RENEGATE28

Hey guys, getting ready to do my valve cover replacement, along with the spark plugs. I have already invested in the complete 2004 sc430 service manual set, Mini VCI cable for techstream and have already acquired my valve cover gaskets and the other components that it came with. Just waiting on the spark plugs. While waiting I noticed that I do not have a torque wrench, and if I expect to work on my car on my own, this is something I definitely need. No need to break the bank. Everything I have bought has been very cheap through eBay. I don’t know if there is a particular need to get a 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 torque wrench. Should I get all of them? I Can only afford one at the moment, so would a 1/2 (10-150 ft.-lb) torque wrench be a good option to work on most (if not all) car components in the sc430? Thank you in advance. I am looking into the Tekton click torque wrench which is listed at only $40.

mandyfig

Get a 3/8, just my suggestion. 1/4 is too small and 1/2 is massive...

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

Not sure where this is coming from. I use and have used a half inch drive for everything for 50 years. Never had anything but.
And yes, 10 to 150 should be fine.

Coleroad

this, and if you are interested torquing everything you could get a inch pound wrench for the small things. That 1/2 like iolmaster said will do most of what you need.

DshngDaryl

I agree a 3/8 is the way to go, but to be honest I have both.

RENEGATE28

lol this made me laugh a lot. Ok... so I know that a Torque wrench is most accurate towards the middle of the pound feet of torque input. 3/8 does seem like a very good option. However what Coleroad said was very interesting. With a 3/8 I can’t do anything too large and nothing too small. What I may do is get the 1/2 for now and later down the road get the 1/4. There is however another option but I am very weary of this. There is a set of all 3 on eBay for only about $55. That is a steal! However, it is Pittsburgh pro which I believe is Harbor Freight. I am scared it may not be good quality and I may end up breaking something if the calibration is off or something else messes up. What are your opinions? May just order that Tekton 1/2 and call it a day for now. That should work for my Valve cover replacement...

coolsaber

Walk into a harbor freight and pick all of em up for half the cost lol

RENEGATE28

I stated above that I saw a sale on eBay that had all 3 for only $55. But the reputation of Harbor Freight torque wrenches are not that good. Do you have any experience with them?

coolsaber

For occasional use, HF stuff is unbeatable. Plus as you mentioned the middle of the range is where even the cheapest torque wrench will be good. I have the 1/2 for wheels and its been fine. I also follow the proper way of storing it by fellow armchair quarterbacks at its lowest setting.

the half inch is 9.99 with coupon. Dont know about the other ones though. Might price them with coupons to see how you compare

Edit: All three should total 30 bucks new

DshngDaryl

You can always get one and do a torque test. This is a simple way to do one.

But you should really splurge and get the teckton or at least a Harbor Freight Pro. Their cheapest line of tools always seem like a good idea until you use them in a serious manner.

Wilson2000

I have the 3/8 and 1/2. I use the 1/2 most often, but if I was buy one for the valve cover gaskets and spark plug job, I would go for the 1/4 with inch pounds. The valve cover bolts are spec'ed at 53 inch pounds, which equals 4.4 ft.lbs.. The spark plugs are 13 ft.lbs. (156 inch lbs.) and the coil pack bolts are 66 inch lbs. The valve cover bolts and spark plug torques are critical, so you definitely want a good quality torque wrench for this job.

I've been wrenching so long that I rarely need a torque wrench, except on large, critical bolts, i.e., brakes, suspension, wheels. However, if I do need to tackle the valve covers on my SC, I'll be investing in a quality, 1/4 torque wrench that can index inch lbs. I wouldn't necessarily trust HF for a critical tool like this.

Bgw70

you are amazing how much you know about stuff...do you remember these specs?
and thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Wilson2000

Glad to help! I remembered the spark plug torque spec, but not the others. I looked those up in my 2008 SC shop manuals.