Slakker

That makes sense.

As for the welder, I have a Lincoln Ranger 8 that I bought new in 2000. I've always kind of wanted a little mig but haven't had much I can't do with my Ranger. That's why I was looking at cheap one. That, and I still have a long list of tools I want. With a tire changer and balancer being near the top of the list.

m3driver

I built up what I consider an impressive tool collection a few pieces at a time over the last 20+ yrs by asking for tools for Christmas. I'm not one who really wants gifts but you know how that goes. So I'd ask for a socket set, ratchet, ect. On the more expensive items my family would just pool the gift. It beats getting a shirt I'll never wear, or some trinket I don't have a use for. I've spent a thousands on my own, but the gifts on the smaller stuff really helped piece the collection together.

for welder I went with the Hobart handler 140...for a 110 welder it does a great job

EMBPilot

mmmmm no. split beams maybe... but the twist ones, def not.

ive had 3 PI click wrenches, one i had to send back and swap out because it was DOA, the exchange was a pain in the nuts. The replacement wrench never felt like it had a totally smooth action. The rest of them I used for about 2 years and sold. The only one that felt good was the 1/2" one. the other ones felt vague sometimes. They always tested accurate but they did not inspire confidence while using.

PI certainly does not 'make' snap-on... the two wrenches are very different when next to one another. best bet would be CDI brand at a fraction of the cost.

people talk smack on the craftsman digitorks but those were great wrenches. i dont get why the get a bad rap. mine never fell apart, always felt good and worked great.

each time ive swapped a tool out out for snap-on, ive never wanted to replace or change it again.

the_bg

Agreed, but there is no need to buy the whole set as I'm sure 80% of the set would go unused. I stumbled across mine and it had a 1/4" ratchet drive head, 11mm flare nut head and 18mm box head. I paid around $275 on the bay. I would buy a ratcheting 1/4" or 3/8" drive head and only what you need with respect to box head or flare heads (insert tools).

The 5 ft-lb to 75 ft-lb. Snap-On mentioned earlier in the thread seems like a good bang for the buck given the short length and can probably be had for around $200 on eBay. I believe the new Snap-On price was $330.

Sarki

Yikes, 5 pages on torque wrench suggestions with lots of good ideas.
Picked up a brand new made in USA SK 74250 1/2 drive at estate sale for $50. Seems like a decent enough one for my needs 25-250 ftlb, 20" long, clicker style.
Now I need to find a smaller one that I can use for valve covers, water pumps, etc, etc.
Thinking the snap-on mentioned above might be the ticket if lucky enough to find one at good price.
Any preference 1/4" or 3/8" for light work such as valve covers, etc, etc

JayG

WP bolts are torqued to 7.5 ftlbs, so you really want a 1/4 in

Ahsai

I used this inlb one to assemble my engine. Lots of 7.5ftlb (90 inlb) bolts.

https://www.amazon.com/CDI-Torque-2502MRMH-8-Inch-250-Inc/dp/B004618UI8

yaknart33

I use snap on torque wrenches the "clicker " type .I also have the snap on tool guy recalibrate them every two years .You would be surprised how much they can be off even with regular use.It's a small fee about $20 each and well worth it.The vast majority of my tools are snapon ,as I am a retired senior master tech .

Sergio000

I also recommend Torque Wrenches for Scope Mounting. Often I use these products and remain satisfied. Quality and price 100%.
See below information https://torquewrenchguide.com/review...cope-mounting/

Sarki

Surprised this thread came back to life but good time to update.
Landed up buying two torque wrenches, 1/4” & 1/2” drive, both from eTork.
1/4” - Model #C1200
1/2” - Model #C3150
Both have proven to be quality tools that are easy to use and function well.
Links below.......