download their pdf catalog from here http://www.norbar.com.au/pdf.list.php
You need to gauge your requirements from the list, but you could get by with a Model 200, which would mean you have cover from 40-200nM
I have a Model 5 1/4" drive, Model 100 3/8" drive and a Model 300 1/2" drive.
If I was going to do it again, I would just get a Model 60 3/8" and a Model 300 1/2" drive.
I have used Warren & Brown, but too much variation when it pops.

[SS346]

my money is on the warren & brown

[Smitty]

I have 2 Warren and Brown wrenches

had 'em for years (like 20+ years),
get them calibrated every few years
never had a problem with them in all that time....

why 2?
a normal one that goes up to 250 ftlb
and another 'micro one'
that goes from 1-40 ftlb only
ever tried tightening a bolt to 12ftlb
with a normal one?

my 2c

cheers

[daza]

Warren and Brown with the extending pin are great, they require some skill with their use and can easly be damaged/loose calibration. Norbar are a a lot more robust in 1/4" and 3/8" sizes. You dont have to worry about dirt with the Norbar. I use 1/4"-1/2" Norbar and 3/4"WB, started of with all WB but the smaller units I damaged :eek: . They are always calibrated every 12 months (ISO 9000) You can also get Norbars with a ratchet head and these will handle removal and replacement of nuts(provided the required tourque is in or close to its rated torque range) I believe the Sidchrome units are made by Norbar as are the Repco ones.
Cheers

[255-LS1]

what would people recommend the required torque range to be for automotive applications? I noticed smitty has 2 to cover all bases but what would be the go if i can only afford one?

[zeeute]

I have a 'Superworks Gold' Torque Wrench from Super cheap, its awesome... It comes with a lifetime warranty, so if you break it, you take it back to Super cheap and they replace it with a brand new one :rofl:

[DaveHAT]

what would people recommend the required torque range to be for automotive applications? I noticed smitty has 2 to cover all bases but what would be the go if i can only afford one?

Depends what/where you intend to use it.

A larger one will be a PITA to use if you're trying to torque manifold bolts with a Nm of 5-10 depending on which pass.

Conversely a small one is useless if you want to torque up big bolts so you really need to decide where you're likely to use and how often.

What to buy should follow suit from those answers.

[255-LS1]

hmmm ok cheers thanks Dave, will typically only be used on cars and motorbikes. What would be the highest and lowest critical torques that would be experianced?

[DaveHAT]

hmmm ok cheers thanks Dave, will typically only be used on cars and motorbikes. What would be the highest and lowest critical torques that would be experianced?

Applicable to LS1 only but you get the idea:



