Torque Wrenches Options

[Syaoran]

I'm looking for a torque wrench that is affordable and accurate. I was browsing through harbor freight and saw this thing:

http://www.harborfreight.com/digital-torue...pter-68283.html

Anybody here used it? Reviews seem to be good.

[95CelicaST]

Define "cheap".

I bought mine from Napa for $60 and that was suspiciously cheap.

[Ironic]

i wouldnt trust a torque wrench from harbor freight.. some tools you do not wanna go cheap on

[Syaoran]

Define "cheap".

I bought mine from Napa for $60 and that was suspiciously cheap.

I'm like that as well... There's torque wrenches at PepBoys for $30.

i wouldnt trust a torque wrench from harbor freight.. some tools you do not wanna go cheap on

That's not exactly a torque wrench, if you bothered to look.

[Tigawoods]

ive used harbor freight wrenches for the past 3 years. nothings fallen off yet

[Xander_X]

I was an auto tech professionally for about 6 years (until I realized I would never make more than $20 an hour unless I opened my own shop and went back to school) and went through the 2 year Toyota T-TEN program. I've used tools from every make and I would never even think of purchasing a torque wrench from HF. I do on occasion buy some things from there but I can't think of an instance that I would buy a tool there to work on a car unless it is a planned one time use (I have some cheap ones in my emergency tool box in case they get lost or stolen). I paid around $150 for mine from Craftsman, though I think it's $100 now. You also have to take into account the range of ft/lbs or in/lbs it will do. When dealing with torque wrenches, especially with using it on engine components, never go cheap.

[Syaoran]

I was an auto tech professionally for about 6 years (until I realized I would never make more than $20 an hour unless I opened my own shop and went back to school) and went through the 2 year Toyota T-TEN program. I've used tools from every make and I would never even think of purchasing a torque wrench from HF. I do on occasion buy some things from there but I can't think of an instance that I would buy a tool there to work on a car unless it is a planned one time use (I have some cheap ones in my emergency tool box in case they get lost or stolen). I paid around $150 for mine from Craftsman, though I think it's $100 now. You also have to take into account the range of ft/lbs or in/lbs it will do. When dealing with torque wrenches, especially with using it on engine components, never go cheap.

I've also seen reviews (bad reviews) of the Craftsman torque wrenches, even the digital ones. (most of the time losing calibration and inaccuracy are common reviews for the click-type Craftsman)

[95CelicaST]

Torque wrenches should be calibrated every year at least if you expect them to remain accurate.

[soulshadow]

Thats an adapter I wouldn't suggest that, but I do actually have 2 types of Torque wrenches from Harbour Freight the 3/8 and 3/4" drives and they work great. I have torqued timing belt tensioners, camshafts, waterpumps and have had no issues. They are within +- 3 so that is acceptable for me.

[Syaoran]

Thats an adapter I wouldn't suggest that, but I do actually have 2 types of Torque wrenches from Harbour Freight the 3/8 and 3/4" drives and they work great. I have torqued timing belt tensioners, camshafts, waterpumps and have had no issues. They are within +- 3 so that is acceptable for me.

Most reviews suggest its use as a calibration tool more than what it's sold as (universal torque wrench kind of thing is what they're trying to market it as).

Most people use it to check their torque wrenches to see if they're still precise. Doesn't sound like a bad tool to have before doing a delicate job like head bolts/studs, crank mains, rod caps, flywheel bolts etc.

[Xander_X]

I've also seen reviews (bad reviews) of the Craftsman torque wrenches, even the digital ones. (most of the time losing calibration and inaccuracy are common reviews for the click-type Craftsman)

By no means do I advocate for Craftsman. Their tools are mediocre at best. But their (up until recently) lifetime warranty and accessible sales locations (any SEARS) make them a viable choice. Once you've owned tools with the quality of SnapOn, BluePoint, MAC and some S&K (though all outrageously overpriced) you never want to use another. They really are superior. I highly suggest BluePoint to anyone who asks me what tools to get. Same quality as SnapOn at about 2/3 to half the price. But back to torque wrenches, of course they lose accuracy, they need to be recalibrated every so often.

Torque wrenches should be calibrated every year at least if you expect them to remain accurate.

This

This post has been edited by Xander_X: Nov 3, 2012 - 11:03 PM

[soulshadow]

On a side note, my Tool Cabinet at work consists of mostly Harbour Freight tools and I have to admit that when a SnapOn, or Matco tool failed. My cheap ass Harbour Freight prevailed and I paid even less than 3/4 the cost of expensive named tools! Really now your just getting the name its still made out of metal!

[garin]

i've been using a snap on tqfr250e for about 2 years now. it is a more expensive wrench, but i do have trust in it! brownline is supposed to be good. why buy a harbor freight wrench if you are concerned about fine measurements like torque. dont be afraid to spend some money on a precise measuring tool!

[Stambo]

^^ i also got a nice snap on one 50ftlb-250 use it everyday. Deciding wether to buy the electronic 3/8 one or not

[NgoFcukinWay]

I bought the Snap-On electric 5-100ft/lb torque wrench and I love it. It's great for day to day wrenching. I've only had it for a few months, but it's been pretty spot on so far.