Torque Wrenches

Discussion in 'Tools' started by Snooze, Mar 13, 2015.

  1. I'm rebuilding a type 4 2l and Tom Wilson (How to rebuild your VW air-cooled engine) suggests I need 2. One with a range of 5-50ftlb and one that can measure 80ftlb for the flywheel. Any recommendations/thoughts?
     
  2. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    You won't get one that will accurately do both ends of that range. :)
     
  3. Yes, that's what Tom Wilson is saying in effect. Any recommendations on makes/models/ranges given that it will only be for occasional use?
     
  4. Silverline or Draper are the "budget" makes.

    I have a Silverline one for torquing wheel nuts.
     
  5. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    I have one I'd trust from 15-80 ft/lbs and one from 60-300. Anything less I guestimate from experience but I rarely do serious engine stuff anyway. 10 means pretty blummin loose, 5 is almost falling off. Hard to tighten things so loosely but they won't actually fall off. :)
     
  6. rickyrooo1

    rickyrooo1 Hanging round like a bad smell

    this makes me feel better.
     
    3TNC and Moons like this.
  7. Can the cheapies be trusted though? I don't fancy spending all my time rebuilding to find I've over or under tightened. Do the cheapies come with a calibration cert would you know?
     
  8. JamesLey

    JamesLey Sponsor

    My drapers came with a cert. used them when I had the top end apart and the engines still going!
     
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  9. Moons

    Moons Supporter

    Halfords stuff is pretty good - personally I like the BETA brand.

    As for how accurate they are - I would imagine most are affected by the ambient temperature whatever make they are - though I do suspect the really cheap stuff can't be that accurate given the quality of materials etc.
     
    Snooze likes this.
  10. Pudelwagen

    Pudelwagen Supporter

    If you used an ordinary wrench and attached a spring balance to the handle, you could calculate the torque as tension reading on balance times length of handle. You could use an extension rod to give higher torques. This probably wouldn't work in the confines of an engine compartment!
     
  11. I didn't understand any of that! I'm off to Halfords......again!
     
    Chrisniclia likes this.
  12. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    Mine here at work is twenty plus years old and going well..for saying its Draper, even the blue blow moulded box is a good un!!
     
    JamesLey likes this.
  13. Halfords pro stuff is good - good quality and lifetime warranty.
    If you were local, I could've loaned you my trade card for halfords.
     
  14. That would have been handy. Having said that, I'm in there that often they probably think I'm staff!
     
  15. Tell them you're a self employed / just starting out mechanic and want to start a trade account / apply for a trade card.
     
    Snooze likes this.
  16. ive got halfords advanced one , works fine but i havnt tested it :)
     
  17. Halfords pro will be fine, they should come with a calibration cert.

    I have 4 very expensive snap-on ones which my firm pay to have calibrated every year, my apprentice has a cheapo draper one supplied in a "tool kit" and that gets the same calibration as mine, and passes. I would say the lower budget ones may not last as long as the higher end ones.
     
    75BAY and 3TNC like this.
  18. If you get a cheaper one, just remember to loosen off the torque setting each time you finish.
    It'll set the calibration out if you don't.
     
    nigelcp and Snooze like this.
  19. Well I've convinced the missus I am, so Halfords should be a pushover!
     
    minirob and 3TNC like this.
  20. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Yours wasn't serious. :)
     

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