If you are looking to do a spot of carpentry or wood working you are going to need a coping saw. The right coping saw can help you to get those jobs done quickly, and with little fuss. However, there are so many different coping saws on the market these days that it’s often hard to know which saw really is the right one for you. Here is where we have come in and helped: we have selected 5 of what we believe to be the very best coping saws on the market right now, making choosing the best saw just that little bit easier.

Product and reviews

Buying Guide

Size

The size of the saw that you end up buying will ultimately depend on the size of the blade you need. The size of the blade can vary between 4 and 6 inches, and this measurement is the distance between the frame and the blade. This area is typically known as ‘The throat’.

Your choice of blade will depend on the type of work that you’re planning to undertake, however, some 4-inch blades can be just as good as some 6-inch blades. One tip when you’re looking to buy a particular sized saw is to take a look at the packaging and see what the saw can be used with. Once you have found a saw that is ideal for the job that you need doing, try to find some replacement blades that fit in the saw. Some blades will be made by the very same manufacturer, whereas others will be made by someone else, but they may still be compatible.

Shape of Blade

The shape of the blade that you buy will be fully dependent on the job that you want to do. For example, if you plan on cutting wood, you will need a blade that is fine or coarse. If you wish to cut tiles, you will need to look for a carbide-encrusted tungsten wire. If you would like to cut plastic, you will need to use a blade that has helical teeth. These are teeth that allow you to cut into the plastic in all directions.

Price

The price that you pay for your coping saw will depend on a few things:

• How much you ultimately want to pay for the saw.
• How many times you are likely to use your new coping saw.
• Whether you think spending a lot of money on a saw means                                      you will get a much better cut.

If you take a look at the saws above you will see that they are all priced differently. Each of these saws are known for their quality, but if you do not want to pay $86 for a saw that you won’t use very often, you may be happier with a much lower price. Some cheaper saws are thought to be just as good as some of the more expensive brands, but again it depends on what you want to use the saw for, and how often you wish to use it.

If you are only planning on using your saw once or twice a month, you may want to opt for the cheapest saw, as you won’t need to spend too much money on it. However, if it’s important that you have a really good quality cut each and every time, it may be worth your while spending more money on a coping saw.

Questions 

What materials can I use it on?

The range of materials that you can use you coping saw on will depend on the blade that you’re using.

Wood - Different coping saws come with different blades, and it’s the difference in the blades that can make the saw ideal for use on a wide range of materials. Some blades are ideal for use on wood, and these blades are usually fine or coarse. The fine blades can cut tight curves, but they are a little slower to use however, they are ideal if you wish to cut a small curve.

Coarse blades have less than 15 teeth per inch, and this means the blade can cut the wood quite quickly, making it ideal when you need to cut a straight line.

Metal - Some blades are made from high carbon steel, and it’s these blades that make the coping saw ideal for use with metal.

Plastic - Place a blade that has helical teeth into your coping saw, so that it can cut plastic.

Tiles - If you would like to cut tiles with your coping saw, you will need to use a carbide-encrusted tungsten wire, so that you can do the job smoothly and relatively easily.

What shape blade should I go for?

As we have already seen, the shape of the blade that you by will be fully dependent on the job that you want to do. For example, if you plan on cutting wood, you will need a blade that is fine or coarse. If you wish to cut tiles, you will need to look for a carbide-encrusted tungsten wire. If you would like to cut plastic, you will need to use a blade that has helical teeth. These are teeth that allow you to cut into the plastic in all directions.

If it’s likely that you’re only going to be cutting wood, it would be wise to opt for a fine or a coarse blade. Coarse blades can help you to cut the wood quickly, making it so much easier if you want to cut the wood in a straight line.

Please make sure you only ever use the right blade, as using the wrong type of blade will result in a less-than-perfect cut, and you could ultimately damage the blade, and the surface you’re trying to cut. Please make sure you always wear suitable protection, as there is always a chance that the blade could snap, particularly if you’re not using the right blade for the job.

How long is the life expectancy?

The life expectancy of your blade and the coping saw itself will depend on how often you use it, and if you look after it. For example, an $86 coping saw could last just a few months if you don’t take care of it, fail to clean the blade, and you don’t store it properly. Alternatively, a very cheap saw could last for years if you take good care of it, store it properly, and always clean the blade after use.

