Buying Tips: 1/2" Torque Wrench for Automotive Enthusiast
Price the TEKTON 24340 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench (25-250 ft.-lb) on Amazon:
The goal of our YouTube video and this article is to help you choose the correct Torque Wrench for your application and usage. Neither the video nor this article are meant for the full blown mechanic. Here, we will try to help those looking for their first torque wrench for fo an affordable, but quality unit to use on their own vehicles.
When it comes to making a purchasing decision, many factors are taken into account such as price, quality, features, ease of use, and durability. All of these aspects basically lead the purchaser to choose the best ‘Value for Money’ product. Every consumer, whether they are buying a car, a house or a tool, all expect value for money and rightly so.
One of the most commonly used tools in the automotive service industry has been the torque wrench. Along with a spanner and socket set, there is not one workshop that does not have at least one or more torque wrenches being regularly used. Torque Wrenches are designed for a variety of applications for both Automotive and Industrial use. Sizes and capacity range from small, medium and large. The torque range for a small size models is generally anywhere from 30-200in. lbs. (4-22Nm) with either a ¼” or 3/8” square drive. This size wrench is suitable for everyday use with low torque applications and are a widely used for transmission servicing. For medium size models, torque low range will be anywhere from 20 or 30 ft lbs. (17 or 34Nm) with a torque high range of approximately 250ft lbs. (332Nm) and are usually supplied with ½” square drive adapter. These are a good option for engine rebuilding and reconditioning applications. Even larger capacity wrenches which have a range of up to 1000 ft.lbs (1320Nm) are also available for heavy automotive and industrial use such as truck, machinery and heavy plant maintenance.
When it comes to torque wrenches or any tool for that matter, certain factors can at times be overlooked which will determine whether a wise buying decision will be made. The longevity and durability of the tool is one of the ultimate tests in determining a “Value for money” product. For example, how long will the product last? Will the torque wrench be as accurate after 500, 1000 or 5000 uses as it was on the first use? What will the total cost of ownership be for a torque wrench when regular calibrations and repairs are taken into account?
In terms of quality, one important aspect is to verify the torque wrench performance against International standards for accuracy. Most models have an accuracy tolerance for the displayed torque output. For example, some makes and models have a tolerance of +/- 4%, +/- 2% or even +/- 1%. The lower the tolerance the more accurate the reading will be as the true reading will be within the specified + or – percentage of tolerance.