Torque wrenches

[imprezaworks]

What do we all use for track and general use?

 

[dangerous dave]

Britool

 

[RichB]

I picked up a Silverline one off amazon a while ago and it seems pretty good. AutoExpress did a test on a few a while back.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/84791/torque-wrench-reviews-2014-group-test

 

[imprezaworks]

Cheers. The draper one also scores pretty well, seems cheap too.

 

[Tommo.]

The Halfords Professional torque wrenches get good reviews and are said to be accurate to +/- 3% of the reading.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...earch&storeId=10001&catalogId=10151&langId=-1

If you can get a trade card or know somebody with one, they are a fair bit cheaper than the RRP too.

 

[imprezaworks]

Mooching about the halford ones seem good for the money.

 

[MarkX]

Halfords

 

[Tommo.]

Mooching about the halford ones seem good for the money.

Yeah they are mate, I have quite a few tools from Halfords (including two of their torque wrenches) and have found them really good tbh. Admittedly, that's only occasional use at home, I'm not sure how they'd cope doing 40+ hours a week!

They also give a good warranty. I haven't had a problem with any of mine, but I know of people who've had things break and they replaced them no questions asked.

 

[Mr Burns]

I've been left Britool a while now so I'm not sure on the latest models, but I'd probably look at a Sykes Pickavant/Norbar torque wrench as they're a simple design and stay within calibration quite well. The ratcheting mechanisms aren't the best but can be replaced, but if you use it properly and only occasionally you'll be fine. I'd avoid the mechanical type torque wrenches as despite being harder-wearing they're higher maintenance and need calibrating more frequently.

In regards to other brands I can't comment as we only used to service our own products (Britool, Sykes Pickavant and Norbar) but I'd imagine a Halfords torque wrench is fine for domestic use.

 

[Cub.]

I use the Halfords ones.

I'm led to believe they are made by Norbar @Mr Burns

 

[Mr Burns]

I use the Halfords ones.

I'm led to believe they are made by Norbar @Mr Burns

They could well be... I left Britool in 2007 so my information isn't as up to date as it could be. If it's true then it's a good thing.

 

[JamesBryan]

Seriously though, Halfords if you can or the £20/30 Clarke/Generic ones for wheels and general big bolts.

 

[M.C..]

For 1/2 I just use a cheap one, wheel bolts etc don't need to be perfect but my 1/4 one is a teng.
When I replace my 1/2 it will probably be a teng

 

[imprezaworks]

yeah I've seen the name teng on eBay. I take it they are pretty good.

 

[Carbonraider]

I also use halfords because trade, I do believe the company halfords use also make bars for beta which are £££ they also look the same too

 

[imprezaworks]

what discount with a trade card do you get? At a guess 20%?

 

[172_Tom]

I've got the Draper 1/2" and 3/8" ones, both come with a hand written calibration certificate and a decent box.

 

[imprezaworks]

From an ebay seller, or.....

 

[M.C..]

They are not the best but good enough for a DIYer.
They sell them in screwfix as well for not much more than ebay etc, easier to take back if they pack up as I think they have a lifetime warranty

 

[imprezaworks]

Just after something to check my wheels on trackdays. The one I use now is at a guess older than me. So something a wee bit more accurate would do me. I'm sure the wheels won't fall off but id like to be sure.

 

[warwickstingray]

A Clio isn't an aircraft. Unless your a pro performance car builder where these things matter then just get anything that feels good and sturdy. Unless your using new bolts in clean threads then most torque settings are utter balls anyway. if you leave any kind of lubricant on there then again the figures don't count for much.

When it matters I check and double check and when it doesn't then just good and tight.

As a final thought I have found a 1/4 torque wrench handy as having worked on motorbikes it is so easy to over-tighten small fasteners!

 

[imprezaworks]

So to sum up. Cheap ish one that is pretty decent.

 

[McGherkin]

what discount with a trade card do you get? At a guess 20%?

It varies, depending on products. Can be as much as 80% in some cases.

 

[ilovewilly]

I've got a couple of Halfords ones. I've dug out the receipts for you.

Trade prices when I purchased last year:

40-200nm £74.99 retail. £59.99 Trade

8-60nm £74.99 retail. £39.99 Trade

 

[imprezaworks]

Cheers. I'd be after the higher setting one.

 

[imprezaworks]

I ended up just buying a silverline one off ebay. Seems popular, cheap and for what I need, will do the job.

 

[Owen92]

It's all about the calibrated elbow

 

[imprezaworks]

I've had mine checked, it's within tolerance

 

[coverman]

Is that the BS standard?My elbow clicks when I use it so that must be the DIN standard. Seriously, I just use a $10 Harbor Freight 1/2" drive torque wrench, car torque settings with the exception of head bolts, are just a guide.

 

[StuOwen86]

I use one bought from Aldi when they had the sale of car tools on feels good and never had any problems with it just unscrew the end when ive finished using it as to not leave and pressure on it and it last's longer (apparently supposed to do this anyway)

 

[imprezaworks]

Yeah I've read that mate. To do with relaxing the spring inside

 

[StuOwen86]

Only thing i have trouble with is the hub nut because its something like 280nm so either borrow one from the fitters at work or just do it F*%king tight.

 

[imprezaworks]

Wheel nuts are the furthest I will go lol. Anything else gets checked by someone who knows what their doing

 

[Mr Burns]

Yep, always wind-back the torque wrench after use.

 

[ilovewilly]

Silverline tools are generally speaking, Chinese tools.

For something you wish to retain a level of accuracy, I'd have avoided personally.

Hopefully it will see you right anyway

 

[imprezaworks]

Well we will see. I'm sure it will be ok

 

[warwickstingray]

It will be fine.

 

[McGherkin]

It's all about the calibrated elbow :wink:

Knowsit.