Torque wrench and socket advice

[dannyboi]

Hi guys,

Could you please provide some advice on which torque wrench and socket set I should get from SCA?

For the socket wrench set, I'm looking at this:
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online ... 74#details

With torque wrenches, I've never actually owned one but am thinking about getting this:
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online ... 04#details

The torque wrench is particularly for tightening the wheel nuts.

Cheers.

[exaltd]

Right: A little advice from me? If you care to listen

Socket set: Stanley is good, but they are now made in China thus they are not very rigid as they used to be. Buy only if you are using for occasional non stressing activites.

SP tools are a better bet for the price, as they are a little more durable.

Torque wrench: For wheel nuts, you'd want to be using 1/2" torque wrenches. Not the 3/8". 3/8" simply does not have the strength (especially cheap ones) and will quickly get out of calibration, rendering them useless (as cheap ones like the SCA one is not able to be recalibrated). I would suggest at minimum the Kincrome one - around $150 retail I think?

Your call Just my 2c worth. Hope that helped.

[Tweak]

I doubt i would have ever been in calibration.
You wont find a decent 1/2 torque wrench for under $160

Jump on ebay. Best place to get snap on tools. Most are 2nd hand but at a fraction of the price

[El-Diablo]

I would highly recommend Bahco Socket sets and tooling. They are reasonably priced and well made.

For a torque wrench go micrometer adjustable 1/2 inch Sidchrome or Snap On. I have a 3/8" Kinchrome which is good quality.

[SXy2010]

hi danny
i agree with gabriel you cant go wrong with sp tools i have one of their sets and never had a problem
with the tension for the wheel nuts if thats all you need to tension i would suggest getting a torque bar just for doing the wheel nuts -it looks like a socket extension bar but will not allow you to over or under tighten your nuts it should be available from repco and is far cheaper than a tension wrench ive used torque bars for years no problems if you do want a tension wrench get a 1/2 inch drive for sure but get a good brand like warren and brown

[LaNcE]

just another option is JBS you can get them at blackwoods stores(google it) we use it here at work for airplanes. better tools than the said at pretty much the same price. but im telling you i got pissed one time i threw one in my garage it made a freaking big hole in the hole but the tool was just scratched still works perfectly.

[chris]

Get an aussie invented and still made here ?? deflecting beam dual signal Warren And Brown torque wrench, I`ve had this type for almost fifty years [don`t laugh true] still in spec.

[SXy2010]

way to fly chris

[dannyboi]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I'll be looking up the various products recommended and narrow them down.

I was planning on rotating the tyres, which got me thinking about the torque wrench. It'll be the primary reason for the wrench, but not necessarily the only one. It seems like one of those tools you might own for the rest of your life.

With regards to sizing, I should then be looking at a 1/2 '' only socket set to accompany a 1/2'' torque wrench right? Seems strange to see some sets with more than one drive size.

[SXy2010]

sometimes they may have a 1/2 to 3/8 socket adaptor or a smaller 3/8 drive ratchet included as part of the kit they are great to use for many things but 1/2 is best for your wheel lug nuts

[exaltd]

El-Diablo (Rob) is right on the money for Bahco tools. They are a cheap version, made in Germany, of Stahlwille *read one of the world's most durable brand of tools* just as Blue Point is to Snap On

Yes, if only for doing up wheel nuts, get a normal ratchet and torque bar. But torque wrenches are very handy items. A good torque wrench will last you for life. I personally am eyeing off a Stahlwille one ($650) or Snap On one ($780).

Good luck with they buying You have plenty of choice out there.

[dannyboi]

Well I just got a Stanley socket set a couple of months ago. That covers most of the work which don't require too much force.

Any ideas on what torque the lugnuts should be tightened to for our cars?
I have a feeling some of the wrenches being sold at auto stores may be inadequate for the values I've seen from other forums for other cars.

I've seen "80 ft-lbs" which equates to about 108 N.m

[AJjnr86]

I have snap-on sockets and torque wrenches (3/8 & 1/2")

The wheel nuts are done up to 110Nm

[dannyboi]

I have snap-on sockets and torque wrenches (3/8 & 1/2")

The wheel nuts are done up to 110Nm

Cheers. I'll have a look at both wrenches and bars tomorrow. Not sure what else I would need them for, although strut bars might need specific torque as well.

[AJjnr86]

strut braces r bout 30 - 45 Nm, but just nip them up, dont over do the top suspension bolts too tight cause they do break, then its not fun