Lug nut Torque Wrench recommendations?

[sunrun176]

Lookin' to see what I'd have to shell out for a decent but not terribly expensive lug torque wrench. I've looked at Sears' web site and can make neither head nor tail of their listings. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance..

 

[flash75]

If you plan to use the torque wrench only for wheel torque I suggest a low cost beam type torque wrench. The wheel torque range on the Mazda 3 is from around 65-85 lb. ft. A beam type wrench is accurate enough for wheel torque. Get a 1/2 in. drive wrench with around 150 lb. ft. maximum torque. Unfortunately Sears doesn't give a lot of information about their beam type wrenches in their web site. Beam type wrenches can also be found at automotive parts stores and other locations selling automotive hand tools. If you decide to buy a clicker type wrench be sure to reset it to the lowest reading each time it's used and do not use it to loosen nuts. Not following those rules will ruin the accuracy of a good tool. Remember, a Sears torque wrench does not have a lifetime warranty, one year as I recall. Their beam wrenches should have a lifetime warranty.

I have posted a general torque wrench information link and a Sears micro torque clicker link.
http://www.algeo.com/~joe/KIAT/kiat_3.htm
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...s&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Torque+Wrenches

Clifton

 

[sunrun176]

Thanks! Most informative. (2thumbs)

 

[lestat13]

I got 2 torque wrenches at a local tool store called harbor freight tools in Laurel Maryland. Got a 3/4 and 1/2 inch for $50-$60 together about 2 years ago. Made by Pittsburg. Haven't failed me yet.

Btw, where are you guys torquing to? Just rotated tires and put them all to 80 ft/lbs. What are they supposed to be at??

 

[sunrun176]

I don't have a service manual, but one of the TSB's for the 3 mentions a specific range.

Quote: "28. Reinstall wheel. Tighten lug nuts to 65.1 86.7 ft-lbf."
(from http://www.finishlineperformance.com/pdf/mazda3/bulletin/03-003-05-1486b.pdf)

(dunno)

 

[flash75]

I torque to 75 lb. ft.

Clifton

 

[tigermack]

I torque mine up to 85lb/ft.

 

[misbehave]

I torque to 75 lb. ft.

Clifton

Is that the same amount for Protege5 wheels?

 

[ryukensfj]

I bought mine 1/2 in torque for $14 from harborfreight tools. It goes from 10-150ft-lbs and is accurate +-4%. I torque mine to 85ft-lbs

 

[major error]

I grabbed mine from the local Autozone a while back for something like $35 (I forget the exact ft/lb range...)
Every bit of documentation I've seen so far lists the 3's acceptable lug nut torque range as 67-85 ft/lb

If you don't have one already, I also recommend getting a breaker bar. Beats the snot out of using the tool supplied with the car!

 

[misbehave]

I grabbed mine from the local Autozone a while back for something like $35 (I forget the exact ft/lb range...)
Every bit of documentation I've seen so far lists the 3's acceptable lug nut torque range as 67-85 ft/lb

If you don't have one already, I also recommend getting a breaker bar. Beats the snot out of using the tool supplied with the car!

I bought an electric impact wrench that draws power from the cigarette lighter plug for 20 bucks for just that purpose.