How important is a torque wrench?

[euroshark]

I'm gonna say NO, you do not need a torque wrench to do most jobs that do not involve internal compnents, suspension, or wheels. Why? Because most everything is either a bolt going into aluminum or into the iron block. When tightening bolts into aluminum, just like ^^ he said, you have to feel it. Don't overtighten, because if you do, the bolt won't generally break, the aluminum that you are putting the bolt into WILL. With aluminum, "tight" is good, it doesn't have to be so tight that you can not move it anymore when you wail on it!

Into iron, it's kind of the same thing. The iron blocks can break in some areas if you tighten fastners too much, but it can also destroy even high brade hardware, just depends on the day I guess! Same basic rule though, tight is good, it doesn't have to be set in stone!

If you were dealing with rod bearings, you'd need a torque wrench, because its a precise job. But seriously, hardware and stuff on the outside of the motor is 99.99999% of the time ok to judge by hand, it's just not precision stuff!

When my dad used to build dragsters, the crew chief he worked with always said: "Tight is tight. Too tight is fucking broke!" , I think thats good to remember for any automotive job... just keep that in mind. You don't need a torque wrench to do a timing belt. ;)

[DanGillan]

you're an idiot. i guess you can never teach an ignorant person the importance of something.

[DanGillan]

But seriously, hardware and stuff on the outside of the motor is 99.99999% of the time ok to judge by hand, it's just not precision stuff!

fucking RETARD

[browntown]

those needle style torque wrenches work fine, go to sears and buy one. They're cheap, and a whole lot better than nothing at all.

[misterlance]

Buy a torque wrench. Understand that most bolts on a BMW are designed to snap at a certain point as to not destroy the Alum and Iron being bolted to.

Snapping bolts is by far the most irritating thing to happen while working on a BMW. Doing everything you can to avoid this until you are experienced, would be wise.

IMO.

[JasonC]

i'd say no, unless you are the Incredible Hulk and like to overtighten everything

[ldsbeaker]

Buy two. One for the low range, one for the high. You might spend $150 at Sears. whoopty doo. Just think of how many times you've had to do something again because you grrrr'd it up the first time. Do it right the first time, and leave it at that.

p.s. never loan them out. They will come back to you tightened to the highest setting, and looking like an elephant sat on them.

[Simon S]

those needle style torque wrenches work fine, go to sears and buy one. They're cheap, and a whole lot better than nothing at all.

second this. A beam style is great for beginners - it will at least begin to teach you how certian torque values feel

[kansas-ix]

Important enough to be on your X-mas list!

[DarkWing6]

I've done my cars without one, nothing has exploded.

Except for belts on the freeway with other people driving. :D

[LINUS]

You're already saving a boatload of cash working on your own car, so spend some of that money on a real torque wrench so you don't have to pay a mechanic to re-fix your car for you later.
Beams are **fine**, but you sometimes need the ratchet action in places, at least I do because I really only like 6 point sockets. I own some 12's, but they are all in my travel toolbox.

But quit being such a cheapass, get a torque wrench.