Need help picking a torque wrench

[Slightly Enhanced]

I want to buy a torque wrench to change my spark plugs, 13lbs.

I am very un-mechanically inclined! Can someone please share with me an example of what type I am looking for? There are so many on ebay I don’t know what is a good deal and what is just cheap.

Thanks

[cyberlegend1994]

Re: Need help picking a torque wrench

There are a few basic types. The simplest and least expensive is a beam-type, which has a pointer and a scale. When you tighten the bolt, nut, fitting, etc. the beam flexes while the pointer remains straight, the pointer points to a reading on the scale attached to the beam to indicate how much torque you're applying.

A more accurate model is a micrometer-type, which has an adjustable handle. When you set the handle to the amount of torque you want to apply, you then tighten the fitting as usual, when you reach the set torque amount, the wrench will give a click that you can feel and hear. A more upscale (and more expensive) version of that type works the same way but has a digital readout on the handle instead of a micrometer scale.

[Slightly Enhanced]

Re: Need help picking a torque wrench

thanks cyber....I think i am going to go with a micrometer-type.

I found this one. I assume that I just add the socket size that I need. What does (1/2'' Dr) refer to? Does this limit the type of socket I can use?

Thanks


3pc 1/2" Drive Micrometer Adjustable Torque Wrench 10-150 LBS [/SIZE](Made In Taiwan)

Include:

l 1/2'' Dr. Micrometer Adjustable Torque Wrench 10-150 FT-LBS

l 1/2'' O 3/8'' Reduce adaptor (Chrome Vanadium)

l 1/2' X 5'' Extension Bar ( Chrome Vanadium)

[cyberlegend1994]

Re: Need help picking a torque wrench

Yes - the drive size has to match the socket or extension you're using. Also, the bigger the drive, the more torque the wrench can measure. 1/2-inch drives are the most commonly used size in garages for things like cylinder heads, the 3/8-inch drive is generally used for more precision torquing (inch-pounds as opposed to foot-pounds), such as non-drive-wheel bearings and transmission bands. If your spark plug socket has a 3/8-inch drive, you can get an adapter for the 1/2-inch drive that will reduce it to 3/8 so you can use your socket with the larger drive, there are also adapters that do the opposite as well (3/8 wrench drive to 1/2-inch socket for example). It sounds like the set you're looking at has a size adapter as well - where did you find this particular set?

[bowbow]

Re: Need help picking a torque wrench

Just use a regular rachet. No need to waiste your money on a torque wrench, No one torques sparks plugs. Just put them in and tighten them up. You will want to use a plug socket though. They have a rubbery inside to protect the ceramic stem of the spark plug. Do one at a time so you don't cross up any of the plug wires.

[deepsouth]

Re: Need help picking a torque wrench

spark plugs don't really need to be torqued IMHO- just tighten them done . If you were doing an oil pan/ Trans pan/ or installing heads i would most definately. But if you must-any decent one will work Craftman- Proto- Snap-On ect. 1/2 drive is the most versatile so you can do everything from heads to sparkplugs, but make sure you read things right because some things- like pans use inch pounds and not foot pounds

[pigmeat]

Re: Need help picking a torque wrench

lol, you dont need a torque wrench...just get it fairly tight..make sure if it is going in aluminum you dont overtighten and strip....i also recomend a good antiseize be applied to the threads if it is threading into aluminum

[tn94z]

Re: Need help picking a torque wrench

Unless you will be using the torque wrench on more than your spark plugs, I would waste my money on it for that. Like stated above, just snug them down...don't go crazy on them...and definitely use anti-seize on an aluminum block.

Not to mention that trying to get a torque wrench in there to change the plugs would be a pain in the butt!

[tn94z]

Re: Need help picking a torque wrench

I meant to say, I wouldn't waste my money on that. Sorry

[Doink the clown]

Re: Need help picking a torque wrench

SE, i'm not handy either bro, i'd hurt myself with power tools.

[jipped genes]

Re: Need help picking a torque wrench

with aluminum heads it is a good idea to use one. many people over tighten and strip the threads. that sucks. will you? probably not (unless you have a 90s model saturn)

cheap insurance coming from a former dealership mechanic.

[cyberlegend1994]

Re: Need help picking a torque wrench

with aluminum heads it is a good idea to use one. many people over tighten and strip the threads. that sucks. will you? probably not (unless you have a 90s model saturn)

cheap insurance coming from a former dealership mechanic.

Pretty much anything where a gasket is involved is where those should be used, mainly to prevent warping, a major risk with aluminum cylinder heads.

[TheChosen1]

Re: Need help picking a torque wrench

Personally, in all of the years of my mechanical tasks (since age 14), I've never torqued spark plugs into the cylinders. I only use a rachet, spark plug socket, and extension (if needed).

But if you must go with a particular tool brand, I have 3:

Snap On
Cornwell (my personal fave)
Craftman

[TheChosen1]

Re: Need help picking a torque wrench

with aluminum heads it is a good idea to use one. many people over tighten and strip the threads. that sucks. will you? probably not (unless you have a 90s model saturn)

cheap insurance coming from a former dealership mechanic.

I was taught by my dad to never over tighten a spark plug. Once you've gotten to the end, turn 1/8-1/6 of a turn and then stop. I've seen alot of cylinder heads ruined by overtightening plugs.