Need a New Torque Wrench

Richard in Florida

Richard in Florida

Well-known member
The one I've had since high school (about 50 years) has run its course. It served long and well.

So I'm asking for recommendations within these parameters:

• Click type
• 10 to 100 lb/ft or better
• 1/2" drive
• Non-Chinese
• Under $100

Doesn't have to be NASA quality. It will be sparsely used.

Thanks.
 
I got my replacement at one of those tool booths at a swap meet. Like you I don't use it much, but it is a necessary tool. I think that you would want more than100 "# of capacity. Remember the rear axles should be 150 to 200fdt. lbs. Mine was made in China and was cheap, but it only comes out once a year or so for light use.
 
Richard in Florida said:
The one I've had since high school (about 50 years) has run its course. It served long and well.

So I'm asking for recommendations within these parameters:

• Click type
• 10 to 100 lb/ft or better
• 1/2" drive
• Non-Chinese
• Under $100

Doesn't have to be NASA quality. It will be sparsely used.

Thanks.
Click to expand...


Some brands offer guarantees- what brand tool do you have?

When I was young I had a WW2 Proto torque wrench... It broke with normal use, the Proto people kindly laughed... BUT, they gave me a good price on a new one.

Karl
 
If accuracy is important to you, find torque wrenches with ranges i.e. 0-100 in/lb, 100-300 in/lb etc. The tighter the range, the more accurate.

Lonnie
 
51 MERC-CT said:
Ran across this and it intrigues me.

Looks interesting, but when I asked the disembodied live chat goof how you know when you have reached the desired torque, he said you have to watch the display! Well, what could be more convenient!

I'm trying to get better information about that.
Click to expand...
 
I have 2 Snap On torque wrenches-don't meet the cost requirement. I bought a Blackhawk made in USA from one of the machine tool providers,maybe Graingers,or MSC. It has worked very well. I think it was less than 100.

John
 
Richard in Florida said:
51 MERC-CT said:
Ran across this and it intrigues me.

Looks interesting, but when I asked the disembodied live chat goof how you know when you have reached the desired torque, he said you have to watch the display! Well, what could be more convenient!

I'm trying to get better information about that.
Click to expand...

ya' it don't make much sense. It's called a Digi-click so I wonder if you set your torque value then when that value is reached a digital sound
is made.
Click to expand...
 
Don't forget to get the calibration of your precision tools - torque wrenches, meters, etc. - checked and corrected if necessary every couple of years. Most industries do it annually, but they have higher usage rates. FWIW
 
I just bought two off Ebay.....I wanted to get something that I knew was of a great quality.....so I bought Snap-On brand. Always wanted at least one Snap-on tool. They normally cost over $300 a piece, but I got each one under $90 and thankfully they were both accurate. It is interesting that a pawn shop back east always has several in the listings.....good luck,......Matt in Alameda
 
51 MERC-CT said:
Have always had good luck with Craftsman stuff. Ran across this and it intrigues me. For your perusal.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-1-2-...p-00913919000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4
Click to expand...

I have a similar one. Doesn't meet the "click" parameter, and only goes down to 18 ft-lbs, but it's great when you are laying over a fender trying to get 55+ ft-lbs on a head bolt down low, or otherwise can't see the scale. It has LEDs that warn when you are at 90% of setpoint then beeps when you hit setpoint.
 

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You really need 2 or 3 torque wrenches with different ranges. Most torque wrenches lose accuracy at the extremes. And most torque wrenches should be backed off to the minimum when being put away for storage.
 
How do you check one for accuracy???

I have an old Craftsman that has the rod going up to the handle and you read on the scale on the handle. I often wonder how to check it for accuracy. Any ideas? I have tightened enough head, rod and main bolts so I think I have a sense when I am close.
John
 
I got used Snap-On 1/2 and 3/8 click-type torque wrenches off Craigslist for $140. I haven't checked accuracy yet, but I figure they are close enough.

Red
 
If you go to Hershey, there is guy in Red Field to the right of the stadium that has nothing but USA made old stock tools. Most are new, and are reasonably priced. There are new and used tool sellers there too. Good thought about getting your old one calibrated and or repaired if the company is still at it, or someone does that type of work.
 
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