Air Conditioning Compressor Drive Belt Idler Pulley Bolt ............................... 40 – 60
Air Conditioning Compressor Drive Belt Tensioner Bolt................................. 21 – 29
Air Conditioning Compressor Mounting Bracket to Cylinder Block Bolts ....... 40 – 60
Air Conditioning Compressor to Mounting Bracket Bolts ............................... 40 – 60
Accelerator Control Cable Bracket Bolts .................................................. ...... 10
Accessory Drive Belt Idler Pulley Bolt.............................................. ............... 40 – 60
Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Bolt .................................................. ............ 40 – 60
Alternator Bracket to Cylinder Block Bolts............................................. ......... 40 – 60
Alternator Support Bracket to Cylinder Block Bolts ........................................ 20 – 35
Catalytic Converter Bracket Bolts to Catalytic Converters (if fitted) ............... 25
Catalytic Converter Bracket Bolts/Nuts to Manual Transmission Extension .. 40 – 60
Camshaft Retainer Bolts .................................................. .............................. 25
Camshaft Position Sensor Bolt.............................................. ......................... 25
Camshaft Sprocket Bolts............................................. ................................... 35
Close-out Cover Retaining Bolt (Each Side) .................................................. 10 – 14
Clutch Housing to Engine Block Bolt (Manual Transmission) ........................ 40 – 60
Connecting Rod Bolts Stage 1 (Both early and later designs) ....................... 20
Stage 2 (Early design only.......................................... 60 degrees turn angle
Stage 2 (Later design only.......................................... 75 degrees turn angle
Coolant Temperature Sensor .................................................. ....................... 20
Coolant Inlet Housing Bolts .................................................. .......................... 15
Coolant Pump Bolts First Pass .................................................. .................... 15
Final Pass .................................................. ................... 30
Crankshaft Balancer Bolt: Stage 1 with replacement NEW Bolt ..................... 50
Stage 2 with replacement NEW Bolt ..................... 140 degrees turn angle
Crankshaft Main Bearing Cap Bolts (Inner Bolts - Stage 1 in Sequence) ...... 20
(Inner Bolts - Stage 2 in Sequence) ...... 80 degrees turn angle
Cap Side Bolts............................................. .......... 25
Cap Studs (Outer Studs - Stage 1 in Sequence) .. 20
(Outer Studs - Stage 2 in Sequence) .. 53 degrees turn angle
Crankshaft Oil Deflector Nuts.............................................. ........................... 25
Crankshaft Position Sensor Bolt.............................................. ....................... 25
Cylinder Head Bolts (in Sequence)
Stage 1 - all M11 and M8 Bolts ............................................... 30
Stage 2 - all M11 Bolts .................................................. .......... 90 degrees turn angle
Stage 3 - all M11 Bolts - Except Medium Length Bolts ........... 90 degrees turn angle
Stage 3 - M11 - Medium Length Bolts..................................... 50 degrees turn angle
Cylinder Head Coolant Plug .................................................. ......................... 20
Cylinder Head Core Hole Plug.............................................. .......................... 20
Engine Block Coolant Drain Plugs............................................. ..................... 60
Engine Block Oil Gallery Plugs............................................. .......................... 60
Engine Dress Cover Bracket Nut .................................................. ................. 4 – 6
Engine Dress Cover Retaining Nut............................................... .................. 8 – 12
Engine Flywheel/Flexplate Bolts (in Sequence) Stage 1 .............................. 20
Stage 2 .............................. 50
Stage 3 .............................. 100
Engine Front Cover Bolts .................................................. ............................. 25
Engine Mount to Bracket or Crossmember Nut ............................................. 70 – 90
Engine Mount Bracket to Cylinder Block Bolt ................................................. 40 – 60
Engine Rear Cover Bolts .................................................. .............................. 25
Engine Rocker Cover Bolts .................................................. .......................... 12
Engine Service Lift Bracket M10 Bolts .................................................. ......... 50
Engine Service Lift Bracket M8 Bolt .................................................. ............. 25
Nm
Engine Valley Cover Bolts............................................. ................................. 25
Exhaust Manifold Bolts Stage 1 .................................................. .................. 15
Stage 2 .................................................. .................. 25
Exhaust Manifold Heat Shield Bolt.............................................. ................... 9
Ignition Coil-to-Bracket Bolts............................................. ................................ 12
Ignition Coil Bracket-to-Valve Rocker Arm Cover Bolts .................................... 12
Intake Manifold Bolts (in Sequence) Stage 1 .................................................. 5
Stage 2................................................. .. 10
Knock Sensors .................................................. ................................................ 20
Oil Filter............................................ .................................................. ............... 30
Oil Filter Adaptor .................................................. ............................................. 55
Oil Level Indicator Tube Bolt .................................................. ........................... 25
Oil Pan Blanking Screw Plug.............................................. ............................... 25
Oil Pan Baffle Bolts .................................................. ......................................... 12
Oil Pan Closeout Cover Bolt (Either Side)............................................. ............ 8 – 12
Oil Pan Drain Plug.............................................. ............................................... 25
Oil Pan Gallery Screw Plug .................................................. ............................. 25
Oil Pan M8 Bolts (Oil Pan to Engine Block and to Front Cover) ....................... 25
Oil Pan M6 Bolts (Oil Pan-to-Rear Cover) .................................................. ...... 12
Oil Pan Transfer Cover Nut............................................... ................................ 12
Oil Pan Under-Tray Bolt .................................................. .................................. 30 – 35
Oil Pressure Sensor .................................................. ........................................ 20
Oil Pump-to-Engine Block Bolts .................................................. ...................... 25
Oil Pump Cover Bolts............................................. ........................................... 12
Oil Pump Relief Valve Plug .................................................. ............................. 12
Oil Pump Pick-Up Tube to Oil Pump Screw............................................. ......... 12
Oil Transfer Cover Nuts .................................................. .................................. 12
Oil Transfer Tube Bolts .................................................. ................................... 12
Oil Transfer Tube Nuts.............................................. ........................................ 12
Oxygen Sensor............................................ .................................................. .... 41
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System Strap Nut.................................. 12
Spark Plugs (New Cylinder Head - ‘Coining’)) .................................................. 20
Spark Plugs............................................. .................................................. ........ 15
Starter Motor Bolt .................................................. ............................................ 40 – 55
Throttle Body Bolts .................................................. .......................................... 12
Torque Converter Housing to Engine Block Bolts (Automatic Transmission)... 40 – 60
Transmission Crossmember to Side Frame Bolts ............................................ 20 – 30
Transmission Support to Crossmember Nuts.............................................. ..... 50 – 65
Transmission Support to Transmission Extension Housing Bolts .................... 20 – 30
Valve Lifter Guide Bolts............................................. ........................................ 12
Valve Rocker Arm Bolts .................................................. .................................. 30
Vapour Vent Pipe Bolts and Studs............................................. ....................... 12

