I need a torque wrench, don't want to blow an *** load of cash on one though. I just need one for general motor stuff and torquing lug nuts. Figure I can get a 3/8 wrench and use a 1/2" adapter for the lug nuts.
I don't want to get a craftsman because the new ones suck, the handles break, just terrible reviews all around.
Kobalt is another local option, i can get it at Lowes. They're like $60 i think maybe $70. They might top out at like 200 ft lbs, not sure though. Need to find out.

Then there is snap-on and mac tools, i can only afford them when buying off ebay though.
Any insight or experience with kobalt, snap-on, mac tools? I'd rather not spend over $90 on one.

 

I bought an old fashioned beam type used for my lug nuts for $15.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi..._view_0688.jpg

 

Kind of want a clicking ratchet type. Though the old style would work fine and they are pretty damn cheap.

I figure if I buy one I might as get one for when I to Tbelt swaps, manifold installs, w/e. I need a good one, might as well spend the money right the first time around.

 

Harbor Freight. I got my 1/2" click-type on sale for $10.

 

I typically buy expensive tools like that used off craigslist or ebay. you shouldn't have a problem finding a snap on or mac for a good price if you watch for a few days.

In fact, I just tonight bought a mac 1/4 drive ratchet for $8 on ebay to replace my broken crapsman.

 

I have a 20 dollar 1/2" drive from Autozone. Had a tool shop check it and it's dead nuts accurate. I use it for everything above 20 ft/lbs. I have a 3/8 flex type for 0-20 ft/lbs. The flex type are more accurate FWIW.

 

i'm rockin the 1/2" torque wrence from HF too. hasn't failed me yet. did a few motor swaps in which i removed the heads so the torque ratings must be pretty close.

 

this makes absolutely no ******* sense.

 

I have a snap-on digital torque wrench.It's expensive but it sure is the best torque wrench I have ever used.

 

never had a warped head or blown head gasket using the HF torque wrench. if the specs were too far off in either direction i could have.

 

No trust fund supporting me here so I definitely won't be buying a new snap-on or anything like that specially not digital for christ sake. I don't need one that beeps at me. Figure I'll hit up HF next time in in nashville for the 1/2" unit. I need some other cheap ching chong tools anyway.

 

yeeeeeeeeeeeeah, have you taken the heads off and checked them?

 

maybe i'll do that tomorrow when i take the oil pan off to make sure i don't have an oil pan gasket leak. and while i'm at it i'll unmount my tires to make sure they aren't leaking.

 

Well my craftsman torque wrench works fine for me. What are you gonna torque that is over 150 lbs? I don't think there is anything on a miata that needs that much torque i used to love kobalts i have and old set and a new set of there tools the old set was when they first came out and where made by mack or so Nick tells me the new set isn't as good they started to cut corners i guese. I have never tried there torque wrench though. I have also only had 1 craftsman torque wrench breack and that was after several years of use so it will be safe to assume there torque wrench will last you a good while and hell they need to be recalibrated every few years to be consistant no matter wich one you get. So buy a cheap one that works use it until you can buy a real nice one and be done with it. GL man.

 

Throw down for a nice snap on and plan on keeping it for life.

 

I throw down for the HF and plan on keeping that for light. Garage sale FTW, gotta a bunch of old snap on from a retired mechanic. Although there is one tool in the lot that I cant figure out what it does.

 

We have the same problem with you sometimes:gay:
















j/k, but thanks for the straight line.

 

maybe you should draw some more completely unreasonable conclusions, like the sun rose this morning so your A/F ratio is perfect.

 

....What was that game in office space. Skip to Conclusions? Oh yes we shall.


Olderguy, nicely done, usually i know when I set it up, but i was oblivious. I commend you good sir

 

it's a JUMP... to conclusions mat.