Help me pick a 3/8” torque wrench

[iCurious]

Mostly will be using it for torquing spark plugs, upper intake manifold bolts, valve cover and other low torque applications.

I am currently eyeing these:

• AC Delco Digital Torque Wrench
• eTORK Digital Torque Wrench
• eTORK Clicker Type Torque Wrench

Which should I get and why?

I have decided to get the eTORK clicker type due to simplicity and maintenance. The digital type seems to have problems with the digital display. My purpose is for low torque applications under 20 ft lbs. Thank you all for the suggestions.

 

[DCDG]

I have Harbor Freight ones in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. Never had fasteners fail due to wrong torque yet. I think there's a reasonable error margin on many commonly used fasteners. If you're not doing precision work I'm sure many brands are good enough.

I love watching YouTube mechanics that throw out there average Al doesn’t know how to wrench and so on but yet they click the torque wrench 3 times. It’s click and done

 

[mobilnissan1991]

I love my older (1992 year model) PI made Snap on 3/8 5-75 ft lb wrench (accurate from 15-75 lbs) that I bought used off Ebay. I only send my torque wrenches to Angle Repair for any repair and once a year calibration/certification. Theyve never done me wrong. The older Snap Ons are shorter and better for tight spots. In fact, I recently bought a Quinn torque wrench from HF and inside the case were two nice magnets that said for repair or calibration, send to Angle Repair, along with their address and number. Good enough for me

 

[Nessism1]

I love watching YouTube mechanics that throw out there average Al doesn’t know how to wrench and so on but yet they click the torque wrench 3 times. It’s click and done

Clicking more than once won't increase torque, unless the user is hamfisted, and goes past the click. That said, it's silly to do more than once because it does open the possibility for error.

 

[DCDG]

Clicking more than once won't increase torque, unless the user is hamfisted, and goes past the click. That said, it's silly to do more than once because it does open the possibility for error.

Of course I see so many mechanics say they’re the best but make cocky errors

 

[D60]

I love watching YouTube mechanics that throw out there average Al doesn’t know how to wrench and so on but yet they click the torque wrench 3 times. It’s click and done

I agree except I've started going back around wheels and quite often the first several move again, while the last 3 to 5 (depending on lug count) do not.

The obvious explanation is that the wheel is still being fully seated.

I always torque on the lift with the vehicle lowered enough so the wheels don't spin but not fully weighted.

 

[JHZR2]

Look for one from Norbar, they cost a bit more but are accurate through the whole range and the only torque tools to use the UKAS certification which is a very strict standard.

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I really love my Norbar. it is the wrench I pull off the shelf the most.

 

[Nessism1]

I was helping my son do the brakes on his BMW, and the caliper bolts call out 110 Nm of torque. I've got four torque wrenches, but the higher torque jobbie, Snap-On split beam (made by Precision Instruments), was too long to reach one of the bolts. A bit frustrating. Never thought of this issue before...

 

[JHZR2]

I was helping my son do the brakes on his BMW, and the caliper bolts call out 110 Nm of torque. I've got four torque wrenches, but the higher torque jobbie, Snap-On split beam (made by Precision Instruments), was too long to reach one of the bolts. A bit frustrating. Never thought of this issue before...

Yeah, if doing a job on stands, it can be tough.

In the occasion I’ve had to deal with this, I’ve generally used my 3/8 snap on at full torque (75 ft-lb), and then just given each bolt a specific amount of extra turn, like 1/8 or so.

It usually is caliper bolts, that’s where I did it. They get cleaned and get loctite too. I bet many shops don’t actually torque them…

 

[LeeA]

I am a fan of the Tekton wrenchs. They are priced well and they offer different ranges.

 

[6.7 CTD]

Another vote for the Tekton. It comes with a certificate of calibration, the inch-pound adjustment is very smooth, and it is very easy to feel/know when you have reached the specified torque level. I just used this to put a water pump, valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, transmission filter, transmission pan gasket, and a few other parts on a 2AZFE. I am pleased with this torque wrench, and the price is reasonable IMO.

https://www.tekton.com/1-4-inch-drive-dual-direction-micrometer-torque-wrench-trq50402