aviator

thanks guys for all the suggestions. it made me think. electronic torque wrench might not just be an overkill; but, would need up keeping for the batteries. if the battery dies, the wrench becomes useless. so, instead i am thinking of click type wrench. but, i would prefer a good quality one even though its gonna be used primarily for changing wheels. but, the decent quality one is not cheap, obviously. i am thinking of getting this:

http://www.amazon.com/Snap--Industri...7957907&sr=1-7

thanks again.

Mrfixit687

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-46...-c3fr250f.aspx

Same as a snap on one.

D-Jetronic

For wheels, I would get 1/2. I got a snap on electronic torque wrench.

T-Smac

If you have the money and are willing to spend it on the torque wrench then I highly suggest a snap on one. I do believe they make one that goes up to 250 ft/lbs, if you want to look into that.

SeanK325

Unless you find an ignorant Sears employee, the craftsman torque wrenches are not covered under the lifetime warantee. They're considered precision tools.

And I agree with the Harbor Freight wrench. If it's just for lug nuts, then you don't need to spend 200 bucks. Waste of money. And get the 1/2".

SDgoods

No, i said i will never buy anything BUT a beam again. Not to mention this snap on beam will probably last me my lifetime. I also used it everyday multiple times for several years. Craftsman can be quality tools and probably close to half the price. Like i said if your not constantly using the tool you could probably get away with something a little lower on the spectrum.

Cornwell has a beam now for $200 thats exactly the same as the snap on, same company built it, except for the color of the handle. Youd be spending 200 dollars but it will last you a long long time.

JackS

The sweet spot of a torque wrench is the median of the scale. If your main use is lugs, look for a median 80/90 (ie 50/150 would be about 100). 1/2" drive is a must. You'll be busting 3/8" drives on a regular basis.

aviator

that's a good point about the median range to be accurate. that's why i chose not to go beyond 150 lb/ft since the primary need is for wheels.

here is what i am leaning toward:
http://www.amazon.com/Snap--Industri...8016461&sr=1-4

i also looked at Beam and Dial types. for a dummy like me, the click type seems like an easy thing to use. the only issue is the periodical calibration. of course, i moved away from electronic types, as recommended.

thanks everyone for pitching in and making suggestions. appreciate it.

cheers.

aviator

i have decided to stick to 150 since the primary use is for wheels. as suggested, the accuracy seems better in the median range.

thanks.

aviator

thanks dude. the Snap on has a better increment: 1 lb vs 5 on this one.