Recommendations for a decent Torque wrench?

[GFB]

 

[basstracker89]

I use mine for lug nuts, brakes/suspension, and frame related work. I wouldn’t trust it’s preciseness for engine work.

Most mechanics that have been doing it a while don't use torque wrenches often. You just know by feel. In my case, I use a torque wrench for drain pan gaskets or internal engine bolts. Everything else I can do by feel. The drain pan gaskets I know what it takes so they don't leak. But I'm in no way endorsing a method. You do what works for you

 

[greg vess]

If budget is not a concern then digital is the way to go.

 

[greg vess]

On these new aluminum engines using a torque wrench is paramount. Over torquing is a big problem. Rocker arm specification on a GM LS engine is 24 ft. lbs. and that is not a whole lot. Steel bolts going into alloy parts can damage a 600 cylinder head in a heart beat. Old cast iron engines could take over torquing in stride but newer engines have to be treated with kid gloves.

 

[basstracker89]

Very good info

 

[joel2000]

On these new aluminum engines using a torque wrench is paramount. Over torquing is a big problem. Rocker arm specification on a GM LS engine is 24 ft. lbs. and that is not a whole lot. Steel bolts going into alloy parts can damage a 600 cylinder head in a heart beat. Old cast iron engines could take over torquing in stride but newer engines have to be treated with kid gloves.

Absolutely agree. I don’t care how good you think you are, a torque wrench will show you how good you’re not.
Gasket compression, bolt stretch and warpage…key reason

 

[greg vess]

Absolutely agree. I don’t care how good you think you are, a torque wrench will show you how good you’re not.
Gasket compression, bolt stretch and warpage…key reason

You're absolutely 100% correct!