I need a beam-type inch pound torque wrench to measure preload and things like that every once in a while.
I have looked all over the place, and the least expensive one I've found was $65 from NAPA. This price isn't too bad, I will probably buy it if I can't find a $20 somewhere.

The next least expensive was over $100. Does anyone have a source for a decent but inexpensive torque wrench? I've tried HF, Lowes, Home Depot, Northern, Sears, Homier and Cummins, along with all the bike shops in my area. I've also tried to rent or buy from Auto Zone, Oreilly's, and Foreign Car Parts.
Most of those places look at me funny and then pull out the 24" 1/2 drive torque wrench. I say, "I need one that reads inch pounds" The guy then says, "you don't know how to do the conversion?" :laughing:

yeah really whats 10 in. lbs. in ft. lbs? i bet you could get real accurate with it too. good luck finding a cheap one but i think the in. lb. ones are more expensive because they are better quality because they need to be more accurate.

Armstrong from MSC... 52$ 0-60 in lbs 2.5 in/lb increments P/N 87004081

That's not a bad price. Armstrong is a good brand, IMO.

That's not a bad price. Armstrong is a good brand, IMO.


Damn right they are:D lol Their tools are marketed as "industrial" and Its Made in the USA which IS important. Careful with those chain auto stores. I was in pepboys the other day and I watched a guy drop a ton of $$$$ on 2 cheap no name torque wrenches (probably a ricer) and for a little bit more he could have gotten some good US made ones that he will be able to have warrantied, calibrated, etc.



Jim

To be honest I'm surprised to see the Armstrong tool that cheap. Last time I saw Armstrong tools they were priced through the roof. Maybe that was just markup though.

Its good quality stuff, I have a few odds and ends and I really like it

Most of the Armstrong stuff I've used I didn't actually own. Most of it was 1" drive and trackworking tools. Not stuff you find in my garage.

I have a 1/2" drive Armstrong metric socket set, an older Armstrong adjustable wrench and a set of Armstrong nut drivers. Based on my experience with these tools, I would have to assume that the torque wrench is going to be a quality unit.

Try a Bicycle shop
Park Tool TW-1
http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=13&item=TW%2D1

$31.99 http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=11387#

thats great info thanks

Espeed- that is a good source! It is hard to find a good in-lb torque wrench at the usual tool places.
Check pawn shops also, when I did my gears I got a Matco 3/8" drive dial indicator in-lb torque wrench for about $50

Parktool is good stuff. I have a few of thier flat wrenches that they have hanging up on the wall, along with a chain breaker, spoke tool, and a chain wrench. Good stuff, kinda pricey on some things, but its good and alot of it is made in the USA which is important.

Jim

No bike shops in my area (Dallas, TX) carry those wrenches... They all say "try Sears". Sears doesn't carry anything in inch pounds.

I borrowed my neighbor's snapon wrench to set up the gears, I'll keep an eye out at the pawn shops for one since I have time now.

HF has the clicker version for about $20.
Saw it there last week. It is in last months ad. They must be reading our posts

HF has the clicker version for about $20.
Saw it there last week. It is in last months ad. They must be reading our posts

That will work for tightening bolts but for setting preloads you need to have the beam type. Also that HF torque wrench does not go low enough for my liking and yes I do have one and use it on occasion.

I recommend buying the Park tool one from Performance bicycle. Good price, quality product and fast shipping. I have used it to rebuild several steering boxes so far.

Most of the Armstrong stuff I've used I didn't actually own. Most of it was 1" drive and trackworking tools. Not stuff you find in my garage.


I dont notice too many Track people around here Im glad Im not the only one.

I dont notice too many Track people around here Im glad Im not the only one.

Who do ya work for?

Who do ya work for?

Norfolk Southern. I run this in Georgia. It a Brandt power unit on a good tangent track we can pull 14 100 ton rock cars.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/jrs2930/Brandttruck2.jpg