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Torque Wrench

Discussion in 'Northern California' started by CaliAsh, Feb 23, 2013.

  1. Feb 23, 2013 at 1:10 PM
    #1
    CaliAsh

    CaliAsh [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Looking for recommendations for torque wrenches. I am trying to fill out my toolbox for maintenance/mods and I am just not sure what to get. I tried the inexpensive harbor freight route with no luck (returned 3 bad wrenches) and not willing to roll the dice again.

    Suggestions on which type would be appreciated as well (click, manual guage, digital) would be appreciated as well.
     
  2. Feb 23, 2013 at 1:24 PM
    #2
    Texoma

    Texoma IG: Triple C Chop Shop

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    I have 2 needle torque wrenches and 3 clickers. The 2 needle ones are accurate enough, and any brand would due. The clickers, I have craftsman, an inch pound, a 20-150 ftlb, and a 25-250 ftlb. I don't use them but once a month, so they are good for me for light use, but if you would use them every day, go with Matco, Snap on, or Mac. Those are more for heavy use, and the price will reflect that. You get what you pay for. Hope this helps, good luck.
     
  3. Feb 23, 2013 at 1:24 PM
    #3
    Bobbb

    Bobbb "Rumors of Bob, but never Bob. It is Bob, right?"

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    I bought a Great Neck clicker style wrench 20-25 years ago and it's still going strong to this day. I can't speak to their present-day quality, but I've never had any problems with this wrench and it was even made in Taiwan. I keep it in it's own box so it can't get knocked around and only use it for torquing.

    [​IMG]
     
  4. Feb 23, 2013 at 1:29 PM
    #4
    coseng

    coseng Well-Known Member

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    I have a craftsman 1/2" that I use most often for tire changes/rotations. I have harbor freight 1/4", 3/8", and 3/4" for infrequent use. The harbor freight ones have been fine for me. What happened to yours?
     
  5. Feb 23, 2013 at 5:18 PM
    #5
    CaliAsh

    CaliAsh [OP] Well-Known Member

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    First HF wrench was totally frozen (couldn't adjust torque setting). I was able to adjust and use the second one once, then it would not adjust after that. Third one basically fell apart when I took it out of the box. I have picked up some good items from Harbor Freight and basically have the mindset that some things they sell are hit and miss. The torque wrench basically struck out :)

    I am not a mechanic by trade so these tools will not be used on a daily basis. I just wanted to keep things in spec when I do work on my truck.

    I picked up a needle 1/2" craftsman today for basic stuff, but will be researching more.

    Thanks for the input folks.
     
  6. Feb 23, 2013 at 5:49 PM
    #6
    whiteboy

    whiteboy Well-Known Member

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    Kings, alcans, 33's blah blah read my build thread in sig
    I (my dad) have a Craftsman torque wrench that has the spinner dial on the bottom that you rotate to the desired setting and "clicks" when you tighten something to that number. Hasn't let me down yet.
     
  7. Feb 23, 2013 at 5:58 PM
    #7
    CaliAsh

    CaliAsh [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I was looking at those and will probably get one as well.
     
  8. Feb 23, 2013 at 6:47 PM
    #8
    kalieaire

    kalieaire i didn't know they stacked sh*t that high.

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    the craftsman spinners are OK, but the springs do wear out after a while. you can "calibrate" them with a standard needle wrench every few months. I wouldn't get bent out of shape though. we're not doing anything life critical like landing a dood on the moon so we're cool.

    however, if you were doing something important like TTY bolts on a flywheel, I would go with calibrated wrench, a needle wrench, or someone w/ a snap on, mac or similar (if someone has one to borrow. ;)
     
  9. Feb 26, 2013 at 9:07 AM
    #9
    w3tw0rks

    w3tw0rks Well-Known Member

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    I have a Husky brand I purchased from Home Depot about 2 years ago or so for like $80. It's only seen light use and it's been fine for me. This is one tool I don't drop or throw around maybe that's why it's been working for me this long.
     
  10. Feb 26, 2013 at 9:10 AM
    #10
    JLee

    JLee The Man! Vendor

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    I lost track thousands of dollars ago.
    Same here i use it all the time and it has a life time warranty.
     
  11. Feb 26, 2013 at 9:21 AM
    #11
    deez

    deez Well-Known Member

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    I have a Husky 1/2" torque that I use for my lugs and a CDI 3/8" for smaller jobs that require more accurate tolerances.

    CDI is a division of Snap-On (at a much lower price point).

    http://www.cditorque.com/
     
  12. Feb 26, 2013 at 9:23 AM
    #12
    miacevedo

    miacevedo Well-Known Member

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    Snap On.
     
  13. Feb 26, 2013 at 9:55 AM
    #13
    CUtacomaTIGER

    CUtacomaTIGER Unprofessional Driver

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  14. Feb 27, 2013 at 12:27 PM
    #14
    aficianado

    aficianado Well-Known Member

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    back to bone stock.
    i like the SK line of torque wrenches. i have a craftman 3/8th drive. it is fairly accurate, but turning the handle is tricky. mine sometime sticks.

    i borrowed my buddies SK 1/2" drive and that thing adjust like silk. about $140, so cheaper than snap on for sure.
     

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