I don't have my own torque wrench Is there one size or model that will cover most jobs on our cars or do I have to buy a couple of different ones. I need it to do everything from plug changes to some suspension work. I'm no pro so will not get used that much so don't need anything super heavy duty. And of course buget is always a consideration.
Thanks

 

I have 3 Craftsmen torque wrenches, each serves its own purpose. I have a 1/2 drive in ft-lbs, a 3/8 drive in ft-lbs, and a 3/8 drive in inch-lbs. I usually use the 3/8 drive ft-lb torque wrench for most of my duties that are either engine or suspension related.

 

I just got a 1/2 drive from oreily's. Couldn't shell out the big bucks for a craftsmen tho, so i got some off brand, but it seems to work fine so far.

 

I have a ratcheting 1/2 inch drive torque wrench. It is really nice. It beats the hell out of my other torque wrench with the needle. It was 75$. The wrench might be a bit long for doing plugs though...

 

I have a 1/2 Snap-on one that goes from 50-250 ft. lbs(don't use it that much), 3/8 craftsman 10-75 ft. lbs. (I use this one the most and it's on sale right now for $65 at sears) and I also have a 3/8 craftsman inch lb.

 

I bought a pair of cheap beam and needle type Craftsman from Sears.
A 3/8" that goes to 75 ft/lbs for most repairs, and a 1/2" that goes to 150 ft/lbs for suspension and lug nut type repairs.

Are they highly accurate? Probably not. But I paid like $20 a piece for them, and I'd bet (since they're Craftsman) that they're accurate enough for use if well taken care of.

 

I have found that if your halfway serious about working on the car you will need a ft lb and an inch lb torque wrench.
You can do what I did and buy a 1/2 inch ft lb wrench and use a reducer so you can use 3/8 sockets on it.

The inch lb torque wrench actually comes in real handy at times.