Torque Wrench help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Orange County CA
Torque Wrench help
I have had my 01 Vert for a few months now and I want to take the wheels off and do a clean up on the inside of the wheels.
I purchased some 2x10x8 for the homemade ramps that I got here on the forum.
I bought a hydralic floor jack and some jack stands. I have read all the info for raising the car.
I'm not much of a mechanic. I will probably be just changing my own oil and taking the tires off now and then.
I am looking to buy a Torque Wrench and there are so many different kinds and ft. lb. ranges. I just wondered which one would be an all around Torque Wrench you guys are using.
I would like to get a good one. I have been looking on Ebay and the Snap-On wrench's seem to be the best, but then again which drive? 1/4", 1/2", 3/8". What torque range? 10 to 150 lb. 25 to 200. 40 or 50 to 250? Too many choices!!!
Thanks in advance
Help
I purchased some 2x10x8 for the homemade ramps that I got here on the forum.
I bought a hydralic floor jack and some jack stands. I have read all the info for raising the car.
I'm not much of a mechanic. I will probably be just changing my own oil and taking the tires off now and then.
I am looking to buy a Torque Wrench and there are so many different kinds and ft. lb. ranges. I just wondered which one would be an all around Torque Wrench you guys are using.
I would like to get a good one. I have been looking on Ebay and the Snap-On wrench's seem to be the best, but then again which drive? 1/4", 1/2", 3/8". What torque range? 10 to 150 lb. 25 to 200. 40 or 50 to 250? Too many choices!!!
Thanks in advance
Help
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I'd get the 1/2 inch drive with up to 150 ft lbs measurement. That should cover just about anything you plan to do.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,683
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From: Memphis Tennessee
I suggest a wrench that is calibratable, 1/2 drive and a good "soft" socket to protect your lug nuts and wheels.
Torque for your wheels should be 90 - 100 ft/l
Just be consistant and use a "skip technique" (1,3,5,2,4) so that you spread out the force as you tighten them.
ENJOY
Torque for your wheels should be 90 - 100 ft/l
Just be consistant and use a "skip technique" (1,3,5,2,4) so that you spread out the force as you tighten them.
ENJOY
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert Arizona
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
I'd get the 1/2 inch drive with up to 150 ft lbs measurement. That should cover just about anything you plan to do.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 812
Likes: 8
From: Pleasanton CA
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
I'd get the 1/2 inch drive with up to 150 ft lbs measurement. That should cover just about anything you plan to do.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Mississauga, Ontario Corvettes were built to be driven...not trailered
St Jude Donor '07-'08-'09
I bought the 1/2' Husky from Home Depot...goes up to 200. 4 years ago a buddy was tightening my wheels and did something to the wrench and the next thing we know, there were springs and parts everywhere...damn thing came apart. Walked into Home Depot (no reciept 2 yr old purchase) with all the parts and they literally took one off the shelf and handed it to me...no questions asked...part of Husky's lifetime warranty program...haven't had any problems since. Then again my buddy hasn't beed allowed to get near my tool box since then 
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: york pa
Originally Posted by allegro
I suggest a wrench that is calibratable, 1/2 drive and a good "soft" socket to protect your lug nuts and wheels.
Torque for your wheels should be 90 - 100 ft/l
Just be consistant and use a "skip technique" (1,3,5,2,4) so that you spread out the force as you tighten them.
ENJOY
Torque for your wheels should be 90 - 100 ft/l
Just be consistant and use a "skip technique" (1,3,5,2,4) so that you spread out the force as you tighten them.
ENJOY
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 151
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From: San Diego California
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
I picked up from E-bay a ½ Mac Cordless 150 ft-lb. I wanted an Electric but got such a deal on the cordless I had to take it. It’s working out great for me so far, take off wheels with no issues at all I use it on my Tundra as well with no issues. I also picked up a set of Snap on impact sockets on e-bay and again great prices. You will need a good torque wrench as well if you don't already have one I have a ½ Mac....
Before you know it you will be doing brakes etc.. Good luck.
Before you know it you will be doing brakes etc.. Good luck.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 7
From: Beautiful CO
St. jude Donor '14
A good name brand (lifetime warranty) 1/2" drive with up to 150 ft-lb capability.
You can always adapt down to a 3/8" socket if necessary.
One more thing, be sure the scaled on the torque wrench has a descent resolution.
You can always adapt down to a 3/8" socket if necessary.
One more thing, be sure the scaled on the torque wrench has a descent resolution.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
Originally Posted by 4GTABODT
I bought the 1/2' Husky from Home Depot...goes up to 200. 4 years ago a buddy was tightening my wheels and did something to the wrench and the next thing we know, there were springs and parts everywhere...damn thing came apart. Walked into Home Depot (no reciept 2 yr old purchase) with all the parts and they literally took one off the shelf and handed it to me...no questions asked...
I don't think anyone mentioned the difference between wrenches (i.e., click type or bar (pointer) type). For best accuracy and lasting calibration, the pointer type is best; simple design. Click types are good and convienent as well but more moving parts to wear causing loss of calibration sooner. I've had my bar/pointer wrench over 30 years; it continues to remain quite accurate
If you aren't much of a mechanic, no need to get over 150# wrench as you'll never run into any fasteners requiring more torque than your lug nuts.
Good luck!
..rickko..
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 52
From: Colorado Springs CO
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
I'd get the 1/2 inch drive with up to 150 ft lbs measurement. That should cover just about anything you plan to do.
That's what I have, and it has met all my needs! Luckily, I even found one at Harbor Freight Tools for such a ridiculously low price I had to buy two and give one as a gift to a friend.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 24
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From: Cumming GA
Another point to remember is most torque wrenches are accurate from 20% of their maximum capacity up to their maximum capacity. Thus a torque wrench rated for 150 ft. lbs. would NOT be considered accurate below 30 ft. lbs. Thus, you typically need a smaller torque wrench to handle many of the bolts/plugs/etc. on a C5.
Lifetime Member
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From: New Jersey
St. Jude Donor '05, '12-'13, '15-'16, '21
Originally Posted by Roadking
1/2" Griot's lifetime calibration. Remember to release as stated above.
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I bought a Husky 1/2" drive wrench. I'm very happy with it and the price was good. As Gary accurately advised - when you are finished with the wrench - take the tension off the springs and place it back into it's case. A Torque wrench is a precision instrument and should be treated as such. It should not be used like a ratchet to remove fasteners or to tighten them - it should only be used to torque the fasteners. Also - it should be calibrated (depending on the amount of use it gets and the way it is handled) every couple of years.