It is hard to say exactly how long a coping saw will last, but if you keep it clean, make sure the blade is tight, you could potentially lengthen its life.

Conclusion

There are some great coping saws on the market right now, and we believe that the above 5 saws are the best out there. Choose from one of the above coping saws so that you can get your wood working and carpentry jobs done quickly, using a saw that works well for you.

If you have any other questions or worries please contact us, or if you have any comments or improvements please leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

If you have a lot of jobs to do around your home or in the workshop, you may need to use a corded drill. However, there are so many different types and makes of corded drill on the market these days that it’s often hard to know which is the right one for you. The good news is that we can help you find the right corded drill, simply because we have reviewed 5 drills that we think are the best on the market right now. This means you are one step closer to finding a corded drill that can help you get your jobs done quickly and effectively.

Product Reviews

Buying Guide

Power

Some drills come with a lot of power, and some drills have a lot less power. The type of drill that you will end up buying may depend on the jobs that you need to do. If you are going to use the drill to make holes in hard materials you will need a drill that has a slow speed. This is because you will need to take extra care when drilling, and a high-speed drill could potentially make the job quite difficult.

If you are looking to drill into soft materials, you may need to think about purchasing a drill that offers a high speed. This is because the high speed will offer you the chance to get the job done quickly and accurately. However, if you think you may need to use a drill on a variety of materials, you should ideally look for one that offers you a range of speeds. Most drills on the market these days do offer a range of speeds, but some are a little slower or quicker than others.

Torque

Some drills allow you to adjust the force of the drill’s rotation. Being able to adjust the rotation can help to reduce the risk of damaging the material you’re drilling into, and the drill itself. Not every drill offers you the chance to adjust the setting, but if an adjustable torque is what you need, then it’s probably worth your while investing in a drill that has this option.

You may be interested to know that the higher the speed of the drill, the lower the torque is, so be on the look-out for a drill that offers a high speed so you can lower the risk of damaging the material you’re drilling into, and the drill itself. If you’re not sure that the drill you’re interested in buying offers an adjustable torque, take a look at the packaging, or ask the manufacturer/seller for more information.

Model

The model of the corded drill that you end up buying will ultimately depend on a few things:

• How much you want to pay for a corded drill
• How often you will use the drill
• What materials you plan to drill into

If you want to pay less than $50 for a corded drill, you need to understand that the drill won’t be top-of-the-range. If you would like a top-of-the-range drill, you will ultimately have to pay a lot more money. Some of the best drills on the market can cost more than $100, so if you’re looking for a good quality drill that will last a long time, you should be prepared to pay more for it.

When it comes to frequency of use, it’s probably wise to spend less money on a drill if you’re not going to use it very often. This is because some of the cheapest drills are made to be used occasionally. If you are looking for a drill to use quite often then you may need to pay a bit more money as the more expensive corded drills tend to be ideal for frequent use.

If you’re not sure what model you should buy think about what you want to use the drill for, and whether you need it to have a lot of power and torque. Once you know what kind of drill you need, you will have a better idea of which drill is suitable.

Weight

While not everyone considers the weight of the drill to be very important, it really is something potential buyers should pay attention to. Lightweight drills are so much easier to use than their heavier counterparts, but these drills are typically made to be used with lighter jobs around the home. If you buy a heavier corded drill it will be ideal for tougher jobs around the home, and in the workshop too.

Questions

Why Corded?

Corded drills can offer you a lot more power than some cordless drills. They also give you a steady flow of power that shouldn’t fade over time like cordless drills can. Cordless drills come with batteries that need to be charged, which isn’t always convenient or ideal. A corded drill will also give you power when you need it, as well as constantly offering you a lot more power than its corded counterpart.

If you’re building a new garage for example, and you need a drill to help you with a range of jobs, you will need to make sure that you have a power source at all times. Using an extension cord will solve the issue if you don’t have access to electricity in the garage right now, and will mean that you don’t have to spend money on a battery powered drill that could need charging at the most inconvenient times.

What can you use corded drills on?

Corded drills can be used on:

• Hard or soft wood
• Starter or pilot holes
• Metals including steel
• Countersinking
• Ceramic and glass
• Circular cuts for piping
• Plaster, brick, concrete, and stone

As you can see, there are a lot of different uses for a cordless drill, making them one of the best pieces of equipment you can have in your home or workshop. Of course, some drills may be better at making starter or pilot holes than other models, and some may be better for use with plaster or concrete, but ultimately all drills can be used in a variety of ways.

