I know that a torque wrench is usually needed for most basic repairs on a vehicle. Just wanted to clarify whether or not 1/2" torque wrench is the proper size to perform most of the basic maintenance on the G37. I'm looking to purchase a 08' G37s coupe and I'm planning on doing most of the preventative maintenance myself. (oil changes, bleeding brake lines, replacing brake pads, trans fluid change etc.) and just wanted to make sure that a 1/2" torque wrench is the proper size used in most applications. or will I need a 3/4" as well? If there's anything else I should know before purchasing a torque wrench please let me know. Thanks in advance.

 

It is not so much the drive size that matters.
It is the range of torque the tool is useful for.
AND what drive size sockets you have...although you could always use a step-up or step-down drive adaptor.

If most of your work in a higher torque range (40ftlbs to 100ftlbs) it's probably best to go with a tool that supports that range. THey are often 1/2" drive

If you plan on measuring the torque on smaller bolts 10-50ftlbs then a 1/4" wrench is most often in that range.

Many people have both.
I use a 20-150 ftlb craftsman 1/2" drive >HERE<
the low-end on such a big range tends to be less accurate, but I really don't plan on measuring torque on 20ft-lb bolts too often.

I just got it a week ago and it replaces a 1/4" drive tool that maxed out at 80ftlbs. I think that was too low a range for a lot of what I found myself doing on mods etc. Also a long way to get to 80 and back down to 0 to put it away.

The good thing about the Craftsman tools is the lifetime warranty. My other Torque wrench failed after 12 years, they took it back last month no questions asked and gave me the larger one I selected. No charge, no receipt no fuss.

 

Thanks bikezilla. that was very helpful. most of the work i will be doing will be fluid changes, periodically removing tires, replacing brake pads and rotors. I think I may just look into buying the one you have because I can't see any of those basic tasks requiring any more than 150 ftlbs of torque. Thanks for the link.

 

3/8" will be more useful for routine maintenance than 1/2" will if you have to choose only one.

 

Craftsman Micro-Clicker Torque Wrench 3/8" Drive

Craftsman's 10-75 Ft Lbs., 3/8-Inch Drive Torque Wrench

Got this & best tool i ever purchased. No Regrets!!

 

I actually found a 1/2" to be more useful. Living in the snow belt requires swapping wheels twice a year. I don't use a torque wrench for general maintenance. Been doing this long enough to have a pretty good feel of 'snug'.

ymmv

 

I have the Craftsman 1/2" version of the one tite_tite shows above, works great year after year. I also have a much cheaper Harbor Freight 1/4" inch lbs torque wrench and it works great for the lighter stuff. Never needed anything else for setting torque.

Here's a good link for storing and using your new torque wrench

The ten things you should know about your torque wrench

 

Thanks guys. The torque wrench will mostly be used for oil and fluid changes as well as occasionally changing out brake pads. Question, when it comes to bolts having to be tightened to "6ft/lbs" would you guys even use the torque wrench for that? or would you just tighten untill "snug"? Thanks

 

6 ft/lbs is a value to keep you from over torquing something delicate. It's barely more than hand tight.

 

The button on my pants has more than 6ftlbs on it.
Maybe I should loose some weight.

I also don't use a TW for routine maintenance.
I DO use one for lugnuts and with all the modding i've done, I seem to have the wheels off weekly.

I think at a minimum you should have a 1/4" drive that goes to 80ft lbs so you can set your lug nuts. Even if you go to a shop for your tire maint, rotation, brakes, and 6-month alignment.
They rarely get the torque right. I've had them leave a lug nut loose. I lost a wheel lock that way. Imagine if I had $200 tuner nuts.

I bring the TW with me when I pick the car up and check it before drive off.

If you are going to do a lot of modding, suspension work etc, get a 1/2"
Honestly it is easier to use for lugnuts too as you dont have to go from storage at zero all the way to 80 on the far end of its range, then back to zero to put it away.

 

I have a 1/2" that does 10-150 ft/lb, with a 3/8" adapter that'll do pretty much anything I ever need.

 

RU sure they make a 1/4" TW that goes to 80 ft lbs
I think mine goes to 60 inch lbs.

 

I've been working on cars for most of my life. The only thing I have ever used a torque wrench on is flywheel, pressure plate, crank pulley, and head bolts. If I were to ever do a bottom end I would use one on rod caps and the like. The majority of everything else you just have to know what tight is.

 

Ummmmm.....
Of course they do...
It's called a "Quarter-plus" drive...
It measure exactly 3/8"



(Oops)

 

There is a group of fasteners where torque is critical and for a majority there isn't. I would also add lug nuts to that list, mainly because you're dealing w/ a lot of bolts, it's a part that can be deadly if it fails, and having even torque applied to the wheel hub is important.

lol, it's all good Zilla, but had to call you out on that (you would have lost all respect for me if I didn't)