What torque wrench range for 140 ftlb work?

[achop]

Hi all,
I need to pick up a torque wrench where 95% of its use will be to check lug torque (140 ftlb, as per American Tire policy for my wheels, apparently). I was going to get a 1/2" drive (for beef, don't have a socket investment yet to influence drive size choice) with a torquing range of 10-150 ftlbs, given I doubt I'll need higher capacity anytime soon. Then I wondered whether it was "bad" to choose a wrench where virtually all use was at the far end of its range. Would it be wiser for any reason to get a wrench with torque range 20-200 ftlbs to avoid operating solely in the top 10% of a 10-150 wrench's range?

As an aside, the following seems like a pretty good deal ($37) on a well-regarded (as per user reviews) Tekton wrench:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C5ZL0RU...=2K9TA8GOGGYSA

Thanks all,
anne

[simplesez]

your assumption is correct. The 150 ft-lb max wrench is not the one you want. Get the longer version for $52

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C5ZL1NS?ref=emc_b_5_t

[hogasm]

And always back it completely off when not using it

[achop]

Originally Posted by simplesez

your assumption is correct. The 150 ft-lb max wrench is not the one you want. Get the longer version for $52

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C5ZL1NS?ref=emc_b_5_t

Okay, so NOT the 10.5" long 20-200 with 1/4" drive (at an attractive price ;-)??? ==>>

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-24320-...=tekton+20-200

The one you linked to is 25" long (holy cow) ... but you make a good point. At about 140 lbs weight myself, I may have to literally sit on this baby to torque-check. ;-)

Er, Ray (who took me to buy the new tires in San Francisco) wasn't too keen on the 140 torque requirement by Amer Tire. But if y'all have a better recommendation, I suppose I could run the lugs a little lower torque ... something a bit less than I weigh ;-)

Thanks so much for the insight!

[achop]

Originally Posted by hogasm

And always back it completely off when not using it

Good reminder!!

[simplesez]

You may also need a deep socket if you have a floating axle on your E-350. Plus a 1/2" socket extension to clear your tires. You can get all that on Amazon.

[daveb]

You can always use a cheater bar (pipe) on a short wrench but its a PITA. I don't carry a torque wrench in the van, I carry a breaker bar, and guess-torque if I'm in the field. I use my 26" torque wrench at home. It has been said bigger isn't always better but in this case bigger is better. I do carry a set of deep sockets, extensions and impact sockets for the larger sizes. I avoid using multi point sockets on the wheels. At least on my van the wheel lock is a different size.

[rallypanam]

Longer better.. 140 ft-lb on a 10" bar is a LOT. Especially 32 times.

[BroncoHauler]

Yeah, and a 1/4" drive for large sockets is undersized IMO.


Herb

[winmag4582001]

1. Price dictates quality
2. All have a +/- of 10%
3. Back off when not in use
4. Never ever loosen with a torque wrench
5. Slow and steady until you her the click or alarm