What Torque Wrench Do You Use?

[b*saint]

Head bolts and critical applications - Snap-On Techangle 3/8" ATECH2FR100B
Lug nuts and axle nuts - Snap-On Click-Type 1/2" TQR250E
Misc in-lb readings - Armstrong Dial Torque wrench 3/8" 0 - 600 in lbs

[AndrewBird]

For all those telling me to get hf, I'm sorry, but all that shit is garbage. I had one and it broke after torquing my wheels, and their torque wrenches aren't lifetime, I will never buy anything from that store again unless it's 1 time use.

Just curious, but how exactly did it break? I've been thinking about picking one up just for changing wheels since my Craftsman sucks ass.

[E30NJ]

Harbor Freakin' Freight

[Gary Yogurt]

Sturtevant Richmond beam torque wrench. I never worry about a click not happening.

[LateFan]

Snap-On, 3/8", 20-200 (ish?) I love it. Some tools in the box make you feel good every time you use them.

Micrometer style. Back it off after every use, keep it in its fitted case so it will last.

The Snap-On truck was parked next to my car when I came out of a shop. I went inside the mobile toy store in a weak moment. What a truck.

[Northern]

From my experience, no click style torque wrench is "Lifetime".

We have maybe 20-25 torque wrenches/screwdrivers at work, and they get checked weekly, then sent out for calibration when they're off more than 4% (or just periodically if they don't fail the check) If they can't be calibrated within 4%, they disfigure them and scrap them. Our storespeople usually destroy 3-5 snapon or similar quality torque wrenches every 6 months.

They obviously get used much more than I'd use one on my car though.

At home, I have a Mastercraft 1/2" which is mostly used for lug nuts, and a Mastercraft Maximum 3/8" which I've used a few times for smaller stuff. I'll probably replace them in 5 years if I'm doing anything important as a precaution.

[88SuperETABD]

For all those telling me to get hf, I'm sorry, but all that shit is garbage. I had one and it broke after torquing my wheels, and their torque wrenches aren't lifetime, I will never buy anything from that store again unless it's 1 time use.

I want my torque wrench to last a long time, and I will use it a lot. I'm constantly doing something to my car so it would get a lot of use, and I know how to properly care for a torque wrench.

So it seems Craftsman torque wrenches have Turned to shit because they're plastic now and made much cheaper. (40$ now). I'm gonna recalibrate my Mac 1/2", the. I think I'm gonna go with the CDI 3/8" for in-lbs. I'll check out precision tools pricing.

[scarecrow]

I wouldnt build a motor with a HF torque wrench. The only thing i would torque with them is lug nuts. For the 3/8s drive I would recommend the GearWrench 85051 its $100. Matco rebrands it and sells it on the tool truck for $280 lol. Same with the 1/2 Husky H2DTW. $85 dollars at home depot or $320 on the tool truck . These would do the trick and save you some cash.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

Got my digital craftsman. love it

[markseven]

$11.99 for the HF torque wrench (with coupon - it's easy to locate one) through 12/31.

[TobyB]

here's mine, for 98% of what I do.

I have a couple of older Craftsman that still work, so I use them for heads, and not much else.

t

[nrubenstein]

Also, if you shop around carefully, the Precision and CDI wrenches can be had for prices that are comparable to the Craftsman pieces of shit. So while it may be worth getting the HF wrench, there is literally no reason to touch the Craftsman pieces.

[nrubenstein]

I use a Precision for 1/2" work (it doesn't need to be zeroed, which is awesome, and it's incredibly fast to adjust - they were Snap-On's torque wrench of choice before CDI), and a couple of CDIs in 3/8" for low and really low torque ranges.

[AndrewBird]

One thing to consider with Craftsman, they DO NOT warranty their torque wrenches as they are not considered a hand tool for some stupid reason. The plastic lock ring on mine broke so I tried to return it for another and they wouldn't exchange it. When I asked why it was covered the employee said, and I quote, "Because it torques". :smh:

I have heard great things about Precision Instruments. Supposedly used to be/are a supplier for Snap-On. Beam wrenches also never need calibration.

http://www.amazon.com/Precision-Inst.../dp/B002XMSFIM

This is a pretty accurate way to calibrate at home:

http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?232615-How-to-perform-your-own-torque-wrench-calibration-testing

[240trainee]

I use a Snap On digital wrench, but thats huge money for an at home mechanic.

Out of your choices, getting the MAC re-calibrated is your best bet. make sure to store it wound back so its not under tensioned while stored.