What size torque wrench for suspension work?

SoLiDbReAkZ · 05-24-2002, 03:44 AM

I'm planning on purchasing a pretty decent torque wrench for use primarily in installing suspension parts (springs, struts, strut tops, strutbars, swaybars, endlinks).
From what I understand from the manual I'm going to need a torquer that ranges from approx. 14 to 180 ft-lbs .

What would you suggest: a 3/8" drive or larger 1/2" drive??

I'm on a budget and have been looking at Craftsman Digitorks.

PART #--------DRIVE--------INCREMENT---------MEASURE
========================================
44597----------1/2"---------2.0 ft. lbs.-------25 to 250 ft. lbs.

44596----------3/8"---------0.5 ft. lbs.--------5 to 80 ft. lbs.

which one would be better fit to suit my needs?? Of course, at first glance it may seem the 1/2" drive is better--but would it be too large for cramped situations..like installing the front sway bar??
let me know. Thanks

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Ginseng · 05-24-2002, 10:10 AM

I have a Craftsman 3/8" 15-150 ft-lb and it serves me quite well. There are only a few spots and nuts you need more than 150 ft-lb for and for those, I'd just as soon have the service station do it in case something snaps or strips. Even the crank pulley nut needs less than 100 ft-lb.

Wilkey

chmoorewrx · 05-24-2002, 12:18 PM

Yeah, you don't really need the 150 ft-lbs. If you're only buying one, it's really nice to have those lower torque settings. I have two - a half inch monster and a 3/8 bar type that is really nice for those low settings. I don't think I've ever gone above 80 or 90 on the big one - maybe once. My little one tops out at like 45 so I definitely need the other one. Plus, a lot of parts stores (Checker and Auto Zone for sure) have loaner programs that will let you use a torque wrench for free if you buy the little one, then run into fasteners with torque specs above 80.

cmaj7 · 06-06-2002, 12:25 PM

Torque Wrenches are most accurate within 10% of either limit of their range.

So, a wrench that has a range of 5 to 80 actual has a 75ft lb range. 10% of 75=7.5 so the wrench is accurate from about 12.5 to 62.5

I have two, one is a Norbar SL1 it range is 5 - 40 or 8.5 to 36.5

I use it for all the small stuff exhause work, spark plugs etc....

I have a second that is 20 - 150 or 34 - 136

My advice buy two, one for the smaller numbers, avoid torque wrenches with very large ranges. I wouldn't touch one at 25 - 250 it actual accuracy is 47.5 - 227.5. There is lots of stuff below 47.5 that needs torqued.

Finally store your wrenches set to zero or they will losse calibration and you'll have to send it off to be recalabrated!

BluSuby · 06-11-2002, 01:13 AM

I own a craftmen 1/2" digitork wrench. I am very happy with it. However, it is quite large. Most 1/2" are. I would recommend buying 2 if you need to accurately tighten a wide range of items.You'll need the larger for very few things, but it's also nice to have.
One final thing. If you are buying a craftsmen. Join the Craftsmen club. You immediatly get 10% off the purchase of tools,and you get special prices periodically during craftsmen club sales. I used it and saved $10 on the 1/2" torque wrench, and I saved $100 a couple months later on a tool set during a sale

Bryan

05-24-2002, 03:44 AM	#1
SoLiDbReAkZ Scooby Specialist Member#: 13736 Join Date: Dec 2001 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: SF	Torque Wrench for Suspension work--what size? I'm planning on purchasing a pretty decent torque wrench for use primarily in installing suspension parts (springs, struts, strut tops, strutbars, swaybars, endlinks). From what I understand from the manual I'm going to need a torquer that ranges from approx. 14 to 180 ft-lbs . What would you suggest: a 3/8" drive or larger 1/2" drive?? I'm on a budget and have been looking at Craftsman Digitorks. PART #--------DRIVE--------INCREMENT---------MEASURE ======================================== 44597----------1/2"---------2.0 ft. lbs.-------25 to 250 ft. lbs. 44596----------3/8"---------0.5 ft. lbs.--------5 to 80 ft. lbs. which one would be better fit to suit my needs?? Of course, at first glance it may seem the 1/2" drive is better--but would it be too large for cramped situations..like installing the front sway bar?? let me know. Thanks * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

06-06-2002, 12:25 PM	#4
cmaj7 Scooby Specialist Member#: 12677 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Florida Vehicle: 2002 Subaru WRX WR Blue	Get Twp Torque Wrenches are most accurate within 10% of either limit of their range. So, a wrench that has a range of 5 to 80 actual has a 75ft lb range. 10% of 75=7.5 so the wrench is accurate from about 12.5 to 62.5 I have two, one is a Norbar SL1 it range is 5 - 40 or 8.5 to 36.5 I use it for all the small stuff exhause work, spark plugs etc.... I have a second that is 20 - 150 or 34 - 136 My advice buy two, one for the smaller numbers, avoid torque wrenches with very large ranges. I wouldn't touch one at 25 - 250 it actual accuracy is 47.5 - 227.5. There is lots of stuff below 47.5 that needs torqued. Finally store your wrenches set to zero or they will losse calibration and you'll have to send it off to be recalabrated!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
what size torque wrench/socket?	keepclam	Service & Maintenance	5	06-06-2010 02:03 AM
Using gear wrench in conjunction w/ torque wrench for top strut nut	BIGSKYWRX	Brakes, Steering & Suspension	10	01-07-2005 08:44 AM
What size allen wrench is needed for the FORGE BOV?	waitandbleed92	Factory 2.0L Turbo Powertrain	2	08-04-2004 05:10 PM
What size torque wrench for STi wheels and lug nuts	essogas	Tire & Wheel	3	10-14-2003 02:33 PM
What size allen wrench for top strut shaft and hex wrench to hold the shaft?? please	GregBolby	General Forum Archive	3	02-13-2001 03:29 PM

05-24-2002, 10:10 AM	#2
Ginseng Scooby Specialist Member#: 3800 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: DE Vehicle: 2002 WRB WRX Sedan 2011 Sky Blue Forester Pr	I have a Craftsman 3/8" 15-150 ft-lb and it serves me quite well. There are only a few spots and nuts you need more than 150 ft-lb for and for those, I'd just as soon have the service station do it in case something snaps or strips. Even the crank pulley nut needs less than 100 ft-lb. Wilkey

05-24-2002, 12:18 PM	#3
chmoorewrx Scooby Newbie Member#: 17546 Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Rocky Mountain High Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon WR Blue	Yeah, you don't really need the 150 ft-lbs. If you're only buying one, it's really nice to have those lower torque settings. I have two - a half inch monster and a 3/8 bar type that is really nice for those low settings. I don't think I've ever gone above 80 or 90 on the big one - maybe once. My little one tops out at like 45 so I definitely need the other one. Plus, a lot of parts stores (Checker and Auto Zone for sure) have loaner programs that will let you use a torque wrench for free if you buy the little one, then run into fasteners with torque specs above 80.

06-11-2002, 01:13 AM	#5
BluSuby Scooby Specialist Member#: 12154 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Endless Mtns of PA Vehicle: 04 Sti 99 Outback	I own a craftmen 1/2" digitork wrench. I am very happy with it. However, it is quite large. Most 1/2" are. I would recommend buying 2 if you need to accurately tighten a wide range of items.You'll need the larger for very few things, but it's also nice to have. One final thing. If you are buying a craftsmen. Join the Craftsmen club. You immediatly get 10% off the purchase of tools,and you get special prices periodically during craftsmen club sales. I used it and saved $10 on the 1/2" torque wrench, and I saved $100 a couple months later on a tool set during a sale Bryan