Torque Wrench - what to buy

-
Geo4K

Geo4K

Just your average Gearhead.
Joined
Apr 4, 2013
Messages
223
Reaction score
29
Location
New Mexico
Alrighty FABO folks, I didn't need a torque wrench for tearing parts off my car, but stuff is ready to go back on, it's time!

Give me your suggestions!!!

Thanks!

:happy1:
 
The Home Depot Huskey 1/2 is Made in the USA. The 3/8 used to be. The 1/4 is not. I have the 1/2 and its a nice piece. If your building $50k racing engines then look to something better but for the all around garage Joe it works well.
 
Foot pound? Torque range? What parts do you need to torque? Many low torque ft/lb wrenches are 15-75# and high torque are often 50-250# You often need both or spend big $$$ and get a digital one that does both.
 
I have had good use from the Kobalt wrenches from Lowe's. Their torque wrenches are nice and if taken care of last (remove spring pressure every time you put them away).
 
I bought one of these, and it seems to work well.

http://www.brownlinemetalworks.com/torque-wrench

When I got my wrench, it had some problems, I called them and they, NO QUESTIONS ASKED, sent me another one that was upgraded to include the plastic storage case AT NO EXTRA CHARGE!

They even included a return shipping label. Everything on their dime.

It got here and I opened the package, swapped them out, stuck the return label on and handed it right back to the UPS driver.

Talk about customer service!!
 
I purchased Harbor Freight torque wrenches in 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4" with one of their regular $9.99 coupons that they list regularly. They may be cheap but the advertised tolerances wer as good as more expensive wrenches. Like mentioned before, just turn back the tension on the spring when you're finished using them.
 
FJRdoc said:
I purchased Harbor Freight torque wrenches in 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4" with one of their regular $9.99 coupons that they list regularly. They may be cheap but the advertised tolerances wer as good as more expensive wrenches. Like mentioned before, just turn back the tension on the spring when you're finished using them.
Click to expand...

Yeah, people knock the horror freight stuff, but some of it is actually not bad and furthermore a lot of it is American made which a lot of folks don't realize.

I checked my HF wrench against the digital I posted above, and they are in sync with one another.
 
It's also easy to adjust the calibration on the HF wrenches.


Plus they have a lifetime warranty.
 
I agree. I got three sizes of torque wrenches for $40 + tax. Kinda hard to beat that.
 
toolmanmike said:
Foot pound? Torque range? What parts do you need to torque? Many low torque ft/lb wrenches are 15-75# and high torque are often 50-250# You often need both or spend big $$$ and get a digital one that does both.
Click to expand...

#-o

Well, yes, I should have mentioned this!

For now it is the ft suspension. Haven't looked too deep, but I thought I saw some torque values about 100 ft lbs. A bit after that would be engine reassembly. I appreciate all the info so far - thanks all.
 
I'll be the first to say it. Snap On. Buy it once don't have to buy another another.
If you brought your car in for service at a dealer. Would you want them to torque your lug nuts with a snap on or a harbor freight? I know my answer. Especially if it comes down to safety of me and others on the road.
 
DartIan said:
If you brought your car in for service at a dealer. Would you want them to torque your lug nuts with a snap on or a harbor freight? I know my answer. Especially if it comes down to safety of me and others on the road.
Click to expand...

I would want them using one that worked correctly, regardless of brand.
 
Breadburner said:
Check Amazon.....
Click to expand...

Not really asking where to buy - was more looking towards brand recommendations. Once I've settled on that I'll give Amazon a shot to compare cost. I do try to support local shops too and a mom and pop if at all possible. If the price delta is too great I'll go to a large business - or a "Other Than Small" in the vernacular of my job... It's nice I have that choice with my money, I don't always have it when I am spending yours!

I've got plenty to read up on and then make a selection. Opinions offered here are really appreciated and will help me make that important Informed Decision.
 
I have some older Craftsman ones in both ft lbs and inch lbs and both work great over the years :glasses7:
 
The Craftsman beam type are great. They work well and virtually last forever.
 
buy quality but have it calibrated, I bought a couple of 3/8 US made units, +$200 each, had them checked and they were way off, they are now certified correct, dont take it for granted.
 
crash520 said:
buy quality but have it calibrated, I bought a couple of 3/8 US made units, +$200 each, had them checked and they were way off, they are now certified correct, dont take it for granted.
Click to expand...

I have a nice snap on dial-type I bought off Ebay, where fid you get it certified? Cost?
 
Seabee, I'm in Australia sorry, you'll probably find a local place if you google it
 
If you don't need it certified, you can calibrate it yourself........

(just remember the definition of ftlbs.........)
 
seabee said:
I have a nice snap on dial-type I bought off Ebay, where fid you get it certified? Cost?
Click to expand...

Any good tool truck ,can do it.. Or better yet : Contact ToolManMike.. A Mac dealer,that tells it like it really is.. ( He has treated me ,well...) Snap On & H.F, aren't the only answers....
 
KD Tool or Gearwrench are also great brands. Easco is another. All tools available at Professional Auto Parts Stores.
 
FJRdoc said:
I purchased Harbor Freight torque wrenches in 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4" with one of their regular $9.99 coupons that they list regularly. They may be cheap but the advertised tolerances wer as good as more expensive wrenches. Like mentioned before, just turn back the tension on the spring when you're finished using them.
Click to expand...

I actually had a few of them While I was calibrating wrenches in the USAF, Put them on the bench and they were just as good as snapon/CDI wrenches.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top