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#1
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Torque wrench
I'm making out my Christmas list and want a torque wrench. They come in a lot of varieties (and prices); my question for you elves/experts is, "for the average shade-tree MOchanic, what would you recommend? (ft/lb range, beam/click/digital, brand)"
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#2
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Just because I don't use mine all the time, I stayed away from the "Snap-on" truck. I got one recently from Harbor Freight Tools with an adjustable clicker (up to 150 ), lockdown for the adjuster, in a 1/2" drive for $20.00. Just bring the torque adjustment back to 0 when you're done using it to help keep it in calibration.
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#3
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Torque wrenches come in all shapes, sizes and prices. If you are going to use a torque wrench only occasionally for stock or semi stock engine work, the Harbor Freight unit is as good as a $150 unit. What Ausydad said is absolutely correct, always release the pressure on the unit when storing. As cheap as they are, I suggest you request(if your been really good) two torque wrenches, a 1/2" and a 3/8" drive unit. I probably use the 3/8" unit more than the 1/2" one.
I've got several torque wrenches, the original Proto unit(40 years old), a Craftsman dial unit my son bought for me several years ago(because he didn't like the Proto unit), two 3/8" drive units, one 1/4" drive unit and a Harbor Freight 1/2" drive unit we carry in our race trailer tool box. All were checked(tested) about two years ago. The Harbor Freight was within 2% @100 Ft./Lbs. All were within 3-4% except the Craftsman unit. It was about 10% over. What's worse, I know how to adjust all but the Craftsman unit(SOL). Needless to say, the Craftsman unit is only used for initial torque during assembly. |
#4
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I have the Craftsman Digi Tork. Goes from 25 to 250 ftlbs. It was 120 and came with a free case. I think it was well worth it as it does get used amost everyday in the shop.
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#5
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The only parts about Craftsman that suck are they're too expensive to calibrate and it's about the only Craftsman item that's NOT covered by the lifetime warranty.
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#6
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How much does it cost to re calibrate it? The only thing that has the lifetime warenty is general hand tools and thats it.
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#7
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I use a older Craftsman beam type torque wrench.It's been checked several times for accuracy,and has never let me down.I have 2 click type wrenches, an S-K and a Matco.Both of these are good too,I just like using the beam type.
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#8
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SPEAKING AS A TOOL DIST. FOR PROTO TOOL, I WOULD START WITH GETTING ONE THAT MEETS YOUR NEEDS. MOST AUTO STUFF CAN BE DONE WITH A 1/2 DRIVE CLICK TYPE WITH A 30-150 FT/LBS RANGE. IF YOU HAVE A BUISNESS THEN THATS STILL A GOOD ONE, BUT I MYSELF HAVE A 3/8 DRIVE CLICK 0/100 FT/LBS AND A 1/2 DRIVE 50/250 FT/LBS. THAT COVERS ALMOST ANY REGULAR NEEDS
THE DIAL AND THE DIGITAL ARE MORE EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR AND HARDER TO MAINTAIN. THE DIAL IS SOMETIMES HARD TO READ WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO PUT A LOT OF TORQUE ON SOMETHING. THE BEAM TYPE , GOOD AS A BREAKER BAR, BRANDS PROTO, SNAPON, WRIGHT TOOL, MAC, MATCO, CORNWELL ARE ALL GOOD. ALSO CHECK WITH THE DEALER ON RECALABRATION. MY SHOP SENDS THEM BACK FREE OF CHARGE IN MOST CASSES. I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE ACCURACY OF CRAFTSMAN TOOL, ALL I CAN SAY IS YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. CRAFTMAN TOOL HAS COME A LONG WAY IN THERE QUALITY, BUT I CAN'T ADVISE YOU TO GET A CRAFTSMAN BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE ANY REFERENCES TO GIVE YOU FOR THEIRS.. HOPE THIS INFO HELPS YOU MAKE A DESISION....... TOOL MAN |
#9
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Thanks
Thanks! I think Santa's going to bring me the 1/2" and 3/8" Harborfreight wrenches. I KNEW the elves would have some great advice!
Terry |
#10
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It cost me $40 to have mine recalibrated which I have done every 2 yrs,also always remember to set it back to zero when done,if you leave it set at any torque level it will become less accurate sooner...........PRO........
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#11
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I've been told before and also read a couple times now here and there that you should leave them set at a low setting, but not zero when not in use. At zero quite often there is no force applied to the internals (something like that anyway) which isn't all that good for them either.
For the few times that I've actually had to use a torque wrench I've never gotten one of my own, have always used someone elses. |
#12
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I got a 1/2" drive 0-150 on e-bay made by Pittsburg Tool. It cost 16$ + shipping, and came with a hard plastic case. Haven't use it so can't tell you how it works, but judging by the way it looks and feels, seems to be good quality. Well worth 16$, no more than I will be using it. I think they also had smaller and larger units.
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#13
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Pittsburgh Tool is Harbor Freight
Anyway, http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...itemnumber=239 Anyway, Im looking for an inch lb wrench for trans and diff. work. I like my Harbor Freight clicker too! Im running downstairs right now to relieve the spring tension!! |
#14
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Hey pishta,
Looks like I lost 7 bucks on the deal. Oh, well... Anyway, thanks for that website. |
#15
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Anyone know if they ship to Canada or even how much shipping costs?? They got some nice prices
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