If you have a lot of jobs to do and you want to get them done properly using a piece of equipment that has a lot of power, use a corded drill.

Conclusion

There are a lot of corded drills on the market right now, but we hope that you can find the right drill for you from the selection above. With the ability to help you work with a variety of materials, and offer you a selection of speeds, each of these drills will help you to get the job done properly. Now it’s over to you to choose the drill you want.

If you have any other questions or worries please contact us, or if you have any comments or improvements please leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

If you have any other questions or worries please contact us, or if you have any comments or improvements please leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

Finding the right miter saw blade is not always that easy, particularly as there are so many different blades on the market right now. Some miter saws need to be used with very specific blades, whereas others can be used with a range of compatible blades. Regardless of what type of saw you have, you may struggle to find the right blade. However, we have made life a little easier for you and reviewed 5 of the very best blades so you can get that little bit closer to finding the right blade for the job. Take a look below for more information:

Product Reviews

Buying guide

Slide action

Some saws come with a slide action that allows the user to cut very wide pieces of wood. If you are looking to use a slide, action saw, you would need to make sure that the blade is suitable for this. If the blade you are using is not suitable for use in a slide action saw, you will need to purchase one that is. The size of the (suitable) blade and its specifications will tell you whether it is suitable for use in this type of saw. If you plan to cut very wide pieces of wood, you will need to use a big blade that has a larger width that can be used in a sliding saw.

Size of blade

The type of blade that you buy will be determined by the type of material you wish to cut. The blade itself will also determine the depth of the cut. A blade that comes with a 30mm bore is ideal for use in a saw that has a 30mm bore. You will need to check your user manual for information about the blade diameters that you can use, so make sure you read up on this and only stick to using blades that are within the suggested minimum and maximum range.

When it comes to the diameter of the blade, you will need to make sure that you use the right size blade as per your saw. If you use a blade that is too large, you may end up damaging the guard that you have fitted, rendering it unsafe. Always use the recommended diameter so you are working safely and effectively.

Some miter saws come with an 8-inch blade, but others have a 10 or 12 inch blade. The size of the saw will depend on the job that you need to do. Some blades are multipurpose, which means they can cut more than one different type of material, but you will find there are also specific blades for use with specific materials. For example, some blades are made to be used with wood, others with aluminum, and others with steel. It is therefore important that you buy the right blade for the job. 

Questions

How long will it last?

The life of each miter saw blade would differ depending on what material you are cutting, and how well the blade has been made. You can potentially extend the life of your blade if you keep it clean, and only use it with the right materials. You may need to have your blade re-sharpened from time to time, and doing so could extend its life, meaning you could have the same blade for up to 10 years. Once your blade has been re-sharpened, wipe a little bit of oil onto the washers that touch the blade so that it stays lubricated. This will lengthen the blades life, and make cutting so much easier.

Some blades are inevitably better quality than others, meaning some will last a year or two, and others could last 10 times as long. It all depends on how much money you are willing to spend, and how often you use your saw.

How to attach a blade

Attaching a blade to a saw is not that difficult, but the methods you use can depend on the saw’s make and model. However, once you have changed one saw blade, you will know how to change blades on most other models out there.

To begin with, you need to ensure the saw is turned off. Then remove the blade guard by loosening the screw, once you have done that simply move the guard out of the way. Press the spindle lock so that the blade is secure, and then take an Allen wrench and use it to turn the bolt that holds the blade to the saw. Remove the outer washer and dispose of the blade carefully.

Read your user is manual to make sure that you know how to replace the blade. Some makes and models do differ in their replacement guide, so be sure to follow the instructions. Wipe a little bit of oil onto the washers that touch the blade so that it stays lubricated. Now take your new blade and install it so that the teeth are facing down. Put the outer washer back on, and tighten it. Now fasten the bolt with your Allen wrench so it is nice and tight. Now take a screwdriver and attach the blade guard. Your saw blade should now be ready to use.

Should you buy a cheap blade and often or expensive and long-term?

Some miter saw blades can be quite expensive and their price could ultimately prevent you from buying them. Some cheaper models are thought to be just as good as some of the more expensive ones, but some of them are not so great. If you plan to be, using your miter saw a lot, you may want to think about buying a more expensive blade, as you could have the same blade for up to 10 years.

