for the lug nuts





[Modified by El Cucui, 2:05 PM 6/23/2001]

 

80 foot pounds

 

I was always wondering this, but how do you measure this? does a torque wrench allow you to set the amount?

Sorry if it sounds stupid, but I'm just now learning to work on my car

 

Yes a torque wrench is what you need and a good investment if you don't own one.

There are two types:

1) torsion type - this will have a scale and pointer half-way down the shaft (which is 14-18" long or longer). As the metal handle bends, you read the torque setting off the scale. These are the cheaper kind.

2) "clicker" type. These will have a rotating handle (at the end) with an increasing scale to set torque in ft/lbs or N-m. If you set the dial to 80 ft/lbs and then tighten the nut, it will 'click' in your hands to tell you when the correct torque spec is reached. These are more expensive.

If you buy a torque wrench it should last you a lifetime. You will need a deep socket 1/4" drive 19mm socket for the Honda/Acura lugs.

 

thanks for the info, helps me out, guess I need to get one....

How much does the better of the two cost, roughly?

 

Depends on who you buy from.

Sears etc. will be the cheapest. Snap-On the more expensive. Figure on over a $100.

 

Now about that 1/4 inch drive 19 mm socket!

 

About 10 bux.

You might also first try pawn shops for tools like that. You certainly can dicker the price down if you have cash. Watch out for abused equipment though.

Most new pieces will have a warranty.


[Modified by Big Phat R, 3:17 PM 6/23/2001]

 

Actually, you'll probably end up getting a 1/2" drive torque wrench so you'll need a 1/2" drive 19mm socket...

 

Get a 3/8" torque wrench. It serves more usage. A torque wrench is only most accurate if it is above 20% of it's total torque. For example, a 1/2" drive torque wrench rated at 200 lbs, is not completely accurate at less than 40 lbs. So in that case, I'd really suggest you buy a 3/8" 0-100 ft/lbs. wrench. A 1/2" drive one is good to have (I have one of each drive), but it's only accurate for doing lugs, crank pullies, bearing caps, axle nuts and other suspension components.
The 3/8" wrench will serve many more uses. Cam caps, exhaust manifold bolts, swaybar components, rod bolts, most everything is within 0-100 ft/lbs.
Craftsman? LOL.

You get what you pay for. A person who barely ever wrenches will get by with a cheap Craftsman one, but anyone who REALLY gives a **** is going to cough up some cash for a Snap-On one. Those are the best ones you can buy.

My friend just picked up a 0-100ft/lb. 3/8" off the truck. I think it was $229.

If you're tight on cash, go to Ebay and find a used one. Then go to your local Snap-On guy and have it recalibrated just to make sure it is accurate.

Figure $100 for a used Snap-On one, plus $60 to recalibrate and you're in there at like 60% of new retail price.

Also FYI, Mac Tools torque wrenches suck. They aren't nearly as accurate.

 

i favor snap-on stuff... but hey... mac is also good... to my knowledge they are made by the one company and niether snap-on or mac...

personnally i have the snap-on 1/2 drive 30-150 ft/lb... i picked it up from ebay brand new for 135... the thing has never even seen even a singlke socket! i suggest to go to ebay and be patient for one... new they are just too expensive... mine would have been around 270 i believe... oh... and just dont buy any junk... and if u have to... NOTHING LESS THAN $100!!! anything under is just a POS!

 

Snap-On = Drool

They make awesome stuff. GROSSLY overpriced, but nice nonetheless.

 

My mind is not working. I meant 1/2". Is 3/8" that readily available? I've not seen it much in stores - maybe I'm going to wrong stores.

 

3/8" is extremely common.
Maybe you should try the tool truck instead of the store.

 

Snap-On all the way