Recommendation for torque wrench needed

[wrogers55]

Time for a new torque wrench. Haven't had to replace mine in 30 years, so I'm not.....current. Normal occasional automotive use. May have to look at two new ones for smaller and normal stuff. Any suggesting would be greatly appreciated.

[Shootnride]

Wayne,

I have these two:

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-J6016.../dp/B002GQNHHE

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-J6064.../dp/B000O135AM

They are very nice tools, not cheap, but if you shop around you may be able to find better prices.

I also have a very nice Craftsman torque wrench that I bought about 40 years ago, but I'm sure that particular model wouldn't still be available.

Ted

[grybrd123]

Look at CDI torque wrenches. They are made by Snap-On but are less expensive. I have three different ones. There are lots of choices to select from..

[twobjshelbys]

I got mine from Sears. In fact, they look like the amazon ones...

[Grubby]

Another vote for CDI. They are a cheaper version of Snap On.

John

[Morris]

Snap on .......ebay.....

[cycleguy55]

Just for kicks I did some searching and found a Hot Rod Network test of torque wrenches. Some comments from that testing:

• We Also Tested The Harbor Freight Unit Against A Snap On Digital Torque Wrench Costing Far More, And Readings From The Two Tools Were Generally Within 0.20 Lb/ft.
• If You Are More The Mechanical Clicker Torque Wrench Kind Of Guy, We Also Tested Harbor Freight’s 1⁄2 Inch Clicker Torque Wrench, And It Was Also Very Close. It Also Has A Range Of 20 To 150 Lb Ft And A Lifetime Warranty. Accuracy After Five Consecutive Tests At 70 Lb Ft Ranged From 68.8 Lb Ft ( 1.2) To 70.3 ( 0.3), With An Average Error Of 0.30 Ft Lb Over Five Tests. It Doesn’t Get Much Better Than That For A Mechanical Torque Wrench.

Source: Torque Wrench Testing - Shop Tools - Hot Rod Network

Ah, but how well does a HF torque wrench stand up over time? Well, check out this test of an 8 year old HF wrench: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZR92kNpoRQ

The bottom line: There are certainly feature (e.g. ratcheting head # of teeth) and quality differences between higher-priced or name brand torque wrenches, but the low-priced tools are accurate enough to get the job done.

[twobjshelbys]

I have found Harbor Freight tools to be fine for use in low duty cycle things - those tools that you need now for a project and won't probably use much after, ie, not a lifetime or pro. I built houses for a while and bought a Hitachi nailer. When I needed a hammer drill to anchor some steel posts in concrete I went with Harbor Freight.

[Karl Bebout]

Fortunately, I don't need to use my torque wrench very often, but I have switched to a HF $10 unit. Thought I'd give it a chance, and if I didn't like it (within the stipulated 90 days) I'd return it for a refund. I took the HB unit to a machine shop, that builds lots of engines and they have their torque wrenches recalibrated every 30 days, to ensure their accuracy. My HB clicker was barely 2-3#s off from the shop's. For me, and my non-professional use, that's close enough. The original reason I went to HB is that my 30+ year old MAC bit the dust and after spending the freight to ship it back to MAC, I was told that they would charge well in excess of $200 to repair it. Boy, was I disappointed with that "service". Oh well. my 2¢ worth.

[cycleguy55]

My 'clicker' torque wrenches (1/2", 1/4") are both from Princess Auto - the Canadian equivalent of Harbor Freight.

I also have an old P.A. Sturtevant 'R 100D' 'pointer' type that I haven't used in decades - does anybody still use these?

[ChiChris]

I also use a HB 1/2" drive torque wrench for setting the spec on my Mustang lug nuts.
As mentioned above for $10 and the 3 times a year I use it, can't beat it.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by ChiChris

I also use a HB 1/2" drive torque wrench for setting the spec on my Mustang lug nuts.
As mentioned above for $10 and the 3 times a year I use it, can't beat it.

You torque your nuts 3 times a year? I'm not sure whether I should be impressed or send you condolences.

[strictlypersonl]

I still have my "bendy-style" Craftsman from the early 1960s. Other than compensating for about 2 ft-lbs of being off zero, it works fine.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

I still have my "bendy-style" Craftsman from the early 1960s. Other than compensating for about 2 ft-lbs of being off zero, it works fine.

You can always bend the pointer back to zero.

[CowtownCobra]

I've been using one of these for a couple of years


https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Digital.../dp/B00H2W64D6

[wkooiman]

You can find new or almost new Snap-On torque wrenches on E-Bay all day long.

They are still fairly expensive, but not nearly as expensive as losing a rod bolt due to improper torque. Don't ask.