Originally posted by: tencubed
Originally posted by: watzupdog
may I suggest you spend some time in a hardware store that sells tools. Most of the stuff is self explanatory.
As long as its not autozone....
Posted by: tencubed
Originally posted by: muddstudd
watzupdog, what do you mean three different sizes of torque wrenches to assemble a trailer hitch?
It appears he is thinking the drive size of the torque wrench is the size nut it will fit. Apparently does not know you can put the size socket you need on the wrench.
Posted by: tencubed
Originally posted by: watzupdog
Did not know that the wrench could be fit with different size fittings for different size nuts. When I went to put together a multi fit reese trailer hitch it had 3 different size nuts that needed to be tighten down to different torque settings. I called autozone as they have loaner tools and they said that all they had was a 1/2 inch one and not a 3/4 one, with them saying that I figured each torque wrench came in its on size as does just a common wrench.... Thanks for the info..
Now that I can really believe. Makes me still laugh to think about it but I went to a local Autozone and ask the girl behind the counter where the fuses were. She gave me a look that can only be described as vacant and said "You'll have to go to a hardware store for those". Ask for the manager, he was gone for the day. Stopped in a few days later and talked to him. He said the turnover was horrible and it was impossible to hire good help with what they paid. If you want knowledgeable counter help I have had good luck at the NAPA stores in various areas and most CAPS stores are good. Schuck's, well it depends on the store you hit. Good luck and may I suggest you spend some time in a hardware store that sells tools. Most of the stuff is self explanatory.
Posted by: JeffinTD
Red locktite is a good idea.
Sears has some mid-priced torque wrenches you might think about. In addition to trailer stuff, it's a good idea to use one on lug nuts and other stuff.
Posted by: JeffinTD
I was thinking one of the cheaper torque wrenches would be adequate for hitches, lug nuts and what not (lug nuts on tandem axles need to be checked frequently).
Here is one with a 250 ft/lb range, 1/2 drive.
Crafstman 25-250 torque wrench
Torque wrenches are more accurate in the upper part of their range, so one of these with a 20-150 range might work better for what you want.
20-150 torque wrench
You probably get more accuracy with the super-high dollar ones, but one of the mid-quality ones is probably adequate, and way better than nothing. I'd avoid the no-brand junk ones.
If all you are ever going to do is install a trailer ball, then I wouldn't bother, but if you do some general mechanic stuff yourself, having a couple of torque wrenches is pretty much a must. A 3/8 drive one for smaller stuff is also nice to have around.
Posted by: JeffinTD
Yeah, after reading that last reply I was wondering that, too.
If that's the case, then by way of explanation 1/2" refers to the size of the square drive that the wrench uses to drive sockets, extensions and so on.
1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive are generally used for automobiles and motorcycles, with 1" drive often being used in commercial trucks and equipment.
Posted by: MK19
I have never used a tourqe wrench on a trailer ball. I just use a air wrench and
tourqe it down as far as it will go.
Posted by: booboobear
put a pipe wrench on the nut and crank it down until you cant tighten no more, i have never torqued a ball down with a torque wrench, I haul bobcat trailers, 12,000lbs enclosed trailer for my plumbing work, and a 30ft camper, plus small trailers
Posted by: 97xplorer
Originally posted by: booboobear
put a pipe wrench on the nut and crank it down until you cant tighten no more, i have never torqued a ball down with a torque wrench, I haul bobcat trailers, 12,000lbs enclosed trailer for my plumbing work, and a 30ft camper, plus small trailers
agree, thats what i use and works fine.
Posted by: muddstudd
watzupdog, what do you mean three different sizes of torque wrenches to assemble a trailer hitch?
Posted by: muddstudd
thats what i was wondering about. i've been in the automotive field for several years and never used anything bigger than a 1/2 inch drive torque wrench. that includes vehicles as big as the f-550.
