3rd gen torque range

[mendozer]

What's the practical torque range for our generation? I have two torque wrenches, both HF 1/4 and 1/2. I'm thinking about getting a 3/8 as some of the harder to reach places just don't work with my 1/2 sockets and my crow foot adapters which I already have as 3/8. I see some brands range from 20-100, 10-150, 20-250, 30-150 etc. ASIDE from a timing belt (I don't think anything else needs a range up to 250 lbs on our trucks) what's the real range we need?

I use my 1/4 for anything in our manual that's in-lbs and the HF has suited me fine.
For ft lbs most things I've seen or at least for the jobs I've done range from 12-80 ft lbs. If I'm going to drop big $$$ on a better wrench brand, I want to make sure I get one with the appropriate range. Either way, we'll need two. One for the in-lb range (and converted lower ft lb specs) and one for ft lb range

 

[Slobo]

Steering knuckle x Brake caliper = 90 ft lbs
Lower suspension arm x Lower ball joint = 103 ft lbs

 

[mtbtim]

You're right that the highest torque value you'll need is for the crankshaft bolt at 217 ft-lbf if I'm remembering correctly. I own 3 torque wrenches, an inch pound that I believe goes up to 250 inch pound, a 3/8" drive that goes up to 100 ft-lbf, and a 1/2" drive that goes up to 250 ft-lbf. Since I knew I needed a torque wrench that would go as high as 217, the smart choice was to choose one that could do that and that was the model that went up to 250.

So, I think your choice is pretty easy unless you never plan on doing another timing belt job. Also, who knows, you might find yourself owning something else one day that does require higher torque values than our rigs.

 

[mendozer]

this might be an engineering question, but is there a reason to NOT use 3/8 drive sockets for in-lb ranges? For the most part 1/4 drive are the sized for that range, but Gear Wrench and others make 3/8. I assume it has to do with socket strength especially for climbing upwards of 200 ft lbs, but would it be bad to use 3/8 drive for smaller ranges? I was thinking of two electronic wrenches by Gear Wrench one does 10-135 Nm (7-100 ft lb) and the other 30-340 Nm (22-250 ft lb) and a 3/8" drive click type 30-250 in lbs (2.5-21 ft lbs).

So I could do the 3/8" click for smaller ranges then the 1/2" electronic for bigger ranges and that should cover it all.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

I have a 1/2 drive extended length (longer than standard) for more leverage for crank and head bolts.

I also have two 3/8 drives also. One is foot pounds and the other is inch pounds.


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[mendozer]

Turns out the HF ain't that bad. I did a luggage scale calibration check today. My ft lb one was 5 lbs low and the in lbs was about 12 lbs low. I'm sure I've dropped these things over the years but never really had a problem.