Regarding the "Torque Sticks" They can't be as good as a torque wrench, even an inexpensive one. My factory wheels torque at 76 Ft Lb and I must have Discount Tire Reset their wrenches from the 90-85 Ft Lb they like to use to the 75 Ft Lb setting. I retorque after driving a few miles. I insist the lug nuts be removed and installed by hand using a T-wrench rather than an air impact driver. After all, they are MY wheels, lug bolts and lug nuts and I pay to replace them if damaged.

 

Go to harborfreight.com. I bought my torque wrench there for $9.99. It's the same as the one sold @ PepBoys. I bought 3, one for each car and one in the garage

I have used them for 3 years and they work fine. Just remember to release the tension after each use to maintain the proper torque settings.

 

i work in a shop (lexus) and i dont use torque wrenches for the most part...german spec is what i ususally use(good n tite)

 

I didn't. For years. Now what? By not returning it to zero, how far off can it now be?

 

A lot.
If your doing serious work like building an engine I would either get it calibrated or buy a new one.But if your just using it to tighten wheels,I wouldnt worry too much about it.

 

What do you mean by a lot, and how specifically do you know that?

FYI - http://www.griotsgarage.com charges $25 plus shipping to test torque wrenches (free for life if you buy the wrench from them, but they sell them for $169 - $189!)

 

If you're torquing something that you really care about and if it matters, you would pay a little more for a nicer and more accurate wrench and get it revalibrated about once a year!! Under $100 is NOTHING for a torque wrench in a 1/2" size.