Torque Wrench Help Please.

I am thinking of buying a torque wrench. I probably would use it about 2 times a year. I don't know that much about them but thinking it is time to get one. Does anyone have any recommendations ? Thank you for your help/comments.

 

Craftsman if looking for affordable.
Snap-On if looking for long lasting accuracy.

 

This isn't the exact brand I use, but I use a digital one. I love it.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-8-in-Drive-Electronic-Torque-Wrench-H3DETW/314020528

 

Harbor freight - around $30

Edit. The other things to look for ..buy a long one so it can clear the wheel while tighting lugs and it has max torque limits at least 100 or more.

 

AutoZone Duralast has done me fine for infrequent use and they are cheap.

 

I use the husky brand from Home Depot, works well for me. Just get something in your budget and aim for a warranty or lifetime guarantee if you can.

other option would be estate sale or out of business sales for a higher end type at low cost.

check Grainger.com as a reference site

 

$49 TEKTON 1/2" Drive Micrometer Torque Wrench (10-150 ft.-lb.) | 24335

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Torqu...t=&hvlocphy=9010167&hvtargid=pla-406130759905

 

With a price point friendly for a guy working at home - I was surprised with Tekton.

I needed a higher capacity torque wrench for an axle nut, as this tool would be seldom used I was reluctant to shell out major money for a popular brand yet still wanted something higher spec than Harbor Freight.

I was stunned how nice the torque wrench was for the price I paid. Beautiful fit and finish, smooth operating and included a nice blow molded case. I tested it against my others and it was dead on.

https://www.tekton.com/

They are a family owned company from Michigan.
A quote from their "about us" page:
"Tools, like many things, don't have to be expensive to work well—they need to be made well to work well."

 

X 2 for Husky, I have all three sizes and they've been great for years

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP4uECoH8cc

 

That’s the ticket.

 

I had to buy a larger torque wrench for suspension work and I got a deal on a Husky. Definitely a quality wrench.

 

I bought the craftsman from lowes on sale for like $69ish. The plastic handle is maulfuctioning within the first three torques. Ill be returning it... Maybe get a tekton?

 

Torque wrenches are "want, not need" tools, IMO.

 

Seriously?

 

I bought mine years ago used Snap-On then took them to work and had them calibrated. I worked for an airline and they bought lots of torque wrenches. They bought snap on,Mac,proto,sturdavant. I wouldn’t buy any of them when most parts stores will loan you one. You can find the old ones cheap on eBay don’t be afraid to use antique tooling it’s probably better made and you can hammer nails with it.

 

Depends what you are putting together...

 

I've rebuilt a motorbike engine without one.

 

I have 3 Tekton torque wrenches and really like them, including a giant one for torqueing the axle nut for ECGS bushing upgrade.

 

I have a 3/8in and 1/2 inch drive Tekton torque wrench. The 3/8 inch is fine, adjustments are smooth. The 1/2 inch from day one seeks sketch, hard to turn to adjust. I also have 3 inexpensive Pittsburg Harbor Freight torque wrenches including a 1/2 inch drive that are fine, Saw a test of accuracy on Youtube where they performed well, mine came with a calibration sheet.