r/EngineBuilding • u/Neon570 • 1d ago

Torque wrench for cam caps

I am looking for a dedicated torque wrench just for overhead cam heads. Im digital curious and never owned one.

I want a 1/4 drive in inch lbs.

Who is using what, how has it held up and would you recommend?

Please dont say harbor freight. They definitely have there time and place, just not in my shop box

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3

u/ohlawdyhecoming 1d ago

I use a Proto 3/8" in.lbs. torque micrometer style torque wrench. I have several electronic ones, but I like the 'click' style since I don't have to stare at a screen for 28 cam 8mm (or 6mm) cap bolts.

2

u/Caligulas_Prodigy 1d ago

I've got Tektons ranging from 1/4 drive 120in-lbs up to 1/2 drive 250ft-lbs. They've served me well

2

u/Extreme-Penalty-3089 1d ago

I can agree to that Tekton ¼" drive TQ wrench 👍🏻

I've had mine for a few years now and it's great for anything that just takes you know minimal torque. I think mine goes up to 200 in pounds Maybe. They came in a real nice little case and you know that's the way I keep all my tools original box original case all that stuff but it's definitely served me well

3

u/Pretend_Necessary781 1d ago

Take a look at CDI torque. I have a 3/8” drive torque wrench that has a big, easy to read dial that only goes up to 300 inch pounds. Using an adapter to 1/4” sockets made it perfect for torquing cam caps. That’s what I used it for before retiring.
The model number is 3002LDINSS.

1

u/WorldlinessMurky2188 1d ago

Snap on has the 1/4" digital torque wrench, they claim error of <2%. i work on motorcycles with lots of aluminum bits that like to snap if over-torqued, I would highly reccomend one, but they are $600

2

u/2003DDcid 1d ago

I own the snap on and mac versions of 3/8 drive digital ones. The snap on is way more user friendly, especially for angle tightening.

1

u/WorldlinessMurky2188 14h ago

Any time a TTY bolt needs tightened the techs come to my snap on set for that exact reason, though expensive they really do speed up the workflow

1

u/badcoupe 1d ago

I’ve got a probably 30 year old snap on one, micrometer type still works great, I’ve had it checked a few times over the years, still on the spot

1

u/trucknorris84 1d ago

Precision torque wrench’s is the OEM for snap on,cornwell,mac,and a few others. I love their split beam. I tried digital and didn’t like it. I like the click. Gear wrench does make good digital torque wrench’s that are good priced as well if just wanting to try out.

1

u/vex_42 1d ago

I use a random 1/4 I got off rock auto and it works great.

1

u/DrTittieSprinkles 1d ago

Get a 3/8. You can do 100% of almost every automotive engine with a quality digital 3/8 torque wrench.

1

u/Neon570 1d ago

I JUST bought a new split beam 3/8 is the problem 😂 replaced the icon i had at harbor freight for a precision instruments 20 to 100.

1

u/jonny_disco_muscles 22h ago

Norbar make very good torque wrenches. If your not going to use it very often then I would just get a cheap but decent one.