What torque wrench do you use?
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
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.
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.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,523
Likes: 3
From: new jersey
Originally Posted by Stage3
I have a craftsman 3/4 drive and a Matco 1/2 drive. the craftsman is my fav, but the Matco is good for things like drains plugs and the like because of the lower torque settings. 
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
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! 
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 9,392
Likes: 2
From: Florida
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
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 1
From: California
Originally Posted by 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.
And when you are done using it ALWAYS return it to zero.
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)
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
From: CA
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.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 1
From: California
Originally Posted by 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.
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Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,947
Likes: 4
From: Florida
Originally Posted by 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
Originally Posted by benzo555
I use a Husky from Home Depot. I like it and very affordable!
Never use torque wrench for removal. Proper tool is a breaker bar, 18" to 24" (avail at Sears).
Originally Posted by 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
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,566
Likes: 49
From: Illinois
Originally Posted by Neo
The cheapest way to do this is to get a metal pipe from the hardware store that will fit over the OEM wrench. You will often find leftover pieces that are about 2ft long that they will sell you for cheap. I have one that fits over the OEM bar and fits in the groove that holds the lug wrench.
You can spend a little more money and get this:
http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/tools/pw1.jsp
I have this too and it works fine.
You can spend a little more money and get this:
http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/tools/pw1.jsp
I have this too and it works fine.
e-man
Last edited by e-man; Jul 7, 2005 at 06:22 PM.
Originally Posted by Indio
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!
What does the extension tube do again? slide over something so the wheels don't get scratched
Tony
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,566
Likes: 49
From: Illinois
Originally Posted by tmf2004
What does the extension tube do again? slide over something so the wheels don't get scratched
Tony
Tony