Torque Wrench Digital vs Standard needs & review

Genes1s · 12-02-2020, 12:26 PM

Newer cars seems to have more stretch bolts everywhere and torque specs that requires additional angle.

For weekend/DIY er, what would be decent Digital Wrench brand that don't break my wallet and covers most of the stretch bolt torque specs for the suspension, engine, and tranny on 335i/135i ?

I'm looking at GearWrench and AC Delco specifically, as they seem to be the mid tiers. Anyone has good experience with Harbor Freight products? They look like very reasonably priced. Wish can afford Snap on, but it is out of my range.

I've read reviews and watch you tube alot on this topic, just want to get some info specifically from BMW folks.

Thanks

DCook · 12-02-2020, 10:13 PM

I bought a used snap on 3/8 digital tech angle torque wrench. 300 bucks. Can have it calibrated for 75 bucks, i personally didnt as im a cheap ass. Let someone else take the 600+ hit on it.

Efthreeoh · 12-03-2020, 08:47 AM

Take no offense here, but the only critical stretch bolts on a car are the cylinderhead bolts and big end cap bolts on the con rods and maybe some bolts on the timing gear system. The aluminum bolts on the N52 are used only on the engine block for things that bolt to it, to get a level of precision of bolt torque you are seeking with a digital torque wrench plus angle is far overkill IMO.

The only digital click-type torque wrench I have is a 1/2" drive, which I use for wheel bolts. I'm sure after 30-some plus years, it's not in calibration.

Genes1s · 12-03-2020, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Take no offense here, but the only critical stretch bolts on a car are the cylinderhead bolts and big end cap bolts on the con rods and maybe some bolts on the timing gear system. The aluminum bolts on the N52 are used only on the engine block for things that bolt to it, to get a level of precision of bolt torque you are seeking with a digital torque wrench plus angle is far overkill IMO.

The only digital click-type torque wrench I have is a 1/2" drive, which I use for wheel bolts. I'm sure of 30-some plus years, it's not in calibration.

None taken. Appreciated the perspective, I thought about it too. Perhaps renting one that is fully calibrated when needed makes more sense...

mehrlovin · 12-27-2020, 05:24 PM

I got a very good manual torque wrench from Tekton on Amazon.com. It is well made in Taiwan and calibrated from the factory. A few pounds off here and there are not a big deal. I have both 1/2 and 3/8 and I think its much better than relying on Harbor Freight. It does need to be stored properly to maintain its accuracy.

12-02-2020, 12:26 PM	#1
Genes1s Private 32 Rep 53 Posts Drives: 1997 E36 M3/4/5. 2011 E82 135i Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Vancouver, WA iTrader: (0)	Torque Wrench Digital vs Standard needs & review Newer cars seems to have more stretch bolts everywhere and torque specs that requires additional angle. For weekend/DIY er, what would be decent Digital Wrench brand that don't break my wallet and covers most of the stretch bolt torque specs for the suspension, engine, and tranny on 335i/135i ? I'm looking at GearWrench and AC Delco specifically, as they seem to be the mid tiers. Anyone has good experience with Harbor Freight products? They look like very reasonably priced. Wish can afford Snap on, but it is out of my range. I've read reviews and watch you tube alot on this topic, just want to get some info specifically from BMW folks. Thanks __________________ 1997 Artic Silver E36 M3/4/5 2000 Sunlit Sand Nissan Maxima 5 SP 2011 Space Gray E82 N55 DCT.
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12-02-2020, 10:13 PM	#2
DCook Private 31 Rep 95 Posts Drives: 91 Fox Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Central IL iTrader: (0)	I bought a used snap on 3/8 digital tech angle torque wrench. 300 bucks. Can have it calibrated for 75 bucks, i personally didnt as im a cheap ass. Let someone else take the 600+ hit on it.
	Appreciate 1 Matt Z34.50 Quote

12-03-2020, 08:47 AM	#3
Efthreeoh General 17201 Rep 18,691 Posts Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster Join Date: May 2012 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Take no offense here, but the only critical stretch bolts on a car are the cylinderhead bolts and big end cap bolts on the con rods and maybe some bolts on the timing gear system. The aluminum bolts on the N52 are used only on the engine block for things that bolt to it, to get a level of precision of bolt torque you are seeking with a digital torque wrench plus angle is far overkill IMO. The only digital click-type torque wrench I have is a 1/2" drive, which I use for wheel bolts. I'm sure after 30-some plus years, it's not in calibration. Last edited by Efthreeoh; 01-10-2021 at 09:00 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-27-2020, 05:24 PM	#5
mehrlovin Private 11 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi E90 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Vienna, Virginia iTrader: (0)	I got a very good manual torque wrench from Tekton on Amazon.com. It is well made in Taiwan and calibrated from the factory. A few pounds off here and there are not a big deal. I have both 1/2 and 3/8 and I think its much better than relying on Harbor Freight. It does need to be stored properly to maintain its accuracy.
	Appreciate 0 Quote