I was browsing a few torque wrenches and was wondering, can one torque wrench do all the jobs? I had an EPAuto 1/2" drive 20-150 ft lbs but returned it because I wouldn't be able to change spark plugs. So I managed to land a Pittsburgh Pro 3/8" drive 10-80 ft lbs for 9.99 when it was on sale and was able to change spark plugs. I know I will need to change lug nuts, so I was thinking of getting the Lexivon or EPAuto 20-250 lbs but then there is the Quinn 1/2" drive 12.5-250 ft lbs. Should I just get the Lexivon/EPAuto or can the Quinn 1/2" drive 12.5 ft lbs in the case it can hypothetically do both spark plugs and lug nuts?
can one torque wrench do all the jobs?
no.
In my opinion. It's more useful to have torque wrench that is capable of higher torques (>100 ft-lbs).
You can usually get away doing the smaller stuff by hand and feel, because it's not as critical (eg transmission pan bolts, etc.)
If you're going to spend money on a big ticket tool like a torque wrench. Spend a little extra for quality. (Skip the Pittsburgh and other unknown names). It'll last the rest of your life, and you'll never have to wonder if it's accurate.
+1. It’s mostly the high torque hardware (axle nuts, brake calipers, lug nuts) where getting the correct torque is critical. Then again, if the question is, “should I buy another tool”, the answer is always yes!
I see. I was looking at Project Farm and Icon was one he recommended that was good at an affordable price (25-250 ft. Lbs) but it's $149 right now. Just looked at Scotty's Garage has the Tekton 25-250 ft lbs one around around $70-80 with lifetime warranty. EPAuto also has their 20-250 ft lbs and I know Scotty has their socket and ratchet set on Amazon list. Hopefully one of these will be a good one?
Let us know what you find out
I gotta correct myself. Scotty's garage has the 150 ft lbs one, not the 250 ft lbs one. I decided to go with the Tekton 250 ft lbs torque wrench because it is half the cost and lifetime warranty. I think ICON has lifetime warranty too but you have to prove that you're the one who purchased it. Other people have tested Tekton alongside EPAuto and Icon and I think it'll be ok. Thanks for the input!
From what I have heard, torque wrenches don't do well at their lowest or highest ends of the range.
I had to get two, to do most everything I do. I went with tekton and have been happy fwiw, and not very expensive.
For spark plugs, I do what Scotty does, hand tight, then like 1/8 of a turn I think it was. I haven't done any in about a year.
Any issues with he Tekton one? I know Scotty has some EPAuto stuff on his Amazon list. I'm looking at the max 250 ft lbs in case I ever do suspension work.
I haven't had any trouble with the 200lb one, but I haven't done anything past about 90lbs for a lug nut. Epauto make some good stuff too, if it on Scotty's list I think it is a safe purchase. Price and reviews are about the same for both brands. I just don't like pittsburgh much, I saw too many saying they had problems.
Gotcha. I'll keep the Pittsburgh 10 - 80 ft lbs that was on sale for $9.99 for spark plugs and small stuff and I just ordered the Tekton 20 - 250 ft lbs to do lug nuts and maybe suspension if I ever get that comfortable working on my own stuff. Thanks for the feedback! I was also worried EPAuto doesn't seem professional on their website should I need to replace any parts (very barebone looking) so I went with Tekton.
If you already have a wrench that does spark plugs I wouldn't worry about it
I'm sure they're out there but I've yet to find the mechanic that actually works lug nuts to spec
I guess I was wondering if the Quinn 12.5-250 ft lbs is able to do spark plugs and lug nuts because of the extensive range, then why would I need multiple torque wrenches?
You already got the Pittsburgh it's not worth it to sell it so you may as well hang on to it
I could return it because I only got it recently (within 30 days). But I guess maybe the length of each wrench matters; using a long torque wrench for spark plugs may be excessive.
If you're careful it shouldn't be a problem but yeah you definitely can snap things if you're using a long wrench and you're not playing close attention