What’s your favorite torque wrench?

I've got CDI in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2, because snap on wasn't in the budget. Bought them from Amazon years ago. Very happy with them.

 

I was in the market for a new 1/2" drive about a year ago. I originally bought a CDI digital but sent it back because there was something that I didn't like about it.

I ended up with a Gear Wrench flex head digital. I think I determined that there is a SATA brand wrench that is identical to the Gear Wrench.

 

Precision Instruments split beam. Made in USA, good accuracy, affordable, should last the rest of my life. CDI are good too for same reasons. SnapOn if you've got the coin and wrench for a living or build racecars/spaceships.

 

I got a Craftsman for Christmas last year. Up until then it was the 11$ Pittsburgh for me.

I had an old work friend check the Pittsburgh once, it was +9

 

I suppose I should give an update to my previous post.
I’ve used the wrenches quite a bit since

For those with little patience and don’t want to read to the end.
My advice is, buy the best you can afford.
I certainly wish I would have, and will probably be doing so in the near future.

Pittsburg - 3/4”, 1/2” , 3/8 and 1/4”
I don’t use the 1/2”. I prefer the Husky in 1/2”.
The 1/4” just plain scares me. It doesn’t “click” as much as it just “breaks over”. You really need to be careful and feel for it.
The 3/8” amazingly enough seems to be fine.


Husky - 1/2”
I primarily use it anytime I need a 1/2” wrench.


Kobalt - 3/8”
This was my go too wrench, it recently began to slip the teeth on anything over 50 ft/lb.
I have used the Quinn or Pittsburgh if I needed to torque anything with a 3/8.
Or I just go by feel, like I always did in the past, and “Hope for the best”

Quinn Digital - 3/8”
Not much has changed here.
I’m still getting used to it. Still not big on how it “beeps”.
It beeps fast when you are within 10% of set torque, and solid beeeeeeep once you get to set torque.
I either alway let go too soon, or too late. I’ve never managed to make it too the solid beeeeep, with out going over at least 5 ft/lbs or so,

I like it, but it’s big compared to most standard “click type” wrenches. Probably not the best for tight places. Icon - 1/2”
I don’t know why, but I just feel like this thing under torques stuff.
I’ve always felt like it “clicked” too soon. I’ve rechecked the torque with my Husky and had it turn the a lug just a bit more. Either the Husky over torques, or the Icon under torques. Gearwrench - 1/4”
It’s still broken. There is no warranty left on it. I should probably toss it.
Always test your wrench before you start. Pick a larger bolt/nut and make sure you get a “click or beep”.[/QUOTE]

 

That’s awesome, thank you for that.

 

What is your experience, knowledge and skill level?

 

Lowe's has 3/8 & 1/2" Craftsman's on sale.




https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-3-8-in-Drive-Click-Torque-Wrench-20-ft-lb-to-100-ft-lb/1000772356

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-1-2-in-Drive-Click-Torque-Wrench-50-ft-lb-to-250-ft-lb/1000772366

 

Craftsman deflection similar to this one.

 

I bought

$60 LEXIVON 1/2" Drive Click Torque Wrench 25-250 Ft-Lb/33.9-338.9 Nm (LX-184)

this one from Amazon back in April this year to replace one I bought from Harbor Freight. I had bought from Harbor Freight to swap out winter/summer wheels on my WRX. I used it, sparingly, for about 2-3 years. The last time I used it, it quite literally, disintegrated in my hands. I was torqueing down the lugnuts on my son's Honda Accord when it made a funky sound and just fell apart, springs and pieces flew everywhere. It was dark, half of the pieces landed in the grass. I guess I got my $20 worth of use out of it. I hope my new one lasts longer!