Torque wrench recommendation for DIY on Mk5

[jets]

For the record I have a WB torque wrench I was given in 1979. It's the bendy bar with clicker type.

They are called dual signal for obvious reason. I consider these to be good quality & reasonably rugged, that is why have 4 of this brand.

I wouldn't get too hung-up on accuracy as what I have been told is most mechs. don't use them except for important fasteners.
In my experience many just tighten up with little regard for what is needed. I tend to look at the VW figures for some items but not necessarily use a torque wrench eg torx screws for holding plastic splash shields in place. VW also give a figure for the battery clamp bolts. I would think that very few would use a torque wrench or even know that there is a figure for these.
Our Polo had a full dealer service when I bought it. The first time I tried to undo the filler/level plug in the gearbox it was so tight that I needed to use an air impact gun to undo it. It has stretched the aluminium so now doesn't seal as intended.
The first time I undid the oil filter on my T4, it was so tight the I tore the hex that was welded on the bottom.





I have also read on the T4 forum where someone tightened a cambelt tensioner so tight it crushed the aluminium portion & failed soon after.

[brad]

I use a torque wrench on my wheel bolts but not much else that I pull apart.

OTOH, I bought a 1/4"drive torque wrench for my mountain bike because all the recommended torques were so low that I new I'd be snapping every 2nd bolt until I got a feel for it.

Hamfistedness FTW!

[RubAVeeDubDub]

Eh, you're not repairing a rocket or a nuclear bomb. You don't need 'that' accurate torque wrench. As long as its within 5nm of the required torque, 99.9% of the time you'll be fine.

Personally id advocate a 3/8" drive torque wrench. 1/2" is really for big and very tight bolts. 3/8" would perfect for most uses.

And brand isn't that,important really. Get something circa $100 and you'll be fine.

[An7on]

No nuclear bombs in my garage that's for sure.

What this thread has taught me is that expensive tools such as torque wrenches can be borrowed from generous mates for one off jobs until a real big job comes up like head and block work.

Seeing that some of the more DIY orientated members only use a T/W only a few times a year...might not be worth the expense.

[RubAVeeDubDub]

Its a lifetime tool though. Buy something semi decent once and it'll last a lifetime. I've got family friends with torque wrenches from the 1960s and they still use them.