Buying my first torque wrench today and I'm looking at either the Craftsman standard needle style or a Craftsman Microtork. The Microtork is quite a bit more expensive, so I am wondering if it is worth it, or if the needle style is more than adequate. Any help would be appreciated. I could have used one a half dozen times by now on the jeep, so i figure it's time to pony up and buy one.

 

Depends how much you plan on using it. I had the old needle style as my very first torque wrench and it seemed to work "ok" but not as accurate as the more advanced wrench.
I have the 'click' torque wrenches now and I wouldint go back to the needle.

 

I would bet the cheaper one is more than adequate. It is certainly nice to have a torque wrench available.
The worst that could happen is it's a piece of crap and you are out $27
That said, I have the click style and think it rocks!

 

That's what I was afraid of. While I have no problem spending money on a quality tool, I'm tight on $ with the holidays approaching. So I don't want to spend 30$ on a needle style when I know it'll annoy me and end up buying the 80$ one instead

 

Now I'm getting memories of using the needle style. You also need a steady arm on it since you have to keep the grip balanced. Try doing that putting a 100ft of torque on a bolt while trying to watch the gauge at the same time.
The click style you set it and pull till it clicks and your done.

 

Dunno how deep in your jeep you plan on getting,! But the head bolts are 110 ft lbs and the microtork i had only went to like 80 ft lbs.

 

So I guess the next question is do I get the 10-75 ft/lb one or the 25-250 ft/lb? Is there any need for that much torque on any XJ components?

edit: just saw your reply donnie. hmmm, not sure if I'll ever do the head work if needed, not even sure if I am capable of such repairs...

 

you said it. sounds like you already know which one you want. but instead of looking only at craftsman, i'd check out the MSC catalog and some other comapanies catalogs for christmas sales.

 

I would go with the 25-250ft/lbs. Its better to have and not need then need and not have.

 

lol, amen, just like a condom or a gun. I'd rather have one and not need it, than need it and not have one.

 

Well, I ended up with the Craftsman 20-75 ft/lb(didn't see your guys' post until now, oh well). This thing is pretty slick! After X-mas when I have money again I'll probably end up buying a 250 ft/lb one. The craftsman 250 ft/lb one was longer and a half inch drive. I wanted a 3/8" drive and as short as I could get since it was for installing my lube locker And I didn't plan ahead, as I needed it today, and no one in my area except sears even had any good ones. The auto parts stores here were a joke.

 

lol, I have that exact same one sitting upstairs, for anything under 80 ft lbs it's an excellent wrench. just make sure you have the right one to tackle any deeper jobs.

 

For sure! Will definitely be buying a 250 ft/lb after the new year. Thanks for all the help earlier, I am glad I just spent the money on this one vs getting a 30$ beam style. It made putting that diff cover with the Lube Locker on a breeze.