Lug nut socket size and torque wrench suggestions…

Gearwrench makes some good stuff.

I am liking ICON stuff from HF more and more. Talk about some pretty tools.

I went with an analog one that was on sale and I have had no complaints. I wouldn't mind a digital one, however. In due time.
 
The biggest question is do you REALLY need a super accurate reading every time. Given most shade-tree mechs use the torque as @Phillbo described (not horrible, but it works) your selection above WILL work. I'm with @AZsurveyor as Harbor Freight ICON is damn good stuff, that drops in pricing to make it tasteful. Click type has been used FOREVER, digital readout is nice and fancy.......still does what click does.....applies torque to the setting selected. 📏📏📏

If you are a daily/weekend wrencher you would know what/when a torque wrench is really needed. Look at ICON, wait for the price drops or the sales % off, buy and enjoy.

:cool: :cool: :coffee: :coffee: 🇺🇲 🇺🇲 🇺🇲 🇺🇲
 
I’ve been using Craftsman torque wrenches for a long time now. They have held their accuracy pretty well over time.
The most important thing for most of us is repeatability- tightening multiple fasteners to the same torque. Think diff covers, trans pans or lug nuts. The exact torque is not as important as having them all the same.
 
I really want something a bit longer... though, I am still young, after 24-lugnuts at 150 ft/lb it is a workout. Mind you I lift three days a week and run 7-days a week. I am planning for future self. As I hav etime throoughout the day I will check on the posted recommendations. Thank you all for your input, too!
 
HeavyAssault said:
The biggest question is do you REALLY need a super accurate reading every time. Given most shade-tree mechs use the torque as @Phillbo described (not horrible, but it works) your selection above WILL work. I'm with @AZsurveyor as Harbor Freight ICON is damn good stuff, that drops in pricing to make it tasteful. Click type has been used FOREVER, digital readout is nice and fancy.......still does what click does.....applies torque to the setting selected. 📏📏📏

If you are a daily/weekend wrencher you would know what/when a torque wrench is really needed. Look at ICON, wait for the price drops or the sales % off, buy and enjoy.

:cool: :cool: :coffee: :coffee: 🇺🇲 🇺🇲 🇺🇲 🇺🇲
Click to expand...
I will likely upgrade the Pittsburgh to an Icon. Accuracy is not a problem, merely the amount degree of effort being applied. It was my first torque wrench for 83 ft/lb lugs on a Tacoma. So, it is time to upgrade to a slightly longer click. Thank you
 
Sh2 said:
I really want something a bit longer... though, I am still young, after 24-lugnuts at 150 ft/lb it is a workout. Mind you I lift three days a week and run 7-days a week. I am planning for future self. As I hav etime throoughout the day I will check on the posted recommendations. Thank you all for your input, too!
Click to expand...
check you specifications

book says 165 ft/lbs

typically if you buy something (besides harbor freight) the size of the torque ratchet is appropriate for it's torque limit

you can use a cheater (pipe) bar if you need to??????

maybe you need to incorporate torque'n into your routine????

start slow, no expectations
😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

one wheel at first
give it a week or two then work in additional wheels. work your way up to as many as you feel is appropriate. 25 - 8 lug wheels even 50 might be a good goal???
work your way up as you feel appropriate. don't over do it!!!! rest between sets (wheels) the same amount of time the exercise took.
good luck!!!!!
😂😂😂🤣😂😂
 
Phillbo said:
My manual states 150.
Click to expand...
what year?
what gvwr?

do you have a picture of it?

Screenshot_20261013_111258_Google.webp
 
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JasonAL said:
I have had good luck with Tekton torque wrenches. I have 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 Tekton torque wenches. Their hand tools are great too.
Probably more important is it set them back to zero after use.
Click to expand...
I have a Tekton one I leave in the truck. I’ve been happy with it and debated buying some of the other smaller sizes.
 
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The Pittsburgh click-types are more than adequate for most things. I have a few nicer beams for more precise stuff.

With click-types: more than two clicks and you're playing with it.
 
Godzilla/Tremornator said:
check you specifications

book says 165 ft/lbs

typically if you buy something (besides harbor freight) the size of the torque ratchet is appropriate for it's torque limit

you can use a cheater (pipe) bar if you need to??????

maybe you need to incorporate torque'n into your routine????

start slow, no expectations
😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

one wheel at first
give it a week or two then work in additional wheels. work your way up to as many as you feel is appropriate. 25 - 8 lug wheels even 50 might be a good goal???
work your way up as you feel appropriate. don't over do it!!!! rest between sets (wheels) the same amount of time the exercise took.
good luck!!!!!
😂😂😂🤣😂😂
Click to expand...
Agreed on the cheater pipe even though I can't understand why?

The 1/2" ICON is a beam style and plenty long for cranking its max torque of 250ft-lbs. Without measuring the length of it, I would say it's every bit of 24 inches of I had to guess.

If you need a cheater pipe, you're into 3/4" or 1" drives at that point cranking well over 500ft-lbs.

I also agree with @Vecman - Tekton is also a noteworthy DIY brand.

The bottom line is, with brick-and-mortar stores slowly disappearing, I really like that most HF brands offer a lifetime warranty, are available pretty much anywhere across the country, and make it simple to walk into a store, drop off a damaged tool, and grab a new one. Those days seem to be fading and having that privilege with HF is like money in the bank for me. Plus, walking into an HF store feels like stepping into a candy store—if I have the need, want, or even an excuse to go in, I will and it doesn't hurt my feelings a tad bit to walking out with some other goodies that I "may" need one day.
 
AZsurveyor said:
Agreed on the cheater pipe even though I can't understand why?

The 1/2" ICON is a beam style and plenty long for cranking its max torque of 250ft-lbs. Without measuring the length of it, I would say it's every bit of 24 inches of I had to guess.

If you need a cheater pipe, you're into 3/4" or 1" drives at that point cranking well over 500ft-lbs.

I also agree with @Vecman - Tekton is also a noteworthy DIY brand.

The bottom line is, with brick-and-mortar stores slowly disappearing, I really like that most HF brands offer a lifetime warranty, are available pretty much anywhere across the country, and make it simple to walk into a store, drop off a damaged tool, and grab a new one. Those days seem to be fading and having that privilege with HF is like money in the bank for me. Plus, walking into an HF store feels like stepping into a candy store—if I have the need, want, or even an excuse to go in, I will and it doesn't hurt my feelings a tad bit to walking out with some other goodies that I "may" need one day.
Click to expand...
Besides the big Tekton in the truck, my other torque wrenches are from harbor freight. I did have one explode apart into pieces on me one time. Picked them all up and took it to HF. 10 min later had the newest version in my hand as a warranty replacement and walked out. I think for most hand type tools that aren’t critical to a daily use job, HF has good stuff and gets the job done. And as you mentioned, the lifetime warranty is very nice to have. Don’t have much to lose at that point
 
Dented said:
How about just a simple beam deflection wrench?
Click to expand...
As long as it's accurate or has been calibrated it's going to work. Not usually the best thing for higher TQ values like the lug nuts.

:cool: :cool: 🇺🇲 🇺🇲 🇺🇲 🇺🇲
 
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