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Topic: Buying tools

in Forum: C3 General Discussion


Buying tools

Posted: 6/1/05 7:37am Message 1 of 10
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Canada
Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533
Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
Looking for some advise on buying tools.
 
I am about to begin some tune ups (I never did that before, I'm at the bottom of the learning curve).
 
I will replace the spak plugs, change the distributor cap & rotor, clean the carb (water trick), adjust timing, fix the AC,...
 
I just bought a timing light.  There are many on the market, but I think this one will do.
 
I am still doing a lot of reading about what I want to do, and sometimes they mention setting the torque at 25lbs/feet (or any number for the purpose of my question).
 
I currently don't have a torque wrench.  I noticed at HomeDepot last night that they sell a 1/2 and a 3/8 and both have a different range. What would you guys recommend.  Keep in mind I have all the sockets, just need the wrench.  It was about 70$ each at HomeDepot, but it seams like I can find a decent one on eBay (even Craftsmaster) for under 40$.
 
Any recommendations ?
 
74-45438504.3186921296


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Buying tools

Posted: 6/1/05 9:34am Message 2 of 10
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Buy the best tools you can afford. Craftsman (and Craftsman Professional) are good, Mac and Snap-On are better, but pricey. The better tools all come with a lifetime warranty...break one and get it replaced free. That's a big advantage to Craftsman...there's a Sears everywhere.

When it comes to torque wrenches, the specs for whatever you're tightening will tell you which drive torque wrnch you'll need. You should have both the 3/8" and 1/2" drives to cover all the bases.

One thing a Mac toolman told me years ago is that well designed tools are designed to do specific things properly...if you're using a tool and it hurts, then you're using the wrong tool. They're designed in a certain way for efficiency...use it wrong and you'll know it.


Buying tools

Posted: 6/1/05 10:39am Message 3 of 10
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Portland, TN - USA
Joined: 4/29/2003
Posts: 805
Vette(s): 1972 Coupe Anything, but Stock and more mods to come! SSBC Force 10 Brakes, 3.73, TH350, 355 CID, Rack and Pinion, Vette Brakes suspension front and rear.

Personally you really need three torque wrenches to do everything correctly.

1/2" for the big stuff, 3/8" for the middle range, and a 1/4" for the inch lb stuff.

Biggest thing to look for is the range on the wrench.  My 3/8" starts off at 10 ft lbs and goes to 75.  My 1/2" starts at 25 and goes to 150 and unfortuately I don't own a 1/4" sized one at this time.  Its on my list of tools to get.

I got to see a really cool digital one from Snap on that had me  all tore up.  I don't know if I will let loose of the much cash or not, but it was so nice.

You also want to look at the deviation on the wrench and I belive some of us may remember a tread we had going about a year ago about torque values.  Most torque wrenches have a +/- 3% error factor others (cheapies) are much larger +/-5% or more.  Look for the lower number.

 




Buying tools

Posted: 6/1/05 2:22pm Message 4 of 10
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Miramar, FL - USA
Joined: 3/16/2004
Posts: 672
Vette(s): 1972 coupe/350 cid/mild cam/4 spd/20 ft. paint (looks perfect from 20 ft.), but it sure runs nice.

I always heard torque wrenches need calibration every so often. How do you know it's time? I'm sure the cheap ones need it more.

JR




Buying tools

Posted: 6/5/05 4:12pm Message 5 of 10
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Canada
Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533
Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
Still working on getting one of each of reputable brand names, but the ebay auctions for those truly get's out of hand.
 
You're right AfterShark, I found that the 50$ and less are +/- 5% where the snap-on are (well, some of them) are 2%.
 
The 2 wrench that I currently have, are giving me a hard time; they don't really keep their position, so I need to hands to operate them; one to torque and the other one to keep the "clicker" in position, else it comes back to the middle; which doesn't help much!
 
I guess I could spend some extra dollars on a good torque wrench, and set it to the highest when I don't really need to set a max torque and use them for everything.
 



Buying tools

Posted: 6/5/05 4:36pm Message 6 of 10
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baytown, TX - USA
Joined: 4/21/2004
Posts: 160
Vette(s): 1979 maui blue/doe skin, fuel injected 383, 6-speed manual, hooker sidepipes, 3.90 gear
I always keep mine set on zero when stored and would never use it at max for more leverage or as a ratchet, that way it will give you good service from now on.


Buying tools

Posted: 6/5/05 7:11pm Message 7 of 10
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA
Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424
Vette(s): 1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!
Agreeded.  NEVER use it to break bolts loose.  It only reverses for left hand bolts (yes they do exist).  ALWAYS reduce it to zero and relieve tension when not in use.


Buying tools

Posted: 6/5/05 7:17pm Message 8 of 10
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Kingston, TN - USA
Joined: 7/5/2003
Posts: 900
Vette(s): 1970 Vert Both Tops Kiesler 5 Speed Steeroids Rack and Pinion Stayfast Convertible Top
I always store mine with a little bit of tension on the spring at or near the bottom of the range. I have 2 wrenches, both craftsman, 3/8 and 1/2 drive. The 3/8 wrench will slip every now and then. I took it back to sears and guess what, they will not replace torque wrenches. They have a 1 year warranty and after that you are on your own. Now I have to be carefull or bust my knuckles with that torque wrench. 


Buying tools

Posted: 6/5/05 7:42pm Message 9 of 10
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Lisle, IL - USA
Joined: 6/18/2002
Posts: 125
Vette(s): 1973 coupe Under Construction
I have a 1/4" digital snap-on that I got at the Oshkosh air show a couple of years ago for working on the airplane, it beeps and vibrates when you get to the torque setting and then the display shows you what the actual torque reading was. 


Buying tools

Posted: 6/5/05 7:50pm Message 10 of 10
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Torque wrench????? Whaz that?!! Ain't ya 'posed to tighten till just BEFORE it breaks/strips?
I agree.......buy the best you can afford, and it won't bite you on the bo-bo. I have a 1/2", and a 1/4", but not a 3/8".(Don't really use them much, but I have them! )
If you ain't busted a knuckle lately, you ain't workin' hard enough!! Get some good quality tools, even if you have to space out your purchases. You'll use those dirty, nasty words much less, and the pain will go away!


Joel Adams
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