If you are not planning to use your miter saw very often, then a cheaper blade may be ideal. Please make sure that you only ever use a blade that is thought to be compatible with your saw, as using the wrong type of blade could cause serious injury.

As we have already seen, some blades are inevitably better quality than others, meaning some will last a year or two, and others could last 10 times as long. It all depends on how much money you are willing to spend, and how often you use your saw.

Should you buy the same brand as your Miter Saw?

The manufacturers of your miter saw are likely to state that you should only use the saw blades that they recommend. However, some cheaper saw blades are likely to be compatible with your brand, although the quality of the cut may not be quite as good. If you need to use a blade that has a high quality cut, you may want to stick with using the same brand as your miter saw, however if you don’t need a high quality cut, a cheaper brand may work just as well. Please note that if an issue with your miter saw arises while you are using a cheaper blade, your warranty may no longer be valid. It may, therefore, be wise to keep using the right branded miter saws until your warranty expires.

Conclusion

By now, you should have a much better idea about the type of miter saw blade you wish to buy. Think about what you need it for, how often you are going to use it, and of course, how much you are willing to pay for it. Use the above blades as a guide so you are that little bit closer to finding the right miter saw blade for you.

If you have any other questions or worries please contact us, or if you have any comments or improvements please leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

If you’re looking for a track saw to help you cut long pieces of wood you may be forgiven for thinking there are a lot of different saws on the market. Finding the right track saw for you can potentially be quite hard as most models claim to be the best there is, making selecting a track saw quite difficult. The good news is that we have compiled a list of the 5 best track saws around, so your job is a lot easier. Take a look below for more details about the 5 best track saws on the market right now:

Product Reviews

Buying Guide

Size

In some respects, the size of the track saw can be quite irrelevant, simply because the over-all size may not be indicative of the size of the blade. However, if you are looking to use a tracksaw in a confined area, this is where size will begin to matter. Track saws that come with a low profile blade, such as the DEWALT DWS520K are ideal for use in smaller areas, and are therefore ideal if you have a small workshop, or you simply don’t wish to use a large track saw.

The fact that you can cut your wood on site means that you don’t have to look for extra space where you can cut the wood to size.

Depth of Cut

If you are looking for a blade that has a very specific depth of cut, you may be pleased to find out that many blades have a good depth. The depth on most track saws can be preset, meaning you can choose the depth that you need, every single time.

When you push the track saw forward the riving knife is lowered meaning you get a safe cut every single time.

Anti kick back

The anti-kick back feature that is present on most track saws makes the tool so much easier to use. If your track saw did not have this feature using it would be quite a bit harder as the saw would move slightly in response to the wood it’s cutting. With the anti-kick back feature, you should feel no kick back at all, or very little kick back at least. This means you can get on with the job in hand with minimal fuss, knowing you can cut as straight as you like.

Dust Collection

The dust collection feature which is present on most track saws is perhaps one of the best features that the saws have. If you have ever used a saw or another power tool that does not collect dust, you will know how hard and messy jobs can be. Occasionally dust may even get in the way of your light of sight, meaning you may not be able to saw in a straight line. This could ultimately mean that you cannot get the job done properly.

The dust collection/extraction feature is ideal for those bigger jobs, and in most cases, the collector is in the same position where the dust is generated, meaning you will have a much cleaner cutting process, without worrying about making a mess.

Some saws come with the option for you to connect the dust collector to a collection system or a shop vacuum. The option of connecting the collector to the shop’s vacuum could potentially make life a lot easier for you if you tend to collect all of your dust in one place. However, if you are happy to use the on-board collection system, you can simply empty it when it’s full, or at the end of every job.

Questions

Can a track saw replace a table saw?

In some cases a track saw can completely replace a table saw if you’re looking to make miter or crosscuts. A track saw can make these jobs so much easier, however, this type of saw isn’t ideal for jobs that include rip cuts. This ultimately means that you may still need to use a table saw, whilst also using your new track saw.

Some track saw users will tell you that you can use a track saw in place of a table saw, however, it does entirely depend on the jobs you want to do, and how much wood you need to cut. Before you get rid of your table saw it would be wise to find out which jobs your new track saw can do, and which ones it can’t do. If for example, you won’t ever need to do any rip cuts, a track saw may be the only tool that you need.

