Torque Wrench question

[Yanpapa]

Hi everyone I'm new to this forum and so far I've learned a lot from its postings. I have a 97 Camry 5S-FE with 122K and attempting to do some work on front brakes and tune-up for a first time DIY(these were done by mechanics before). As I prepare myself for these jobs, notice I need a torque wrench. Question is that there are torque setting for bolts, lug nut and spark plug with anywhere from 13ft. lbs up to 79ft. lbs of a torque. Can you guys and gals recommend which torque wrench to get? Do I need a one for spark plug and one for other work? It seems that if I get a 10-100ft-lbs. torque wrench, it does a job but I just can't see using a 17" long and somewhat heavy wrench for spark plug tightening. May be I'm wrong. Does DIY people realy use torque wrench or go by a "feel"?
Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks.

[AyzhenInvasion]

some people go by feel. if u are a perfectionist or doesn't have the 'feel', then i would go for the torque wrench. and yes u can use that 3 foot torque wrench on spark plugs if you have it on the right setting. however when u do use that 3 foot bar on little things, make sure u don't apply much force =P. depending on the torque wrench, it will let you know one way or another that u have reached that torque. usually they will click. u can still turn it more after it clicks but then u'd be going over the setting. so once it clicks, just stop turning and u'll be fine =]

[DFBonnett]

Opinions vary on this so take mine FWIW. Rather than risk stripping something, easy enough to do on aluminum engines, I use a torque wrench whenever possible. I have a short, handy one in 3/8" that goes from 10 to 75 lbs/ft and a longer one in 1/2" that goes up to 150 lbs/ft. The first is primarily for engine work, the second for lug nuts on a few cars and my truck. Cheap insurance.
FWIW
YMMV

[Yanpapa]

Thanks for a info. So does it matter if I get one from local auto parts store or should I invest money for like a Snap-On, Mac, etc.? I know these are more expensive but is it last longer and may be more acurate?

[DFBonnett]

I bought the 3/8" at Sears for about $60 and the 1/2" from Harbor Freight for $10 on sale. The big one is a bit rough but accurate enough for lug nuts. Both are the click type.
If you were running a shop and were going to use it constantly then you might want to spend for real quality. For a driveway mechanic, what I bought is good enough so far.
FWIW
YMMV

[toyomoho]

As you will most likely only by one, suggest you pick something in the middle quality wise and the type you can set. The ones with the bending beam and analog meter work fine, but many times the fastener location precludes being able to read the gage. As suggested a lower torque range in-lb wrench is also very handy.

Take care of these tools and don’t drop them on ground as you would other wrenches.

[Squint]

I use CDI CompuTorq 3 electronic torque wrenches. They're about $200. I have both the 1/4" drive and 3/8" drive models. The two cover all of my bicycle and auto needs.

[TRDGen5.5camry]

I say Snap-on torque wrench

[ASG14]

I got both a FT/LBS and IN/LBS one from Sears (Craftsman). IF you have the $ to spare, I WOULD say go Snap On. But your looking at a heafty price.

[John Martens]

I picked up a micro-torque wrench from princess auto, goes to 250 inch/pounds, (12 inch pounds = 1 foot pound) for anything up to 20 ft/lbs, a needle deflection style torque wrench for anything up to 180 ft/lbs, and a electric torque wrench for anything up to 250 ft/lbs. Got them all at Princess auto for under $100 CDN.
Had a Snap-On screwdriver set once...gift from my former boss...he asked me once how they worked...told him they worked great for chipping ice outta the freezer....thought he was gonna stroke...lol...

[ASG14]

Originally Posted by John Martens

Had a Snap-On screwdriver set once...gift from my former boss...he asked me once how they worked...told him they worked great for chipping ice outta the freezer....thought he was gonna stroke...lol...