shinyblackdeer
New member
Jeff's vintage Armstrong torque wrench bit the dust during our build. I've checked out reviews on Amazon, but what are you guys using? Looking for up to 250 lbs. and less than $100. Thanks.
Need new torque wrench -- Recommendations?
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LittleCaesar
New member
I have used a Kobalt 50-250lb for some time even while having a Matco of the same torque range and it has done well for me. $60 at Lowes at the moment.
That said, start trolling Ebay from now till Dec. for a nice one (Matco, Snap, CDI) with a flex head. You may get a bargain.
That said, start trolling Ebay from now till Dec. for a nice one (Matco, Snap, CDI) with a flex head. You may get a bargain.
shinyblackdeer
New member
Good options here -- thanks everyone.
V8Man
Member
Do not buy the Harbour Freight ones. My dad got one and tested it on our calibration unit and it could not repeat torque settings. They were all over the place. The best ones out there are the beam type. The ones that click all wear out over time. I have on old Snap On from 1958, it has a dial and lights a tiny bulb when you reach the setting. Also never store your wrenches set, always back them to zero.
flyrv9
New member
The problem with torque wrenches is you just don't know if they are in calibration. Where I work our torque wrenches (both dial and click type) are calibrated once a year. Most are snap-on. Also if you drop your torque wrench you can't trust it is working properly without having the calibration checked. Problem is - where do you do that?
shinyblackdeer
New member
I ended up buying a 1/2" drive at Sears for 69.99 right before Labor Day weekend. Lucky for me, I stopped in again that weekend for something else and saw they dropped the price to 39.99, so I got my 30.00 back. I doubt it will last as long as the Armstrong, but you can't beat the price.
Speedy Gomez
Banned
Has anyone tried TEKTON 1/2 in. Drive Torque Wrench?
s20004runner
New member
Was it in car craft? I read a similar article. I own 2 HF wrenches. One 1/2" the other a 3/8" love them both
98WhiteT4R
New member
+1 :thumb:
I have been using a Proto that was given to me 20 years ago, very good results. I have not calibrated it for some time, so I will need to do that.
Our machinist at work use Snap On, very expensive but durable a heck.
For my gun work I use Seekonk, the most precise available, in my opinion
77
Our machinist at work use Snap On, very expensive but durable a heck.
For my gun work I use Seekonk, the most precise available, in my opinion
77
Bringing up an older thread.
Any new developments on a good valued torque wrench?
As I'm beginning to do more maintenance items I'm seeing the necessity of a good wrench. I see inch pounds and foot pounds, is it possible to find one wrench to cover all ranges or is two separate wrenches preferred?
What torque ranges should I be looking at to cover most projects? For really high torque specs I can rent.
Just looking for a good value, not necessarily cheapest or very expensive. Does $100ish range sound reasonable? Not opposed to buying two to cover all specs especially some of the lower inch pound stuff.
Any new developments on a good valued torque wrench?
As I'm beginning to do more maintenance items I'm seeing the necessity of a good wrench. I see inch pounds and foot pounds, is it possible to find one wrench to cover all ranges or is two separate wrenches preferred?
What torque ranges should I be looking at to cover most projects? For really high torque specs I can rent.
Just looking for a good value, not necessarily cheapest or very expensive. Does $100ish range sound reasonable? Not opposed to buying two to cover all specs especially some of the lower inch pound stuff.
ZebRuaj
New member
Torque ranges varies based on the size of the socket head. A separate 1/2 and 3/8's click style would cover most of the ranges you need from small to big torque numbers.
All depends on your usage. I have a Craftsman 1/2" and HF 3/8"s clickers. I wouldn't hesitate to use a HF 1/2" either. Just remember to unwind the spring when not in use.
If you're a pro or needing more precise accuracy, then spring for the electric torque wrenches.
Bumbo
New member
Snap-On doesn't make their own torque wrenches... but they do OEM a few options... Precision Instruments and CDI along with a couple others make their torque wrenches... Identical tool, different nameplate...
Personally I think the PI / Precision Instruments wrenches are top notch.
Really not that bad price wise either if you shop around.
1/4" Precision Instruments 30-200 inch/lb PREM1R200HX
3/8" Precision Instruments 20-100 Ft./Lbs PREC2FR100F
1/2" Precision Instruments 40 - 250 Ft./Lbs REC3FR250F
The 3/8 and 1/2" are both split beam flex head design, really awesome tools, and they dont need to be turned down like a traditional wrench, you can keep these set at whatever you want indefinitely. For things like tires it becomes very convenient. Very accurate quality tools. Made in America. Search around on the net for good prices... I got some decent deals on mine. All come with factory calibration certificates too.
Here is the Snap-On branded version of the PI
https://store.snapon.com/US-Reading...-20-100-ft-lb-Flex-Torque-Wrench-P651007.aspx
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