Torque wrench question

[JadaMonds]

About to torque a crank bolt to around 180 something ft/lbs and need a torque wrench that goes up to 250-350 ft/lbs. I already have lots of 1/2in drive sockets, so sticking with that would be a bit easier. A 3/4in drive seems stronger, but Id need adapters or new sockets, and i dont work on large vehicles. I'm not worried about leverage since I use a 4' pipe anyway. What's your experience using 1/2in vs 3/4in drive torque wrenches for high torque jobs?

 

[OdyRider]

I know how that is! A 1/2 drive torque wrench (250-300 ft/lbs) should work, but you'll be close to its limit. A 3/4 is stronger for high torque, but it might be too much unless you often deal with bolts over 300 ft/lbs. Plus, you'd need adapters or new sockets.

Is this a one-time thing, or do you often work with strong bolts, how much space do you have? Some 3/4 wrenches are big around engines. Which brands are you considering?

 

[Maroon]

About to torque a crank bolt to around 180 something ft/lbs and need a torque wrench that goes up to 250-350 ft/lbs. I already have lots of 1/2in drive sockets, so sticking with that would be a bit easier. A 3/4in drive seems stronger, but Id need adapters or new sockets, and i dont work on large vehicles. I'm not worried about leverage since I use a 4' pipe anyway. What's your experience using 1/2in vs 3/4in drive torque wrenches for high torque jobs?

What brand or model of 1/2in torque wrench are you considering, and do you know its max rated torque and how close you'd be pushing it to the limit at 180+ ft/lbs?

 

[nightowl88]

To be fair, if the wrench can do 250 or 300, then you're fine with 1/2. Sure, it's close to the limit, but I'd still call it safe. Yeah, a 3/4 will be stronger, but if you're not planning on doing this often, you'll probably be fine.