Torque wrench: which is the most useful for the Mini, 1/2" or 3/8"?

 

Both.
My 1/2 ranges 25-250 ft. lbs
My 3/8 ranges in inch pounds from 25-250.
I still have a "space" in between, but I use the 1/2 drive one for most of what I do. Lug nuts, all chassis stuff, engine work.
You can get a 3/8 drive unit that measures in ft lbs, closer to the range of my 1/2 drive model, but not as high. You probably won't ever torque anything above 150 or 160 ft lbs, so if thats what most of your sockets are, buy that instead.
Get a model that can be recailbrated. Make sure you store it in the lowest torque setting.

 

Thanks for the input

 

I use both. The 1/2 for higher settings, and the 3/8 for lower settings. My 3/8 only goes to about 30 foot pounds. It's also much smaller so it's easier to work around tighter spaces.

 

this sounds like a question for Smokey.

 

Depends what you want to use it for. Wheel lugs, suspension parts and the like call for higher torques and bigger sockets, for which a 1/2" drive wrench is best suited. Engine parts, especially if they're bolted into aluminum, often need the smaller size.

I have several torque wrenches, but the ones I mostly use are:
1/2" drive, 25-250 ft-lb range
3/8" drive, 5-80 ft-lb range.

Bear in mind that torque wrench accuracy drops off in the top and bottom 15% or so of the range, so it's better to use whichever one allows the tightening torque to fall more toward the middle of the range.

For a reasonable price I like the Craftsman units that show the preset torque setting number in a little window. About $110 for the 1/2" drive version.

If all you need is something for changing wheels, which doesn't call for much precision, you can get a cheap 1/2" torque wrench from Harbor Freight or one of the other discounters.

Neil
05 MCS
96 M3

 

torque wench? Isn't that like a twisted lady?

 

Quick question for ya. I'm going to get a torque wrench while i'm out today (have to take off front tires). My MINI is in a garage around the block, with it's manual in it! Can anyone confirm for me that it is a 17MM lug nut that gets torqued to 88 foot pounds?

Thanks a ton.

Also, if anyone knows where to get a .pdf of the manual I'd really appreciate that too!

Thanks again!

***Edit*** - I have a 2006 MCS with the 17" s-lites incase that matters!

 

I figured it out. 17MM is right. 88.5 foot pounds per owners manual.

 

My MCS is due for a new set of spark plug and I understand that we have to torque it to 21lbs but I just have a torque wrench in 25-250lbs range. Anyone out there can recommend a lower range (like 10-100lbs) torque wrench to me. I've checked Sears Canada and they don't have anything other than 25-250lbs.
Cheers
Stephen

 

Sears should have a 3/8" drive torque wrench in both digital and analog readouts and 10-100 lb*ft. I plan on getting one for my spark plugs

 

check the part numbers on sears.com and then search for them on eBay. I picked up two brand new Digi-tork wrenches (the nicer ones with the number displayed in the window) with blow molded cases for less than the cost of one direct from Sears.

 

Thanks. Perhaps Sears carry them in the States only. Will check with Sears in Buffalo tomorrow. Time for a little road trip ......
Cheers
Stephen

 

Jesus. I've just checked the Sears.com, they have 40 different torque wrenches in their website. I go back to Sears.ca and have found only 4, yes only 4, on their website. Time to do some shopping down south......
Cheers
Stephen

 

wat do you guys think about the torque wrench Griot's sells?
im looking at the 5-45lbs/ft 3/8 drive.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=11901

 

i would only ever buy a craftman or Snap on torque wrench.

both offer free recalibraton.

 

Snap-on Techwrench

 

Which Craftsman wrenches have free recalibration and how does it work? I haven't heard this before.

 

MCS-WA,

I think you just take it in to a Sears or their service centers.

 

Proto is a fine maker of torque wrenches also. They are more well known for industrial maintenance tools rather than selling to automotive mechanics....doesn't matter, they are fine tools. MAC and Proto are both part of the Stanley Tools Group.

Williams, Armstrong, S-K, Allen, and Matco are great tools also. The Matco sells off a truck just like Snap-On and MAC, but the rest of the brands are widely available at Industrial Supply houses, AND they can often be had for a decent price at pawn shops!

Keep an open mind as to brands, there are many makers of fine tools...just stay with something made in the USA or Germany and you'll be OK.

Rawhyde

 

do you have a specific craftsman model in 3/8 drive you would recommend?
I want to use it for suspension work, mostly. i have a cheepo tirerack
1/2 drive clicker that does fine for me.

 

craftsman 44596 - 5-80lb 3/8 digitork. they don't show a 3/8 in the higher range - most suspension bolts on my Subaru are 146 ft/lbs, but I'm not sure about the MINI. The 44597 model is the 1/2" 25-250lb digitork - I own both of these and can cover everything I need. You can use a 1/2 to 3/8" adapter and get the larger one if you aren't worried about something below 25 ft/lbs.

 

I use an 810756 Craftsman wrench, and I have a dedicated Nm snap on wrench for anything tat doesnt give me a standard equivalent.

heres the Craftsman....

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

 

oooh...high roller!

 

i remember breaking my 1/2" craftsman ratchet thinking the torque
on my 02 WRX's lower sus bolt was around 90-100lbs or so.
errrr?... errrrr?! errrrrrr??? SNAP!
pos. i got a free replacement, bought a backup and this time used
my breaker bar. it was a biotch regardless.

Thanks! i think this should do the trick. im going to look in to the
250lbs one too.