Hi all, I need to buy a torque wrench for the Prius - lug nuts, engine/transaxle oil changes, front brakes, etc. which one is good for no more than $50? and what size is most useful, 1/2", 3/8"? Thanks!
I use the 1/2" and 3/8" Craftsman click-type torque wrenches and they normally cost $80. Right now they are on sale for $60. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944595000P?vName=Tools&cName=Auto+%26amp%3B+Mechanics+Tools&sName=Torque+Wrenches For the tasks that you mentioned in your message, the 1/2" size is right. However if you do other work like replacing spark plugs, removing the cowl under the windshield wipers, tightening fasteners going into the aluminum valve cover or head, etc., you are working with small fasteners and consequently the 3/8" size is better for those purposes.
Be sure to read the manual that comes with the wrench and heed the part about releasing the tension when you're not using the wrench. It's very painful to ruin an expensive tool by failing to do that. DAMHIK.
Thanks all. And what's the torque range for most DIY maintenance jobs on a Gen 2 Prius, including those listed in my original post and Patrick's reply?
It's tiresome to list them all so I'll give you a few that I can recall: 76 ft.-lb for the wheel lug nuts 28 ft.-lb for the engine oil drain plug 29 ft.-lb for the transaxle fluid drain and fill plugs 13 ft.-lb for the oil filter 13 ft.-lb for the spark plugs
I use the Craftsman beam-type torque wrenches and they're good: don't go out of calibration. That said, they're hard to read during use in tight spots. I was looking at some click-type wrenches at Harbor Freight last month, about $30 or less, but haven't tried them out.
Thanks to Patrick, I did not know the Craftsman torque wrenches were on sale. I bought the 3/8" one but have not had the opportunity to use it yet.