What is a track saw used for?

A track saw is used for making very straight cuts whilst using a track, which may also be known as a ‘Guide’. Track saws are thought to be absolutely ideal for those jobs where you need very smooth and highly accurate cuts. Most table saws and circular saws will not offer the same quality of cut that a track saw offers, so if you are looking for a very smooth and high-quality finish, this is the type of saw to go for.

How to use a track saw?

Ensure that the blade you’re using is sharp enough, blades that aren’t sharp will not do the job properly. Once you’re satisfied that the blade is ok, adjust the riving knife and ensure it’s aligned with the blade so as to help prevent kickbacks.

Now you need to set the right cutting depth, make sure you set it properly as the right depth will result in a good cut. Try not to set the depth too deep as it could compromise the cut’s quality. Now take hold of the saw, and hold it firmly so you don’t get much kickback.

You should consider using a track rail that will help to guide the saw along, while making accurate cuts. An added benefit of using a track rail is that it also works as a safety feature helping to protect the user from splinters that can be quite nasty.

Before you make your first cut you should make sure that the cutting path is clear, and nothing is going to get in the way of the saw. Once you’ve established that the cutting path is clear, press both power buttons at the same time. 1 button will lower the saw, and the other will get the blade moving. Now you need to wait for the blade to get up to full-speed, as doing so will help to prevent some kickbacks. Now you’re ready to cut.

Conclusion

Finding the right track saw can be hard, but hopefully we have made life a little easier for you. The above track saws are thought to be the best on the market right now. Why not consider purchasing one of the above track saws so that you can get a wide range of jobs done with very little effort?

If you have any other questions or worries please contact us, or if you have any comments or improvements please leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

If you tend to do a lot of sanding, and you don’t need to use a large sander, a palm sander may be exactly what you need. Offering more control, and the chance to sand a wider variety of materials that come in different shapes and sizes, palm sanders could help you to achieve a better finish, in no time at all. There are a lot of palm sanders on the market, however, we have picked what we believe are the palm sanders for sale right now. But remember that sanding creates a lot of mess so if you are interested in buying a sander like this, have a look at dust collectors. Back to palm sanders look below for more information:

Product Reviews

Buying guide

Size

The size of the palm sander that you buy will depend on a few things: what you need the sander for, how much you’re willing to pay, and how large or small your hands are.

Some large sanders are capable of sanding a large surface area in one go, making them ideal for those larger tasks that you need to get done quickly. Smaller sanders will cover a smaller surface, but they do allow you to have a little more control, meaning you can sand an area as much or as little as you like.

Some larger sanders can be slightly more expensive than the smaller ones, but this is not always the case. Prices can and often do vary between makes and models, so you will need to think about how big you need your sander to be, and how much you are willing to pay for it.

Lastly, many sanders have been made so that they can be operated by people with large hands. However, if you have small hands, you may want to opt for a sander that has a slightly smaller handle. Try to look for a sander than comes with a smaller handle, so you can grip it properly, and thereby have a lot more control.

Shape

Sanders come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, giving you the chance to choose the right sander for the jobs you need to do. Some sanders sit more upright than others, while some offer you the chance to work that little bit closer to the surface so that you have more control over what you are doing.

Some sanders come with rubber pads that can be interchanged, so you can sand carvings, moldings, and other surfaces. Others come with a pointed or triangular pad that allows you to sand some tight areas and corners.

Power

The more power a sander has, the faster it works, but if you are using a small sander that does not have a lot of power, you may not necessarily get the job done quickly. If you want a sander that has a lot of power, and covers a large area, you may find it hard to control. Of course, we all want to use a sander that has the ability to get the job done quickly, but if that means the quality of the job is not what you hoped it would be, you may have to opt for a slightly less powerful model.

Corded or Not

Corded sanders typically allow you to work as long as you need to, whereas battery powered sanders will only work until the battery runs out. The benefit of using a battery sander is that they are generally a lot safer to use as you don’t have a cord to avoid tripping over. Corded sanders may also limit your reach as they need to be used near an outlet, where as a battery-powered sander gives you the opportunity to use it where you please, without restriction.

Please make sure you always have some spare batteries to hand, so you can replace them when you need to.

