Torque Wrench Needed!
11-19-2003, 09:20 AM
#16
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Raven,
I'm a Mac Tool dealer and have many quality torque wrenches avaliable.
PM me to get my phone number, and I'll give you the brother inlaw discount. There are several torque wrenches that are fairly priced that will keep their calibration even if they are not reset to the lowest setting after using. BTW, I understand Snap-on does not make their own torque wrenches any more.
I'm a Mac Tool dealer and have many quality torque wrenches avaliable.
PM me to get my phone number, and I'll give you the brother inlaw discount. There are several torque wrenches that are fairly priced that will keep their calibration even if they are not reset to the lowest setting after using. BTW, I understand Snap-on does not make their own torque wrenches any more.
11-19-2003, 09:22 AM
#17
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Get a Snap-On. I went through two cheapo wrenches at work over the summer while torquing some bolts to 283.5 lb/ft. The heads of the wrenches shattered. Then, I finally broke down and bought a $200 Snap-On wrench. Yes, it's a LOT of money, but the dealer gerenteed it for life and even can calibrate it once a week for free. (He even stops by the shop!)
When buying a torque wrench, buy the BEST you can afford.
When buying a torque wrench, buy the BEST you can afford.
11-19-2003, 09:52 AM
#18
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Actually, Craftsman DOES carry the warranty on the beam type wrench - I've had mine replaced.
My opinion is that the clicker type that I bought (and spent >$100) on went out of calibration too quickly. I can't be certain though as I could only compare it to my beam type. It seems that the clicker was ~10ftlbs out of calibration within the first year of light/moderate use. The beam one I've found easier to baby and cheaper to replace (=free at Sears) when I doubt its accuracy.
Just my opinion, but unless it's really a great brand, I think the clickers aren't worth the money. Maybe if I had gone with Snap-On I wouldn't have this criticism, but I bought a Craftsman click type and it just didn't hold up (and the clicker type of Craftsman does NOT carry the warranty).
HTH
My opinion is that the clicker type that I bought (and spent >$100) on went out of calibration too quickly. I can't be certain though as I could only compare it to my beam type. It seems that the clicker was ~10ftlbs out of calibration within the first year of light/moderate use. The beam one I've found easier to baby and cheaper to replace (=free at Sears) when I doubt its accuracy.
Just my opinion, but unless it's really a great brand, I think the clickers aren't worth the money. Maybe if I had gone with Snap-On I wouldn't have this criticism, but I bought a Craftsman click type and it just didn't hold up (and the clicker type of Craftsman does NOT carry the warranty).
HTH
11-19-2003, 10:48 AM
#19
Yeah, the click style only carries a 90 day warranty. I wasn't thinking about the beam style, my bad.
I am pretty sure there is a rule of thumb that the click style (any brand) are to be regarded as inaccurate at the upper and lower 10 to 15% of their range. I just read that again someplace (reputable), I'll see if I can find the article.
I am pretty sure there is a rule of thumb that the click style (any brand) are to be regarded as inaccurate at the upper and lower 10 to 15% of their range. I just read that again someplace (reputable), I'll see if I can find the article.
11-19-2003, 02:19 PM
#20
Drifting
Originally posted by Manning
Yeah, the click style only carries a 90 day warranty. I wasn't thinking about the beam style, my bad.
I am pretty sure there is a rule of thumb that the click style (any brand) are to be regarded as inaccurate at the upper and lower 10 to 15% of their range. I just read that again someplace (reputable), I'll see if I can find the article.
Yeah, the click style only carries a 90 day warranty. I wasn't thinking about the beam style, my bad.
I am pretty sure there is a rule of thumb that the click style (any brand) are to be regarded as inaccurate at the upper and lower 10 to 15% of their range. I just read that again someplace (reputable), I'll see if I can find the article.
11-19-2003, 02:29 PM
#21
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iirc snapon and mac's torque wrenches don't carry a lifetime warranty, although, none of mine have ever broke. 3/8 or 1/2 drive would depend on how much you're torquing, and what sort of sockets you have. I'd get a click type, because if you need to torque a hard to wrench area, it's harder to fit or read the beam type. To see what torque you'd need, flip through a manual and read the torque specs for the min and max you see I guess. Use the 20% rule too
11-19-2003, 06:16 PM
#25
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A good compromise (if your funds are not unlimited) is available online from Sears...
I have these three...
For the light stuff... Cam covers, etc.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...iption#tablink
It has a 2 yr warranty and comes with a NIST cert for it's accuracy.
For most normal stuff... Suspension, driveline. etc.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00934883000
It has a 2 yr warranty and comes with a NIST cert for it's accuracy.
For the heavy stuff... Lug nuts, crankshaft bolt, etc.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00944597000
Only a 90 day warranty.
my 0.02
I have these three...
For the light stuff... Cam covers, etc.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...iption#tablink
It has a 2 yr warranty and comes with a NIST cert for it's accuracy.
For most normal stuff... Suspension, driveline. etc.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00934883000
It has a 2 yr warranty and comes with a NIST cert for it's accuracy.
For the heavy stuff... Lug nuts, crankshaft bolt, etc.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00944597000
Only a 90 day warranty.
my 0.02
11-19-2003, 06:57 PM
#26
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Forgot to mention... For the sears stuff join their tool club and watch for the "tool club days" - you get 10% off. Then have them ship it to your local store and you don't pay the shipping.
11-19-2003, 11:10 PM
#27
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Snap on tools are great, BUT if you dont make your living with them and use them every day, save some money and buy craftsman, s-k or some other quality but not super expensive tools. If money is no object then by all means go for the best.
11-19-2003, 11:15 PM
#28
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I don't have an S-K torque wrench, but I do have a lot of S-K tools. They're a whole lot better than craftsman, and around the same price range. I saw one tonight when I was flipping through a catalog for $95 range was 10-100 I believe, but I imagine there are a whole lot. Only appeal of Craftsman to me is that the store's open late when you need a cheap most of the time, one time use tool.
11-20-2003, 01:17 AM
#29
Burning Brakes
i'm sorry i brought up the whole craftsman thing. LOL
Yeah, Sears is pretty convienent - i needed a wrench at that moment for some work i was doing. But, I have to get another for heavier loads. Now i know more than i ever wanted to know about torque wrenches and where to buy them!
Yeah, Sears is pretty convienent - i needed a wrench at that moment for some work i was doing. But, I have to get another for heavier loads. Now i know more than i ever wanted to know about torque wrenches and where to buy them!
11-20-2003, 01:59 AM
#30
Burning Brakes
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I like the idea of using a dial type to check the calibration of other TQ-wrenches, but how does one actually calibrate one themselves? Any good write ups or sites on this? Mine says "calibration to be done by certified service technition". Bleagh phooey! I'd rather open up the wrench and do it myself and KNOW it's done right than trust a "professional".