FaceUT

chuckb,

I just returned the exact same torque wrench to Sears as I snapped off the square end where sockets are mounted. This was at only 70lbs torque and it's rated for 250.

I am considering the 1/2" drive as a replacement - but Sears return policy on these wrenches is pretty pathetic. 90 days for calibration / 1 year otherwise. And then they will only repair it - not replace it.

I also found the shorter handle to be a pain when using it on wheels - I would highly recommend a longer 1/2" drive model.

LMSguy

No you should not use a torque wrench to remove anything.it can throw the calibrations out of whack.

And when you are done using it ALWAYS return it to zero.

TLW

you really should be using the 3/8 for drain plugs and such

1/2 inch drive is meant for the bigger nuts and bolts (lug nuts,suspension )

and what are you using 3/4 drive for that stuff is for like Mac trucks

Indio

iTrader: (1)

Guys this how your trunk should look, see how nicely the 1/2 torque wrench fits next to the jack, an extension(if you have staggered wheels) and a thinwall 21mm socket, don't leave home without it!

GS300Rich

I am going to check out pepboys to see if they have one like NEO posted cheaper than tirerack. If I cant find it I guess I will go to tire rack. I also have the gorilla bar that neo posted and that works great

rheiy

Very good advice. To add one more:
If the wrench has been unused for several weeks, its highly recommended to set the wrench at low
torque (about 20 or 25) and tighten a set lugs to work in the oil in the wrench. After that, all set to go at higher torque. (per manual)

BLK98GS3

i have the craftsman 1/2 torque wrench....it works great but the problem is that the part that you adjust the torque is made of plastic and breaks rather easily....i already broke one....and sears will not replace it for you....snap-on makes one that is all metal but kinda expensive.

rheiy

Sears craftsman tools are not what they were many years ago. Their quality has really gone down hill. Used to be when a tool broke, you could bring it back and get another one on the spot. Btw, the torque wrench from tire rack is all metal - no plastic

chuckb

it's still like that with most craftsman tools. that's why I was surprised to see only a 90 warranty on their torque wrench

engin_ear

iTrader: (1)

That's what I have too, it's similar to the Craftsman but cost is less. Works great.
Never use torque wrench for removal. Proper tool is a breaker bar, 18" to 24" (avail at Sears).

engin_ear

iTrader: (1)

Their warrantees have gone to the dogs. I tried to return a stripped hole saw mandrel for replacement a week ago and got laughed at. It's part of a tool that should never strip out. Had to pay for a new one.

e-man

Thanks for the tip, Neo. I went to Home Depot today at picked up 22 inches of 1/2" steel pipe (the stock lug nut wrench is about 10" from the bend to the end, so 22" of pipe provides about one foot of extension). The pipe fits over the wrench perfectly. Also, this length of pipe fits nicely on the small shelf just to the right of the spare and just to the left of the jack crank. However, as I was driving home, the pipe broke loose from where I had secured it and it was rattling around back there. So, I went back to Home Depot and bought 1/2" pipe insulation to slide over the pipe. Now, it sits securely next to the spare and, in the event it breaks loose, it won't rattle around or damage anything. I think this would be a good thing for most of us to have in our trunks, even if the only reason is to make it easier to change a flat tire.

e-man

GS300Rich

great tips e-man. Thanks for the info

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

So I'm about to install my wheels as soon as the lugs come in... Is the torque wrench(1/2) the right size for and a 21mm thin wall socket?

What does the extension tube do again? slide over something so the wheels don't get scratched

Tony

e-man

The extension tube gives you more leverage which makes it easier to loosen tight lug nuts. The stock wrench is only about 10-12 inches long, and it can be really difficult to loosen the lug nuts without standing on it (which you really shouldn't do).