Torque wrench recommendations

[Everwild]

Any RV-10 builder recommendations on what torque wrench(s) to purchase to get through the build and beyond?

Is there one wrench that will do, or do I need different wrenches for different ranges / jobs?

I like to buy quality tools (buy once) but not necessarily looking for the most expensive option.

What do the A&Ps (professionals) in the crowd use?

Thanks!

[rockwoodrv9]

I knew almost nothing about torque wrenches. I had never used one until I built my plane. Previously I just tightened nuts on bolts as tight as I could. It never occurred to me a bolt could stretch. I had never built anything out of metal or aluminum and wood is much more forgiving.

I bought 2 of torque wrenches. One for inch pounds and one for foot pounds. I am OK using them and Im sure of my results for direct wrench - socket torque. If you use an extension or other adapters, you could have incorrect results. I have no idea how to figure those. I need a mentor for that.

The other thing to check is accuracy. For that you need someone who knows what they are doing and has a way to verify. There is way more to using them than just pulling until it clicks.

Good luck.

I just noticed you are not that far from me. If you are ever in the Lansing - Mason area, let me know.

[BillL]

CDI is a good brand.
I find the wrench part number then google for a price. Like Zoro

Take care and they should last a long time. I have a MAC 250 ft-lb unit purchased in 1974 and it is still in calibration per electronic test. Used on hundreds of engine rebuilds.

[wirejock]

Originally Posted by BillL

CDI is a good brand.
I find the wrench part number then google for a price.

Take care and they should last a long time. I have a MAC 250 ft-lb unit purchased in 1974 and it is still in calibration per electronic test. Used on hundreds of engine rebuilds.

Same here. CDI. Someone mentioned they make torque wrenches for Snap On.

I have a 1/4" in/lb and a 3/8" ft/lb. I also have a 1/4" torque screwdriver. Handy for really low settings down to 5 in/lbs. I wish I had a CDI dial type. It would be nice to read running torque instead of using the screwdriver or multiple tests to figure it out.

My big dog is a Home Depot. Seems fine but hasn't been tested in a long time.

[AV8ER]

I have the CDI dial type and love them. Note that a torque wrench has almost no accuracy in the lower scale of its range so lower scale wrenches are necessary. I got a beam type with a ratcheting head for big stuff. Really love that one too.

I wrote up some info on the wrenches I have.

https://n7zk.com/build-log/torque-wrench-solved/

[Everwild]

Originally Posted by AV8ER

I wrote up some info on the wrenches I have.

Thank you for the helpful write up. The VS and HS have #8 and AN3 fasteners, so I'll give the CDI 0-75 in-lb dial type a try to start. The 0-300 in-lb is out of stock everywhere.

[rgmwa]

I have 1/4" and 3/8" Norbar torque wrenches. Also very good.
https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=norbar...l_8pvvra74mr_b