[255-LS1]

awesome thanks mate.

Found this warren and brown - 3/8 drive 5-120Nm (would be the go??)

Also, is it true that sidchrome are the same as WB they look very similar and cases are the same??

[DaveHAT]

awesome thanks mate.

Found this warren and brown - 3/8 drive 5-120Nm (would be the go??)

Also, is it true that sidchrome are the same as WB they look very similar and cases are the same??

Dunno mate, seems to have a pretty good range. I'm not a mechanic and only have a Kinchrome small tq wrench for very odd jobs.

Think of it this way, if a Warren & Brown is good enough for mechanics like Sonny and Smitty and last as long as they seem to ... :goodjob:

[255-LS1]

:lol: is that the the 80 odd dollar one in case? i had a squiz at it the other day at bunnings, was tosing up hmmm should i shouldn't i.... couldn't make a decision. How you find it?

[DaveHAT]

:lol: is that the the 80 odd dollar one in case? i had a squiz at it the other day at bunnings, was tosing up hmmm should i shouldn't i.... couldn't make a decision. How you find it?

Got mine from autopro but it's probably the same.

It's not too bad ... the very few times I've used it.

I found that the "click" when it reaches the preset tq isn't that noticable, not when compared to my mates sidchrome tq wrench that makes an unmistakable "CLICK" when the torque setting is reached.

However ... it did the job.

[SVNLTR]

Warren brown and snap on have never let me down-

The rest don't come anywhere near the ^^^^ apart from the dear as poison European brands like beta and star

For the guy that uses a torque wrench once in a blue moon -get the craftsman stuff real cheap-

[boyley]

For work I hire them from Coates when we need them, its not worth owning one especially when you have a wide range of torque setting right up to 3000Nm (Hydraullic Head) type

[Ellistwo]

I have to admit I hardly use my W&B anymore. I much prefer my Norbars.

[skilly]

So I know this thread is old but I'm fitting the Powerbond balancer kit with Nuline pulleys and was trying to find the torque settings on this forum. Is the above table in Nm or ft/lbs?