Where to find tools

[Chris C]

Thanks, Shovelhd, it does. I had no idea about any of that. Now that I have the torque wrench I'll be more cognizant of torque values on nuts and bolts when advised.

[Jack]

30 plus years ago when I was running a 'Cuda at the local strip, I bought a Craftsman torque wrench. Not a fancy one that goes click click click, but one of the ones with a pointer and a scale. That's probably the best $$ I ever spent for a tool. Once and a while I need one and I viola! It was 24.95 (a long time ago) and I have had it for near 30 years. less than a buck a year!

[Tcape]

Chris, you're in the same boat as most of us.....you need specialty tools for one or two jobs, and it doesn't always pay to go out and purchase them when they'll just sit and collect dust most of the time. One option is to use "loaner tools" from the LAPD (Local Auto Parts Dealer). I know AutoZone loans tools, and I believe other auto parts places do also. You might check with them when you need a specialty tool for a one-time or once-a-year job.

[arteegee]

Originally Posted by Tcape

I know AutoZone loans tools, and I believe other auto parts places do also. You might check with them when you need a specialty tool for a one-time or once-a-year job.

It helps if you purchase something.

[ChrisM]

Originally Posted by Jack

30 plus years ago when I was running a 'Cuda at the local strip, I bought a Craftsman torque wrench. Not a fancy one that goes click click click, but one of the ones with a pointer and a scale. That's probably the best $$ I ever spent for a tool. Once and a while I need one and I viola! It was 24.95 (a long time ago) and I have had it for near 30 years. less than a buck a year!

I have the same type of torque wrench which was passed on to me from my Dad. I checked it not long ago against a high dollar one that clicks. It was accurate to 2 ft/lbs at 100 ft/lbs. Not bad IMHO.

[shovelhd]

I have three torque wrenches in the rollaway. One Snap-On 3/8" drive inch-pound pointer wrench, one Craftsman 1/2" drive 110 ft. lb. pointer wrench (my first, bought new when I was a teenager), and a 1/2" Snap-On 150 ft. lb. dial click wrench that I bought used at a Harley swap meet for $10 and had calibrated by a machine shop for $20. They are invaluable tools if you do your own work.

[TarheelGrad1998]

I bought a torque wrench specifically for my lawn mower. If you ever have to change a mower blade, it's essential. I've broken bolts before tightening too much before, and sure didn't want to do that here. But of course you don't want that thing too loose either. With the torque wrench, it's not a problem.

[Chris C]

Originally Posted by shovelhd

I have three torque wrenches in the rollaway. One Snap-On 3/8" drive inch-pound pointer wrench, one Craftsman 1/2" drive 110 ft. lb. pointer wrench (my first, bought new when I was a teenager), and a 1/2" Snap-On 150 ft. lb. dial click wrench that I bought used at a Harley swap meet for $10 and had calibrated by a machine shop for $20. They are invaluable tools if you do your own work.

Shovelhd,

Okay, as I mentioned, I bought a torque wrench like you guys suggested. I just set the lugnuts to 94 lbs as you indicated. But now I've a couple of questions I couldn't find answers to on the Search, and since you know about torque wrenches.......................

Should the tension be released when storing a torque wrench?

When I loosened the lugnuts, I used the torque wrench. Got to thinking later, maybe I should have used a lug wrench. Which is correct?

[MikeT]

Originally Posted by Chris C

Shovelhd,

Should the tension be released when storing a torque wrench? ?

Yes.

Originally Posted by Chris C

When I loosened the lugnuts, I used the torque wrench. Got to thinking later, maybe I should have used a lug wrench. Which is correct?

Yes, it is best to use a lug wrench to loosen and a torque wrench when tightening (With few exceptions like checking how much torque was applied to tighten, ect.)

[Chris C]

Thanks for the info, Mike.

It's also interesting to learn the torque wrench can be used to read in reverse. Didn't know that.