[mgtskr]

Hi guys!! I wanted to get my boy a torque wrench for christmas but i’m not entirely sure what to get or what brands work best and aren’t terribly expensive. He has a ‘93 bronco and i know it needs to be 1/2 inch drive but i would really appreciate any suggestions you guys have. Thank you!!!

 

[MojoJojo]

With any tools you get what you pay for, so quality will depend on your budget. If you use Amazon you can get a decent one for around $50 or a top end for around $100 even if you don’t use amazon go on there and check for reviews for specific brands.

 

[mgtskr]

thank you so much!! do you have any brands that are preferable when looking at amazon products by any chance?

 

[CrazyBRONCOguy]

The ICON ones from Harbor Frieght are decently good. What do you feel the main use of said wrench will be???
Example I am likely to use my snapon torque wrench (from work) when putting heads on the engine, but for the lug nuts and other chassis stuff my Icon is just fine. Even if it is a little off, at least they are even (I have checked it, Icon, against the Snapon, its very decent/close)

 

[mgtskr]

He would mainly use it for lug nuts and steering components i believe

 

[csilvestri]

@mgtskr I also have a 1993 Bronco and I really like my Tekton 1/2 drive torque wrench. I've had it for 2+ years with no issues and easy to use.

TEKTON 24340 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench (25-250 ft.-lb./33.9-338.9 Nm)

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-24340-2-Inch-ft-lb-33-9-338-9/dp/B00C5ZL1NS

 

[kammots]

^ that one looks nice, may have to add it to my list. Thanks @csilvestri

 

[mgtskr]

thank you guys!

 

[MojoJojo]

@mgtskr I also have a 1993 Bronco and I really like my Tekton 1/2 drive torque wrench. I've had it for 2+ years with no issues and easy to use.

TEKTON 24340 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench (25-250 ft.-lb./33.9-338.9 Nm)

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-24340-2-Inch-ft-lb-33-9-338-9/dp/B00C5ZL1NS

This would be my mid grade choice.

 

[BigBlue 94]

Dont buy craftsman. Mine broke under 100 ft lbs after just a few uses. Went and bought a Gearwrench one at the local tool supply for about $200. It's all metal and much much better quality. I was leery because I had some of the first gearwrench ratcheting wrenches and had some break. But the quality is much better.

Also, since this isnt bronco tech, I'm gonna move it to the noobie section for maximum exposure (instead of the tools section)

 

[packagerjr]

@mgtskr I also have a 1993 Bronco and I really like my Tekton 1/2 drive torque wrench. I've had it for 2+ years with no issues and easy to use.

TEKTON 24340 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench (25-250 ft.-lb./33.9-338.9 Nm)

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-24340-2-Inch-ft-lb-33-9-338-9/dp/B00C5ZL1NS

I also have this one (actually 1/4” and 3/8” drive too) and no problems out of any of them. I had done some torque comparisons with the 1/4” drive with a fancier wrench at work and the Tekton was very close.

 

[silver70]

I decided to try out the new Harbor Freight "Icon" line after hearing good things. I picked up their 1/2" TQ wrench. I'm impressed. Machining and finish is top notch, the case has metal hinge pins and metal latches, the locking collar is super smooth and engages cleanly at every increment, it's made in Taiwan and not China, and it has a 90-tooth ratchet gear. No plastic parts anywhere and it comes with a certification and test certificate. Lifetime warranty. It was $110. Again, I'm impressed.

Just my $0.02.

 

[fordbronco1995]

The kobalt torque wrenches seem good, which ever has the best warranty go for that one

 

[smeans92]

I have both the kobalt and harbor freight wrenches. I prefer the kobalt overall, feels like it's better built and like the way it clicks more, but the harbor freight one gets the job done.
I have a torque wrench tester at work and both wrenches were within industry accepted tolerances at various torque levels.

 

[CZ Eddie]

I'm debating whether to get the $100 Icon Harbor Fright torque wrench, which has a great rep for being accurate.... or sending my 25 year old Lin Sheng torque wrench (possibly harbor freight also) in to be calibrated.
I got a quote of $48 (plus shipping) to have these folks calibrate a torque wrench:

Accredited Calibrations and Repairs for Test Equipment | MATsolutions

HF's new Icon wrench:

1/2 in. Drive 50-250 ft. lb. Professional Click Torque Wrench

Amazing deals on this 1/2In Dr Click Type Pro Torque Wrench at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[CZ Eddie]

Make sure your new torque wrench goes up to at least 180 ft lbs.
I know of at least one bolt (head bolts?) on the Bronco that require 140 ft lbs torque.
And you want your wrench to be capable of that and much more, to give you a nice buffer-zone.

For instance, if a torque wrench is rated for up to 140lbs, I would not trust it at anything above 100 ft lbs.
Note that I'm not an expert on this subject, but I have done a bit of research in the last couple weeks.

 

[CZ Eddie]

And on that note, I think I just made up my mind to skip calibrating my 180lb wrench and buy the 250lb Harbor Freight one instead (linked above).

 

[smeans92]

Pitman arm nut is 220 ft lbs If I remember correctly. I know that's why I bought another torque wrench.

 

[MojoJojo]

I think two of the four I have go to 250 but I could be wrong, 3 whiskey’s into the night!

 

[silver70]

TTB-to-radius arm bolts are 250 ft.-lb. + Loctite.