Kenny G wrote on 12/31/16 at 07:16:33:Dave,
I never broke of a bolt or a stud until I bought my first torque wrench.
That being said; what is the best torque wrench to purchase for using the 8 ft/lb setting?
Kenny G
Having a "feel" for how tight to make bolts/nuts is not something that is genetic, and it comes with experience. (Which could possibly be translated into several broken bolts or stripped threads in a persons apprentice period). If the broken/stripped bolt is a through bolt, they can easily be replaced and it is a cheap lesson - but bolts that thread into engine cases or frames or oil pans can be a costly lesson. I have bought used vehicles where the oil pan drain bolt was so tight....the previous owner must have thought the bolt held the engine into the frame!
For years I only had a 1/2" drive 150 ft/lb click wrench, and I found that for torques below 40 ft/lbs the click could not be flt reliably. I recently got a much smaller 3/8" drive torque wrench, and I use it for those engine bolts that require much smaller torques....like the cylinder head cap bolts. Being that I am 61 and have a lot of wrenching experience, I have reached a point where I seldom use the torque wrench for chassis bolts or axles.
Harbor Freight has very affordable torque wrenches in all sizes.....I am not sure how accurate or reliable they are - but I am sure they would be better than just "guessing" for anyone going through their learning period (gaining experience).