in/lb torque wrench

 

Sears auto zone shucks etc. They will have one.

 

I got mine from Matco.

 

Clicker or beam style?

If it's for checking the preload on something like a pinion bearing you'll need the beam style torque wrench. I know that when I set up the gears in my car it was pretty hard to find one without going with the snap on guy and that was just too many $'s for something I rarely use. I would watch Ebay.

 

I wanted a nice one, but buying it new from Snap-On was really expensive. I watched Ebay auctions and ended up getting a barely used Snap-On with the dial gauge for about 1/3 of what they cost brand new. I mainly bought it for setting the preload on pinion bearings, and it works excellent for that purpose. Just make sure you don't get a click type if this is what you're buying one for. You'll want a pointer or dial gauge style so you can watch the resistance as you rotate the pinion.

 

Mine is beam style.

 

If you plan on using it for checking rotating torque (like setting up a rear end etc.) you will want a dial type. While a dial type can be used for tightening bolts, a clicker is the style of choice in that situation.

While the name brands do cost more, I have found it is a matter of getting what you pay for, if it says "Made in China" buy two (it is still probably cheaper than a domestic) in hopes one will work and maybe they will average an accurate reading.

I'd rather have a used Snap-On or Mac, than a new "Made in China"

Good luck

 

i have several dial types and a couple of click types, all from snap on.