Dust Collection

Sanding even the smallest surface can create a lot of dust, this is why it is recommended that you purchase a palm sander that comes with a dust bag. Some dust bags are bigger than others, and some even show you how much dust you have collected, so you can empty the bag when you need to. Try to opt for a palm sander that has a bag that’s easy to remove, empty, and re-attach so you can get back to sanding in no time. Which you can find reviews on in power tools at the menu bar.

Questions

Do I need variable speed?

Some palm sanders offer variable speed, allowing you to get greater control when you need it the most. The speed of a sander is dictated by the length of the strokes. A sander with a shorter stroke will have a slower speed, and a sander with a longer stroke will offer you a much quicker speed.

Sanders that come with variable speeds are usually ideal for sanding soft wood, allowing you to switch between finishing work, rough sanding, and back again. If you plan to be doing a lot of different jobs, you may wish to opt for a variable speed sander so that you have the right amount of speed when you need it the most.

How much should I pay for a palm sander?

As we have seen, palm sanders do differ in price, and while you may be tempted to opt for the cheapest palm sander you come across, it may not necessarily have the features that you need (Variable speed, different attachments etc.). If you would like to pay as little as possible for a sander, you may ultimately be missing out, and you could even find that you need to buy an additional sander so you can get the job done properly.

Look for a sander that is at least $50, and offers you everything you need, and perhaps a little bit more. For example, you may not currently need a palm sander that comes with 8 different attachments, but if it’s likely that you will in the near future, it would be wise investing in one now.

How much power should I get?

As we have already seen, the more power a sander has, the faster it works, but if you are using a small sander that does not have a lot of power, you may not necessarily get the job done quickly. If you want a sander that has a lot of power, and covers a large area, you may find it hard to control. This is why beginners are encouraged to use a sander that has a lot less power. Once you have become used to sanding, you may want to opt for a more powerful sander like a disc sander, should you need one.

What other things do you need?

When using a palm sander, you will need to make sure you have enough sander paper to get the job done. Sanders typically come with a few sheets of paper, but it’s likely that each sheet will get worn down quite quickly. It would, therefore, be sensible to have enough sander paper in stock before you get to work. Please note that sander paper does vary in size and shape, so you will need to make sure that the sander paper you buy is compatible with your palm sander. The good news is that sander paper is relatively cheap, meaning you can get plenty in stock so you can finish the job on time, without interruption.

Conclusion

The right palm sander for you will depend on your budget, how much power you need, and what you need to use it for There are a lot of different palm sanders on the market right now, but we are confident that you will find the right sander for you in the above list.

If you have any other questions or worries please contact us, or if you have any comments or improvements please leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

If you’re about to undertake a variety of jobs that might include unscrewing nuts and bolts that are tight, you will need to buy a torque wrench. A torque wrench can help you get a grip on that really tight bolt that just doesn’t seem to want to budge, making your life so much easier. There are many different types of torque wrench on the market today so it may be hard to choose the right one, so we have done a bit of research and reviewed what we think are the 5 best torque wrenches, so you are a little bit closer to finding the right one for you.

Products Reviews

Buying guide

Size

Torque wrenches can come in many different sizes, and their size is usually dependent on the type of job that they allow you to do. The size of the torque wrench will correspond with the torque range, which means the bigger the wrench, the tougher the jobs it can do.

For example, a torque wrench with a 1/4” drive is ideal for smaller nuts and bolts and is typically ideal for work that ranges from 50 to 250 inch/pounds.

• 3/8” drive = For work that ranges from 15 to 75 foot/pounds, making it ideal for use on most cars and smaller, lighter trucks.
• ½” drive =  For work that ranges from 30 to 250 foot/pounds, making it ideal for use on engine mounts, suspension, and transmission mounts.
• 3/4” drive =  3/4” drives are ideal for center lug wheels, and while most people will not need a torque that offers this much power unless they regularly work with vehicles. You are likely to find this type of torque wrench in professional garages as the jobs that are undertaken will require a larger amount of force.
• If you’re not sure what size torque wrench you’ll need, please refer back to this section and think about the jobs you’re going to undertake.

