[torontoZ28]

I need to get a 1/2" torque wrench and was looking for some opinions. I have noticed that some go up to 150 ft/lb while others go up to 250 ft lb.

1) Is there anything on an f-body that would require any where close to 150? (I understand that they become less accurate as you approach the limits)

2) What are you opinions on husky vs craftsman? Would you even consider getting one of the Made in China cheapies?

Thanks,

[trackbird]

I had a Craftsman, the adjuster nut finally came loose and the handle came off (and it is now out of calibration). I rebuilt several motors and torqued a bunch of wheels before this happened, but it did happen. So, If you get one, buyer beware (1 year warrenty on them, not lifetime). I know of another one with the same exact problem. That's about 2 out of the 6 or 10 of them I've had experience with. Not a great ratio, but that's based on my personal experience only.

It is generally accepted that you don't want to use a wrench under 20% of its max rating. Meaning, a 100 ft lb wrench as a 20 ft lb minimum. A 150 is 30 ft lbs, a 250 ft lb is 50 foot lbs (makes it worthless for intakes and water pumps and such).

With that said. When I put front struts on my 3rd gen, the torque spec was 202 ft lbs on the bolt that holds the strut to the knuckle (ok, the pair of bolts), so I've used 200+ ft lbs on a few strut changes. Other than that, a 150 would work fine for most things and be more useful on the low end.

I currently own a Mac 150 ft lb, a Williams (Snap On's industrial line) 250 ft lb (used for tires and suspension) and a Williams "dial type" with peak memory hold that is rated for 175 ft lbs (and +/- 2% in both directions, many wrenches are +/-4% when tightening and +/- 6% when loosening).

I know guys who use $13 chineese cheapies to torque wheels and have not lost a wheel yet. However, that's the only use I'd even consider using one of those for (ok, personally, I'd not even do that with it). I'd never install head gaskets with one on purpose (stuck on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere and changing a gasket with that as my only option, I might consider using it.).

That's my experience.