Torque Wrench Recommendations?
#1
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Torque Wrench Recommendations?
My 10 year old Snap-On digital torque wrench seems to have died. It turns on, and has new batteries, but goes haywire when torque is applied.
I may see about getting it repaired, but in the meantime I'd like to get an accurate (longer-lasting) torque wrench for "daily driver" use. I have old craftsmen click and beam style wrenches that are filling in for now, but looking for a quality new digital one... What's good these days?
I may see about getting it repaired, but in the meantime I'd like to get an accurate (longer-lasting) torque wrench for "daily driver" use. I have old craftsmen click and beam style wrenches that are filling in for now, but looking for a quality new digital one... What's good these days?
#2
Rennlist Member
FWIW I bought a Craftsman 1/2 drive digital and right out of the box it was haywire. Probably got a lemon. Readout would scroll around and I would have no idea what was what. Took it right back for a refund.
Bought a Harbor Freight cheapo and had my machine shop check it and it was within 2 lbs. Not bad..
Not claiming that it's the best option, just sayin.
Bought a Harbor Freight cheapo and had my machine shop check it and it was within 2 lbs. Not bad..
Not claiming that it's the best option, just sayin.
#3
Rennlist Member
FWIW I bought a Craftsman 1/2 drive digital and right out of the box it was haywire. Probably got a lemon. Readout would scroll around and I would have no idea what was what. Took it right back for a refund.
Bought a Harbor Freight cheapo and had my machine shop check it and it was within 2 lbs. Not bad..
Not claiming that it's the best option, just sayin.
Bought a Harbor Freight cheapo and had my machine shop check it and it was within 2 lbs. Not bad..
Not claiming that it's the best option, just sayin.
Had the exact same experience with the Craftsman. Went to HF and have built a few motors with it
Tom - Is not the SnapOn a lifetime warranty?
#6
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http://www.uniortools.com/cgi-bin/cm...10790&cat=2451
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUtlFNPPlVU#t=36
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUtlFNPPlVU#t=36
Last edited by Voith; 09-16-2015 at 07:30 AM.
#7
Rennlist Member
The "best" torque wrench is a personal decision. I do remember one of the car magazines (probably Hot Rod if I recall) did a comparison test on accuracy. You might be able to find it. I tend to steer clear of the digital stuff just because of the fear of random failures with the electronics. And I like clickers because I don't have to have my eyes on the readout.
My 15 year old Craftsman clicker also failed recently. I considered that good service but after some looking I went with a Proto clicker. 250# 1/2" drive. It is a very solid item. Heavy. My only beef is that the numbering is etched but not contrasting so hard for old eyes to read. I plan to fix that with some judicious application of paint. I bought it from Enco (www-use-enco.com). Retail is a little pricey but if you get on their email list they have 20% off and free shipping offers all the time and occasionally 30% off.
My 15 year old Craftsman clicker also failed recently. I considered that good service but after some looking I went with a Proto clicker. 250# 1/2" drive. It is a very solid item. Heavy. My only beef is that the numbering is etched but not contrasting so hard for old eyes to read. I plan to fix that with some judicious application of paint. I bought it from Enco (www-use-enco.com). Retail is a little pricey but if you get on their email list they have 20% off and free shipping offers all the time and occasionally 30% off.
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#8
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+1 on clickers.
But, there is huge difference between good quality items (that cost in the $200+ range) and generic multi brand chinese wrenches which are extremely inaccurate at low torque settings and often strip small bolts.
Chinese ones look and are packed like this:
But, there is huge difference between good quality items (that cost in the $200+ range) and generic multi brand chinese wrenches which are extremely inaccurate at low torque settings and often strip small bolts.
Chinese ones look and are packed like this:
#9
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TEKTON 24340 25" Long Dual Range 1/2" Drive 25-250 Ft.-Lbs. Torque Wrench
Nice quality clicker, and works great to torque the crank bolt @ 155#'s with plenty of headroom to spare
Nice quality clicker, and works great to torque the crank bolt @ 155#'s with plenty of headroom to spare
#10
Rainman
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I have Harbor freight 3/8 and 1/2 drive torque wrenches.
About $10/ea with the coupon
They have not let me down on countless 944 belt/water pump/head gasket/etc jobs.
And, on the occasion I forget to bring one to a job, I can afford to buy another one on the spot
About $10/ea with the coupon
They have not let me down on countless 944 belt/water pump/head gasket/etc jobs.
And, on the occasion I forget to bring one to a job, I can afford to buy another one on the spot
#14
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I have 4 Teng Tool torque wrenches which are the clicker type.
There is a wide range of torque specs on our cars and off hand I recollect a 245nm toque requirement on spring plate in the rear suspension.
The smallest 2 are 3/8" and the big ones are 1/2" drive. I've never tested/calibrated them but they come with test certification. they are rated at =/- 3% My understanding is that they are most accurate in their mid range. The click can be hard to hear/feel at their lowest range. It is good practice to get them to click a couple of times before you use them if they have not been used for a while. The ones I use are 5-25nm; 20-100nm; 40- 210nm and 70-350nm. The other tip is to always loosen them off when not in use otherwise the sping weakens and they become inaccurate.
They vary in length and the 350nm one is a huge (630mm) and the 5-20nm one is around 200mm so I generally use the smallest one that suits the job.
Hope that helps
There is a wide range of torque specs on our cars and off hand I recollect a 245nm toque requirement on spring plate in the rear suspension.
The smallest 2 are 3/8" and the big ones are 1/2" drive. I've never tested/calibrated them but they come with test certification. they are rated at =/- 3% My understanding is that they are most accurate in their mid range. The click can be hard to hear/feel at their lowest range. It is good practice to get them to click a couple of times before you use them if they have not been used for a while. The ones I use are 5-25nm; 20-100nm; 40- 210nm and 70-350nm. The other tip is to always loosen them off when not in use otherwise the sping weakens and they become inaccurate.
They vary in length and the 350nm one is a huge (630mm) and the 5-20nm one is around 200mm so I generally use the smallest one that suits the job.
Hope that helps
#15
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I have Harbor freight 3/8 and 1/2 drive torque wrenches.
About $10/ea with the coupon
They have not let me down on countless 944 belt/water pump/head gasket/etc jobs.
And, on the occasion I forget to bring one to a job, I can afford to buy another one on the spot
About $10/ea with the coupon
They have not let me down on countless 944 belt/water pump/head gasket/etc jobs.
And, on the occasion I forget to bring one to a job, I can afford to buy another one on the spot
I also use my tekton 1/2" model to tighten lugs, mower blades. Great feel and quality IMO.