Torque Wrench Reccomendations?

[UpTight]

Hope everyone is doing well! I'm not sure if this is the place to ask this but I figured I'd ask everyone's opinion. Looking to do a pad slap and maybe tackle my cam follower sometime in the near future, and need a torque wrench for the job. I need something that can get down to 7 ft pounds for the HPFP bolts. I've seen those 20 dollar harborfreight wrenches but really don't wanna risk stripping out one of those T30s in the rear cover because I cheaped out. I for the life of me can't find anything that really goes below 10 ft pounds, and I'd very much so like to avoid torqueing by hand for the reason previously mentioned, and plus I'm pretty inexperienced. Any input is appreciated, thanks!

[Audibot]

I've had zero issues with the 3/8" or 1/2" HF torque wrenches I have, which I used to do a whole slew of work on my B7 before its untimely demise. Those two def cost me more than $20.

A year and a half ago I picked up a couple Craftsman ones from Lowe's on a Black Friday deal, and have been using them much more than the HF ones.

And honestly, hand tight+ is probably fine for that level of torque.

[Jayz691]

I use HF tq wrenches, but the 1/4" isn't great. Don't have a good "click" when you hit your tq spec. What I do for the hofp bolts, is use a small ratcheting bit driver in have, with a 6" torx bit. Those bolts just need snugged up good, and the smaller ratchet keeps me from putting much force to them. Has worked for 5 years so far. I trust it more than a cheap tq wrenches personally. Originally bought for removing my vac pump, but i use it all the time now. Heres a link if ya wanna grab one.
https://www.amazon.com/ARES-70040-1-...53548411&psc=1Screenshot_20230420-130539.jpg

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[Theiceman]

I use HF tq wrenches, buy the 1/4" isn't great. Don't have a good "click" when you hit your tq spec. What I do for the hofp bolts, is use a small ratcheting bit driver in have, with a 6" torx bit. Those bolts just need snugged up good, and the smaller ratchet keeps me from putting much force to them. Has worked for 5 years so far. I trust it more than a cheap tq wrenches personally. Originally bought for removing my vac pump, but i use it all the time now. Heres a link if ya wanna grab one.
https://www.amazon.com/ARES-70040-1-...53548411&psc=1Screenshot_20230420-130539.jpg

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in the same vane i snug them up with a torx allen key by hand holding the short end, prevents me from over torquing. Be aware those threads can strip out of the timing cover well before specified torque due to years of abuse and stress from the HPFP .

[Jayz691]

in the same vane i snug them up with a torx allen key by hand holding the short end, prevents me from over torquing. Be aware those threads can strip out of the timing cover well before specified torque due to years of abuse and stress from the HPFP .

Exactly.. I did strip 1 bolt, I was rushing and used a 1/4" ratchet to run them in, and snug them up. A little too much oomph, and the threads let loose. Never again, only use my bit driver, lol.

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[80sGuy]

Hope everyone is doing well! I'm not sure if this is the place to ask this but I figured I'd ask everyone's opinion. Looking to do a pad slap and maybe tackle my cam follower sometime in the near future, and need a torque wrench for the job. I need something that can get down to 7 ft pounds for the HPFP bolts. I've seen those 20 dollar harborfreight wrenches but really don't wanna risk stripping out one of those T30s in the rear cover because I cheaped out. I for the life of me can't find anything that really goes below 10 ft pounds, and I'd very much so like to avoid torqueing by hand for the reason previously mentioned, and plus I'm pretty inexperienced. Any input is appreciated, thanks!

To be honest I never used torque wrench on my work even though I have couple of Tecktons (TRQ 21101 and 24325), and I can tell you right now I have yet to see any mechanic use it either. Just go for the feel and do not forced over-tighten anything.

[Theiceman]

Exactly.. I did strip 1 bolt, I was rushing and used a 1/4" ratchet to run them in, and snug them up. A little too much oomph, and the threads let loose. Never again, only use my bit driver, lol.

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funny that's exactly what I did I was cursing as I was drilling it out for a helicoil in situ. lol
not recommended

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[Theiceman]

I've been wrenching cars for over 40 years so I dont use it in most applications. but cam covers that hold cams like my b8 or any other internal engine work I definitely do.
suspension work/ brake work etc. couple uga ugas and I'm good

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[Operator]

Maybe it's due to my time dealing with military aviation, but a TQ wrench is a must for me. I've heard the joke, just follow the German TQ specs "gutentight". But I prefer an actual tool for my tightening needs. I've used the HF wrenches for years with no issues. I did move onto a digital TQ wrench, and no complaints so far: https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...nch-64916.html

[ccssid]

I too have used all three HF torque wrenches. Never any issues as I have double check (albeit stiil HF) torque reading on the wrenches using:

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-...torque+adapter

I use a lug nut on my ford to test when under 100 ft lbs. set torque on wrench and look at the digital adapter when the wrench clicks. They always match up....so both cannot be wrong (I am assuming of course).

I always exercise the torque wrenches ( a couple of times), from the lowest torque to the highest torque before I set the torque I need.

[Hammer]

My 3/8 and 1/2 drive torque wrenches are split-beams made by Precision Instruments. I prefer those over the click-wheel style.

I couldn't find a 1/4 drive split-beam at the time, and went with a Neiko Pro click-wheel.

All were ordered from Amazon and have worked well for years now.