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Time to replace old torque wrench

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by Failure2Comply, Dec 23, 2012.

  1. Dec 23, 2012 at 2:32 PM
    #1
    Failure2Comply

    Failure2Comply [OP] Old HVACR Tech

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    I have an old Craftsman needle type torque wrench and want to step up a little. I would like something in the $50.00-$60.00 range since Christmas took its toll. What would you recommend and why?
    Thanks.
     
  2. Dec 23, 2012 at 2:36 PM
    #2
    BUZZCUT

    BUZZCUT Well-Known Member

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    I have 2 each craftsman that are old say ten years or so and they work excellent. Back in the day when I worked in a aircraft repair station they were cal'd with no issue.

    HF and Northern tool have torque wrenches I would think they are probably ok but I wouldn't have the faith in them myself.
     
  3. Dec 23, 2012 at 2:53 PM
    #3
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    I've got a couple of Craftsman and Husky.
    Standard click type, about $75.
    I don't care for the electronic digital type.
     
  4. Dec 23, 2012 at 3:00 PM
    #4
    KenLyns

    KenLyns 8.75" Third Member

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  5. Dec 23, 2012 at 3:05 PM
    #5
    Failure2Comply

    Failure2Comply [OP] Old HVACR Tech

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  6. Dec 23, 2012 at 3:11 PM
    #6
    KenLyns

    KenLyns 8.75" Third Member

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    ^They are probably as bad as the HarborFreight torque wrenches, just with higher retail markup...
     
  7. Dec 23, 2012 at 3:11 PM
    #7
    Tacoma Mike

    Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

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    I had one craftsman and it immediately went out of cal. Got a replacement and took it home and bought a snap-on for the shop. Been using them ever since.
    I'm sure it was a fluke because all my tools at home are craftsman and they live in a extreme environment there. You will be fine with a Craftsman however I would suggest going after the higher priced one if there is a choice. I also don't like the digital ones.
     
  8. Dec 23, 2012 at 3:13 PM
    #8
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    I wouldn't trust those on engine parts.

    I've got a cheapie from Autozone that I use ONLY for lug nuts... that's all I would trust those to do.
     
  9. Dec 23, 2012 at 3:13 PM
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    woode87

    woode87 Well-Known Member

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  10. Dec 23, 2012 at 3:20 PM
    #10
    Failure2Comply

    Failure2Comply [OP] Old HVACR Tech

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  11. Dec 23, 2012 at 3:22 PM
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    wildjerseyfirefighter

    wildjerseyfirefighter I sell fishing and fishing accessories

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    I have a snap on..would buy nothing else.
     
  12. Dec 23, 2012 at 3:24 PM
    #12
    12DblCab

    12DblCab I don't know what to write here

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    :popcorn:

    I'm also looking for a torque wrench and cheap bench vise.
     
  13. Dec 23, 2012 at 3:25 PM
    #13
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    Satoshi with FJ badge, factory cruise, factory intermittent wipers, Redline Tuning hood-lift struts, Hellwig Swaybar, Rosen DVD-Nav
    That'll do well for you.

    It's a 1/2" drive, 20-150.
    Torque wrenches do not generally work well near their extremes, I would limit this one to the 35-125 range.
    Grab a 3/8" drive to handle tasks below 50.
    I also have a 1/4" drive in inch-pounds, but it's overkill for the Tacoma. About the only thing I use it on is the cam bearing caps and other 5-6mm fasteners on my dirtbike.
     
  14. Dec 23, 2012 at 3:27 PM
    #14
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    For the money, You cant beat the Craftsman Micro-torque wrenches. They hold calibration very well. Last time I had mine calibrated, after 5 years, it wasnt off at all.
     
  15. Dec 23, 2012 at 3:31 PM
    #15
    Tacoma Mike

    Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

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  16. Dec 23, 2012 at 3:32 PM
    #16
    Failure2Comply

    Failure2Comply [OP] Old HVACR Tech

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    I appreciate your insight. I had a real nice Snap-On inch pound torque wrench but I donated it to a group of military snipers in Iraq for their scopes. I figured it was more important for them to be that accurate.

    Also was looking at his one but it does not go very low.

    http://www.homedepot.com/Husky/h_d1...word=torque+wrench&storeId=10051#.UNeUJHfNnTo
     
  17. Dec 23, 2012 at 3:32 PM
    #17
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    Not many bolts on teh Tacoma or many other vehicles, go over 100#.
     
  18. Dec 23, 2012 at 3:34 PM
    #18
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    20-150 is good, and it'll handle lug nuts and most suspension parts.

    Going over 150 in a quality wrench is going to get expensive fast... which is why my 250 is a cheapie that's only used for lug nuts. Most lug nuts are 80, I think my Duramax was 120.
    I've got a clutch hub nut on my motorcycle that takes 105 and that's the highest I've got on anything that's remotely routine.
     
  19. Dec 23, 2012 at 3:41 PM
    #19
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    Satoshi with FJ badge, factory cruise, factory intermittent wipers, Redline Tuning hood-lift struts, Hellwig Swaybar, Rosen DVD-Nav
    That one is going to be comparable to Craftsman in quality.
    I wouldn't get that one just yet since you're on a budget.

    The Craftsman 20-150 is going to be a decent all-around tool for now. I would add a 3/8" drive 10-75 such as this one, and those two will hold you well for most tasks. The 10-75 will be perfect for spark plugs and similar... the big 1/2" drive is just too much, and too easy to fumble it and damage something.
    $140 for the pair... not cheap, but more than adequate for anything you're likely to need.
    You can add the 50-250 later if you find that you're getting into heavier work frequently, but I don't see it being needed on the Tacoma.
    Like Chris said, 100 is pretty much max.
     
  20. Dec 23, 2012 at 3:41 PM
    #20
    Tacoma Mike

    Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

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    Tundra wheel torque 150 as an example. Crush collars. Just saying if he wants one and the price is close I'd go bigger. Like I said IMO.. He may never use it but he has it
     

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