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Compact 3/8 Torque wrench high quality?


Road trip

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I'm not one of those Snap-On cult members, but for engine work (and as a professional tech) I wanted a good one. Got a 3/8" version that goes to 75 lb/ft. The CDI one mentioned above might have been a better purchase, if it's the same pc. 

 

I use a fairly cheap 1/2" one for wheels (and only wheels) -  I'm pretty good at estimating torque, but I use it for CONSISTENCY as much as actual torque measurement. 

Paul Wegweiser

Wegweiser Classic BMW Services

Nationwide vehicle transport available

NEW WEBSITE! www.zenwrench.com

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Ha.  Yeah, Paul, I use a beat- up old Craftsman clicker at the track for wheels, too, and it just prevents the driver

from getting overzealous and adding 'a little more tight' until he snaps the studs....  most of the rest of the time,

I don't use a torque wrench for anything but head, rod and main bolts.  Oh, and the flywheel, too...

 

My clicker's a newer Craftsman- it's good enough.  I actually use the beam 3/8 a lot more than a clicker- it's got better feel, and it's more accurate AND repeatable

with oiled fasteners in my mitts.  But that's my preference, not true scientific method ("the best torque wrench is one you use consistently and regularly...")

 

t

 

"I learn best through painful, expensive experience, so I feel like I've gotten my money's worth." MattL

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Like Toby - I generally use my torque wrench only for super crucial stuff on engines, but I swear by it, when doing CV bolts, brake disk allen bolts, and other fasteners holding on rotating assemblies - again, mostly for consistency in torque. 

Paul Wegweiser

Wegweiser Classic BMW Services

Nationwide vehicle transport available

NEW WEBSITE! www.zenwrench.com

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…and what does the term "compact" mean? Stubby? thin? The Snap-On one I use is about 18-20" long. Diameter about 1.20". Only goes to 75 lb/ft.

 

Edited by wegweiser

Paul Wegweiser

Wegweiser Classic BMW Services

Nationwide vehicle transport available

NEW WEBSITE! www.zenwrench.com

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50 - 75 lb/ft is quite a bit of torque. I'd go with half inch.

I have a 3/8 torque wrench I use for lesser torque settings such as below 20 NM etc.

Edited by bmdubl02
syntax

75 2002 (black) 1990 - 1993

73 2002 tii (malaga) 1994 - 2017

74 2002 tii (verona) 2023 - probably forever

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can't you answer this question by asking mr. google?

 

     DISCLAIMER 

I now disagree with some of the timing advice I have given in the past.  I misinterpreted the distributor curves in the Blue Book. 

I've switched from using ported-vacuum to manifold, with better results. 

I apologize for spreading misinformation.  

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Okay, here is a nicer response.

These are the ones I have.

019.JPG

It appears that the dial style are slightly shorter than the clickers.

The back three are in foot pounds and the front two are inch pounds.

Which is the best?  

I don't really know.

     DISCLAIMER 

I now disagree with some of the timing advice I have given in the past.  I misinterpreted the distributor curves in the Blue Book. 

I've switched from using ported-vacuum to manifold, with better results. 

I apologize for spreading misinformation.  

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1 hour ago, Road trip said:

Note to self: Don't try to help smart asses. There are some big motherfucking torque wrenches out there. Some measure in very low torque, versus some bigger. 

Same kind - of in/lb? of ft/lb? Not sure why "compact" is even an issue on a 2002…unless you're keeping it in the glovebox. 

1 hour ago, Road trip said:

image.jpeg

 

Paul Wegweiser

Wegweiser Classic BMW Services

Nationwide vehicle transport available

NEW WEBSITE! www.zenwrench.com

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3 hours ago, '76Mintgrun'02 said:

can't you answer this question by asking mr. google?

 

I could ask google and I did

but I was hoping someone here may know of a small sized torque wrench that they could reccomend.

in the past this site has been a wellspring 

of helpful information and so if it's about my BMW I come here

thanks 

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2 hours ago, '76Mintgrun'02 said:

Okay, here is a nicer response.

These are the ones I have.

019.JPG

It appears that the dial style are slightly shorter than the clickers.

The back three are in foot pounds and the front two are inch pounds.

Which is the best?  

I don't really know.

I've got one exactly like the one on top

looking to upgrade 

thanks

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just look on Amazon.com for CDI / Snap-on torque wrenches.  There's quite an assortment of different sizes with dimensions, quite reasonably priced, and if it's CDI it will be good.

Bring a Welder

1974 2002, 1965 Datsun L320 truck, 1981 Yamaha XS400, 1983 Yamaha RX50, 1992 Miata Miata drivetrain waiting on a Locost frame, 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser

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