3/8 torque wrench or 1/2

[top_speed]

I'm buying 3/8 Mac torque wrench that is rated for 5-100ft, it does nm,ft/lb,in-lb,kg/cm and degree. Is it possibly to do degree that will probably exceed the 100ft??, let's say your torquing the headbolts and asks for 90degress and 90 degrees again, wouldn't that exceed over 100ft and would that damage the torque wrench? Or should I just go ahead and buy the 1/2 torque wrench?

[s dime]

If it asks for 90 degree, then 90 degree again, just use a wrench or ratchet? Or I can lend you a half inch torque wrench...

[RickDaTuner]

1/2 for head bolts! most times a head bolt will not exceed 80ft/lbs but there are a few that go well into the 140-160 range after market headbolt kits like ARP often go beyond that.

3/8 torque wrench with angle measurement is more for water pump, intake plenum and upper engine assembly, its definitely used for finer assemblies.

Also taking a none split beam style torque wrench beyond its rated torque, can permanently damage them, even the new electronic ones with the load cell sensors.

[top_speed]

Originally posted by s dime
If it asks for 90 degree, then 90 degree again, just use a wrench or ratchet? Or I can lend you a half inch torque wrench...
I'll just use a ratchet, thanks


Originally posted by RickDaTuner
1/2 for head bolts! most times a head bolt will not exceed 80ft/lbs but there are a few that go well into the 140-160 range after market headbolt kits like ARP often go beyond that.

3/8 torque wrench with angle measurement is more for water pump, intake plenum and upper engine assembly, its definitely used for finer assemblies.

Also taking a none split beam style torque wrench beyond its rated torque, can permanently damage them, even the new electronic ones with the load cell sensors.
Thanks for the info.

[Adrenaline101]

If doing the 90 degrees would exceed the 100ft lb it would damage the torque wrench. I have a Snap-on tech angle and double checked on that as a precaution right away.