What Size Torque Wrench Is Best?

[darchard]

Hi all,

I need to get a torque wrench to change the rocker cover gasket and brake discs on my 2003 3.0 Z4 and find there are three sizes with different torque ranges so I wondered which one I should get?

The 1/2 inch model does 28-210 Nm
The 3/8 inch model does 7-112 Nm
The 1/4 inch model does 5-25 Nm

Which one will be most useful for doing jobs on my Z4?

I'm thinking of the Magnusson range from Screwfix. Does anyone have experience of these?

Thanks guys,
David

 

[mjennings23]

I have 3 sizes and in honesty the 1/2" is the most used. Believe mine is 40-200.

Have a look at the Halfords Advanced, reasonable price and lifetime warranty.

 

[Jakg]

I have 4 but use the 1/2" the most. Based on the ranges you've shown the 1/4" seems a bit pointless.

Depending on your attitude to risk, some people like to torque every fastener to spec (which means you end up needing several to cover all the ranges) - others torque most things by feel and only specific fasteners (typically engine ones) get torqued, which cuts down the range out need a lot. I'm part of the first category!

To do the front discs you need a range to do a wheel nut (120nm) and a disc mounting screw (16nm). So that would suggest you need 1/2" & 3/8".

 

[Mr Tidy]

I've only got one at present - a Kamasa 1/2 inch for when I swap between summer and winter wheels on my daily.

If I bought another I'd probably go for a 1/4 inch for the fiddly jobs where access can be an issue, but I suppose a 3/8 would also work, with extensions if required.

 

[Silverzedtom]

I’ve only ever used a 1/2” on a car, you could get by with a 1/2 -> 1/4 adapter if you needed too.

 

[Jakg]

I've only got one at present - a Kamasa 1/2 inch for when I swap between summer and winter wheels on my daily.

If I bought another I'd probably go for a 1/4 inch for the fiddly jobs where access can be an issue, but I suppose a 3/8 would also work, with extensions if required.

I’ve only ever used a 1/2” on a car, you could get by with a 1/2 -> 1/4 adapter if you needed too.

It's not the drive, it's the range - I own a 3/4" torque wrench but no sockets for it whatsoever - because the hub nuts on my Megane are 280nm and my 1/2" only went up to 210nm.

 

[Silverzedtom]

The 28-210 will be the best one for the zed, especially when wheel bolts and carrier bolts are 120.
If it’s the Clark wrench it’s the same one I use, can’t fault it if you don’t need the cert

 

[GuidoK]

Basically seeing here a 1/2" torque wrench advised, he's planning to replace his valve cover gasket.
You all advise him to tighten those bolts with a 1/2" torque wrench?

 

[Silverzedtom]

Basically seeing here a 1/2" torque wrench advised, he's planning to replace his valve cover gasket.
You all advise him to tighten those bolts with a 1/2" torque wrench?

Which one will be most useful for doing jobs on my Z4?

 

[darchard]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Much appreciated.

It does sound like the 1/2 inch would be most useful for general jobs. I'm a bit concerned by your comment tho GuidoK. You are right my next job is to change the rocker cover gasket. Would the 1/2 inch not be suitable?

Also, is there somewhere I can get the correct torque settings for the RCG, Brake Discs etc?

Thanks

 

[Jakg]

Basically seeing here a 1/2" torque wrench advised, he's planning to replace his valve cover gasket.
You all advise him to tighten those bolts with a 1/2" torque wrench?

There's nothing wrong with using a 1/2" torque wrench IF the wrench can be set to the required torque. If you have a 1/2" torque wrench that you could set to 5nm, then tightening up that bolt is totally safe (although perhaps slightly unweildy).

FYI not all advised 1/2" torque wrench only...

To do the front discs you need a range to do a wheel nut (120nm) and a disc mounting screw (16nm). So that would suggest you need 1/2" & 3/8".

 

[mjennings23]

The rocker cover bolts are not tight, 7nm if I remember correctly. This job, along with the Vanos seals, was actually the reason I bought my 1/4" one. Albeit if you're just doing the gasket then you can just be sensible, use a short wrench and don't go mad on it.

 

[G600]

I've just seen how cheap the ones you're looking at are, for that price I'd get the 1/4 and the 1/2, then you've got the whole range covered

 

[javis20]

Agree 100% with G600. I use the 1/2" the most for lug bolts, brakes and chassis work. I use the 1/4" for the valve cover bolts and other light duty work. I would never use a cheap 1/2" torque wrench for something as delicate as valve cover bolts..

 

[GuidoK]

FYI not all advised 1/2" torque wrench only...

True. My remark was mainly aimed that he also plans to do the valve cover seal.
The valve cover bolts need to be 'hand tight' according to bmw (circular bolt pattern from the inside out).
That is of course a vague spec. Hand tight with a 1/2"ratchet is something different than hand tight with a nut driver. (I'd rather use a nut driver and hand tighten them a few times so you use the flex of the compressing rubber gasket)
At least max. 10Nm not more if you want to use a torque spec (bmw usually specs m6 valve cover bolts at 10Nm), and I wouldnt use a 3/8" torque wrench even if it extends to that range. At the extends of their range torque wrenches are finicky and unreliable. A smaller 1/4 inch is constructed in such a way that it works better with those low torque specs, even if the 3/8" is given a range almost as low as.

I have 4 torque wrench sizes, but the 1/4" and 1/2" (or at least, those 2 ranges specified) are the ones I use most. My 3/8"and 3/4" (up to 800Nm or so) I seldomly use, although every tool has of course its purpose and there's no such thing as having too much tools. (especially if the space gets tight, a smaller ratchet head on a torque wrench for example can even make a difference)