[amodoko]

Hi guys, I'm about to start working on my car for a one time repair and need a torque wrench that I can trust. I honestly will barely use it, maybe once or twice a year, so it doesn't need to be anything spectacular. However, since my first project it will be used for is to replace my clutch in my car, I do need it to be somewhat accurate so my flywheel bolts, etc., don't break off and destroy anything.

I at first looked at Harbor Freight for their very inexpensive torque wrenches, but have heard mixed reviews and many people suggest staying away from them. Can anyone suggest a good yet inexpensive torque wrench for occasional use? It doesn't have to be the best, I would prefer to get the least expensive one that I can actually trust. Thanks a bunch.

Oh, and I guess I may as well ask this, but I do need a floor jack (possibly a low profile jack) to help with maybe holding the transmission up while it is being removed. I have seen them range in price drastically. Some are as cheap as $40 at autozone. What makes the pricing so different? I just need it for use once or twice a year again, so I don't need anything fancy. Can I just get the cheap ones and will they do the same thing as an expensive one? Thanks

 

[toolaholic]

I like the gearwrench torque wrenches. They go for about a $100. Look for gearwrench on amazon.I have the older USA made kobalts as well. The Taiwan made kobalts at a little under a $100 might be worth a look a lowes.

 

[PaliBob]

Here is a 1'2" drive +/- 4% Torque Wrench with a Lifetime Warranty

 

[PaliBob]

............
Oh, and I guess I may as well ask this, but I do need a floor jack (possibly a low profile jack) to help with maybe holding the transmission up...........

HFT again, here is one with a 450lb Rating

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Being these items will not be used often, consider supporting your local rental people rather than an asian flea market.

 

[toolaholic]

Palibob has some good links. The HF torque wrenches have a good rep. My kobalts I got for a good price. The 3/8 was $79(reg price) but the 1/2 drive was only $37 on clearance. My gearwrench 1/4 drive was about $105.

 

[amodoko]

Thanks for everyone's advice, and PaliBob... I had completely forgotten how inexpensive a transmission floor jack was. I think I will go ahead and buy that, thanks for the suggestion. But for regular floor jacks, like these: http://www.walmart.com/search/searc....module.305715.constraint&search_constraint=0

Can I just get any regular floor jack for a car that only weighs 2500 lbs? I would think the only difference between them is how much weight they can hold and how high they can go up. I would just need one that can help me get the car lifted fast to put on jack stands for oil changes.

I was going to get the HF torque wrenches, but have heard some pretty bad reviews on them so I got a bit concerned about using them on my car. For example, here is a funny review I just found on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnIMxo2r2zs

 

[Hardway]

You are right I looked up floor jacks; I will have to wax mine. I have an adaptor plate made for the floor jack for transmissions.:thumbsup:

 

[oh'mike]

That was a funny video----however ,30 pounds torque and he could not tell when he was exceeding that? By enough to break a bolt?

We don't have the whole story ----

I have an aluminum floor jack from Harbor Freight---best money I've spent in a long time---

 

[SeniorSitizen]

I just hope that kid in the video doesn't ever sire any pups.

 

[oh'mike]

They breed ,they always breed-----it's a task even the simplest thinkers can do---