Manual or electric/pneumatic

Both manual and electric torque wrenches are available, but you may be unsure as to the type of wrench you should buy. Electric tools typically offer you the chance to get your job done quickly, and with little fuss. Using a manual tool will mean that you will have to do the job yourself, and this can take time, but using a manual tool will also help you to get the job done properly. Electric wrenches can occasionally be a little too powerful for the job in question, and the need hooking up to a power source too, which can make them seem quite inconvenient. If you have never used a torque wrench before, you should think about using a manual one, to begin with so you can see how it works, and you don’t use more power than you really need to.

Material

Cheaper torque wrenches are often made with plastic, simply because they cost a little less to produce. If you would like to own a torque wrench, but you’re not going to be using it very often, you may wish to opt for a cheaper version. More expensive wrenches are typically made from an all-steel construction, making them a lot sturdier, and a lot less easier to break. If you are looking for a torque wrench that is happy to take a lot of abuse, opt for one that has been made from steel.

Please note that some popular torque wrenches may be copied, and their design might be used to manufacture cheaper similar-looking wrenches that may or may not be made from steel. If you’re not sure whether a cheaper model is made from steel, take a look at the packaging for more information. If the other model is significantly cheaper than a popular brand, chances are it won’t be as tough, and it may break after a while. If you are looking for a strong and sturdy wrench, try to spend a bit more money, as the more expensive models should be more reliable.

Questions

How to use a torque wrench?

When you’re about to use a torque wrench for the first time, you should understand that you will need to make a controlled and smooth motion until you hear a click, or a beep. Once you have heard the click or beep, you will know that the final value has been reached. If you jerk the wrench, you could end up with the incorrect value, meaning that the torque wrench may exert too much, or too little power.

Once you are ready to use your wrench, place it on the object that is being moved. For example, if you wish to tighten a nut, hold the bolt so it stays in place, allowing the nut to be removed. If you wish to tighten lug bolts, make sure you tighten the bolts, and don’t move the wheel.

Most torque wrenches are pretty accurate, and it’s thought that the majority are within an accuracy of 4% either way. However, some torque wrenches can be as much as 10% off either way, so you may want to make sure you have a variety of torque wrenches to hand so that most ranges of power are covered.

What can you use it for?

You can use a torque wrench for a variety of reasons, but they are most commonly used to loosen or tighten clutch pressure plates, lug bolts on vehicles, nuts and bolts, and cap bolts. This type of tool is typically used in the automotive industry, as mechanics tend to loosen a lot of lug bolts every day. There is also a need to use a torque wrench on bolts that need to be tightened to a very specific load. Certain loads are often required so that the bolts do not break, start to loosen, or stretch.

Torque wrenches can also be used with:

• ball joint studs
• engine cylinder head bolts
• main bearing cap bolts
• crankshaft pulley bolts
• axle nuts
• fasteners
• flywheel bolts
• intake manifold bolts
• exhaust manifold bolts
• camshaft timing gear bolts
• connecting rod bolts

How big should you get?

Torque wrenches can come in many different sizes, and some can offer a wide range, and some offer a slightly smaller range. As we have already seen, the size of the torque wrench will correspond with the torque range, which means the bigger the wrench, the tougher the jobs it can do.

For example, a torque wrench with a 1/4” drive is ideal for smaller nuts and bolts and  is typically ideal for work that ranges from 50 to 250 inch/pounds.

• 3/8” drive = For work that ranges from 15 to 75 foot/pounds, making it ideal for use on most cars and smaller, lighter trucks.
• ½” drive =  For work that ranges from 30 to 250 foot/pounds, making it ideal for use on engine mounts, suspension, and transmission mounts.
• 3/4” drive =  3/4” drives are ideal for center lug wheels, and while most people will not need a torque that offers this much power, unless they regularly work with vehicles. You are likely to find this type of torque wrench in professional garages as the jobs that are undertaken will require a larger amount of force.

Think about the type of work that you wish to undertake, and you should have more of an idea as to how big/ how much power your torque wrench should offer. If you’re unsure as to which torque wrench to use, take a look at torque wrenches of different sizes, and read the packaging as it will tell you what that particular model is suitable for.

Conclusion

By now you should have a much better idea about the kind of torque wrench you wish to buy. Think about what you need the wrench for, how often you’re going to use it, and of course, how much you are willing to pay for it. Use the above 5 torque wrenches as a guide so you are that little bit closer to finding the right torque wrench for you.

If you have any other questions or worries please contact us, or if you have any comments or improvements please leave a comment at the bottom of the page.