Need a new torque wrench - recommendations

[BeCool]

Im looking for a new torque wrench for regs service and need some recommendations.
Not expensive, easy to use, practical and hopefully with a click so you know it's done. Range up to around 300 in-lbs. What you're using and what features to look for? Thxs.

 

[Jimmer]

Just keep an eye on the Canadian Tire weekly flyer. They usually have the Mastercraft brand 3/8" and 1/2" drive torque wrenches on sale every now and then for a pretty good discount. That would handle anything you want it to do.

 

[Splitlip]

Well, I have a couple of Craftsman. Don't know how Sears works in Canada, but I have always purchased my expensive tools there. Great on service and warranty.

 

[Zung]

I couldn't find a "1 size fits all", so I bought 2 *REALLY* cheap ones brand new off eBay from the UK, for about US$ 20 a piece or less. One for in-lbs and one for ft-lbs. Then I "calibrated" the in-lbs one with a bottle of water to make sure it's not too much off; I posted the results in the DIY section. Surely there must be better deals in North America.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I bought a used dual scale 3/8" drive CDI dial-indicating torque wrench (range 0 - 300 in. lbs./0 - 35 Nm) off of Ebay for about $60. Checked it against another recently calibrated torque wrench which compared favorably. I've been very happy with it for 1st and 2nd stage overhauls. There is no audible click when the desired torque is achieved, but it's very easy to watch the dial as torque is applied. Stopping at the desired torque is very straightforward. Don't know if the seller would ship to Canada. You'd have to ask.

 

[ajduplessis]

Buy Gedore

 

[BeCool]

I have a beam type torque wrench, ft-lbs, for auto application, do you think that will work for tightening the yoke nut on the 1st stage since that requires higher torque?

If that works, I was thinking to get a smaller scale for the 2nd stage in the 150 in-lbs range. Im thinking having 2 different ones is good because each will have a more precise adjustment. The one size fits all might be less accurate? What brands are dependable as I don't want to get a no-name brand that is wayy off in accuracy. CDI looks like a great company having good products. Thanks for the link.

 

[redacted]

I have a beam type torque wrench, ft-lbs, for auto application, do you think that will work for tightening the yoke nut on the 1st stage since that requires higher torque?

If that works, I was thinking to get a smaller scale for the 2nd stage in the 150 in-lbs range. Im thinking having 2 different ones is good because each will have a more precise adjustment. The one size fits all might be less accurate? What brands are dependable as I don't want to get a no-name brand that is wayy off in accuracy. CDI looks like a great company having good products. Thanks for the link.

Your 3/8th inch beam type should work fine for the 20 ft-lb +/- on the yoke or din retainer. It might be expensive to find a good 1/4 that will go that high. But it is possible to use an extender to lengthen the torque arm and get 300 in-lb out of a 150 - 200 in-lb wrench. And many regs need sometn=hing that works well in the 30 to 80 in-lb range.