yeah, ratchet != breaker bar

 

Get one of each. the 3/8" in a 10 to 50 lb range is great for torquing spark plugs, oil filters, etc.; while the 1/2" 50 to 150 lb range is what you need for torquing your lugs when you change wheels. Also don't forget to buy a breaker bar (1/2") and a rubber mallet for those recalcitrant lugs and wheels.

 

I have three Craftsman torque wrenches and use all of them when working on the MINI.

3/8" dr. in in-lbs
3/8" dr. in ft-lbs
1/2" dr. in ft-lbs

I had always dismissed the H-F versions until I read on a different forum some posts by pro-wrenches who did some side-by-side accuracy testing with their Snap-on models. Turned out the $10 H-F torque wrenches were just as accurate when tested on a Snap-on calibration tool.

I also have a huge 3/4" dr H-F torque-wrench, although I've never used in on the MINI.

And never use a torque-wrench for anything other than final tightening. Absolutely NEVER use one for loosening a nut/bolt.

 

Hi guys, thanks for all the responses. I finally drove down to Amherst and had brought a Craftsman Digitork 5-80 (44596) yesterday. I had also brought a Craftsman 25-250 (44593) today from Sears Canada which is 40% off. Will replace the spark plugs tomorrow if the weather allows. I'm sure it does, I feel like having a Christmas in Australia. It's been so warm in Toronto for late December. It's almost 7c today and there is no chance for a white Christmas at all :< :<
Anyway Merry X'mas & Happy New Year
Stephen

 

When you look for torque wrenches, it is also helpful to determine whether you need the shorter-handled ones. I've got 5 total for different scales, drives, and lengths.

 

The problem I've found is that for spark plugs (15-30 lb ft), the short one's tend to top out at 20 lb ft. I'd love to find a shorty with a range up to 40 or 50. Otherwise, I'll stick with the long version.

 

I just dug out my manual that came with my Craftsman Microtorque torque wrench and calibration is only waranteed for 90 days. Just an FYI.

 

Does anyone know if there is a need to adjust your wrench settings based on using extenders?

 

What do you mean 'extenders'?... Socket extensions? If so, then it shouldn't need adjusting. Your still applying the same force over the same distance.

 

Yes, socket extenders. Thanks for the reply!

 

SayGoodbye
The only time that you would need to adjust your torque wrench settings to get a specific torque is if you were using something like a crow foot that would extend the distance from the handle to the center of the bolt head.
Steve