Nice Torque Wrench

[revhead347]

My old torque wrench has given up the ghost. I've decided I would like to buy a nicer one anyway. Anyone have any recommendations for a good quality 1/2" torque wrench. Nothing too extreme, just a basic one for installing cylinder heads and stuff.

Kurt

 

[VibrantRedGT]

Go to Sears and get the Craftsmen 1/2". Don't skimp on this item like Harbor Freight or anything. I have a Harbor Freight 3/8" drive that I don't trust. Kobalt and Husky make good ones too but they can be expensive.

 

[Zero Signal]

I have three of the Craftsman clicky ones (small/medium/large) and they've worked out well thus far. The 1/2" is the 25-250 ft-lb version. I'm not sure exactly how accurate it is, but it seems fairly consistent. As long as they are stored properly, they should work out well.

I have had the Harbor Freight wrenches, and they just fell apart on me. They also felt way off. Sometimes it would click, sometimes it wouldn't. I hated it.

 

[revhead347]

A harbor freight one is out of the question. I have michigan one, but I must have torqued a million bolts with it and it's just stopped clicking all the time. I might go to Craftsman one, but I was wondering if anyone has found another brand they really like for a reasonable price.

 

[Last5.0]

Husky from Home Depot is really nice and has a lifetime warranty. It's also only about $70 and includes a case and goes to 250lbs

 

[revhead347]

I'll check out the Husky one, but I'm a little leary. A lot of their tools are made in China now, and it's not much more money for the Craftsman.

Kurt

 

[N8Dogg98]

I'll check out the Husky one, but I'm a little leary. A lot of their tools are made in China now, and it's not much more money for the Craftsman.

Kurt

I also have the husky one and I was quite impressed with the build quality and craftsmanship.

 

[Last5.0]

You can get the Craftsman digital for $101 (with 15% off coupon when ordered online) plus $9 for the case, but it doesn't have the greatest of reviews

Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

 

[Last5.0]

Actually just looked at my Husky. I can't find any "Made In" markings on it, just a US Patent # and a serial #. There might be something on the original packaging but I threw that out.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[Zero Signal]

I do really like the Husky tools. It's probably at least as safe a bet as the Sears one. Half the parts of our cars are foreign-made, so I wouldn't be worried about a Chinese made torque wrench. Chinese factories build to any spec provided to them. You could bet Husky has a pretty tight spec and Harbor Freight does not. In either case, I'd bet the design is about identical to the Craftsman.

 

[Last5.0]

My 1/4" and 3/8" drive torque wrenches are Harbor Freight units because I needed them once and didn't want to spend much money. My 1/2" drive is a Husky and if I need to buy a new 1/4" or 3/8" it will be a Husky too. It is well built and I really like the way the handle unlocks with an easy to use spring collar that you hold down while twisting the handle. It also supposedly comes from manufacturer with a +- 4% calibration and can be sent in (to like Virginia or something) for calibration free within the first 90 days if it's off and any time after that for a small fee.

 

[revhead347]

Actually just looked at my Husky. I can't find any "Made In" markings on it, just a US Patent # and a serial #. There might be something on the original packaging but I threw that out.

1/2 in. Drive Torque Wrench-39104T at The Home Depot

I have to go to Home Depot to pick up a ladder anyway. I'll check it out when I'm there.

Kurt

 

[wythors]

I have a 1/2" ft/lb and a 3/8 in/lb, both by SK. They've both been very good and have lasted over 10 years so far. You can get them on Amazon.

 

[Rick 91GT]

I have a nice MAC dial gauge and a larger Craftsman Professional Digital that beeps, very nice and I've had them checked for accuracy.

I had a cheap Ampro (Advance Auto brand) 1/2" that I used at the track for my rims. I brought that in when we did a calibration check and it was closer then my old standard click Craftsman for accuracy....surprised me.

 

[revhead347]

That is surprising. I'm just looking for a standard click style. I think the digital would just annoy me.

Kurt

 

[SableSal]

Proto makes a great torque wrench. I loved it when I used to have one. I would check that out, it was perfect every time I used it.

 

[revhead347]

I'll look into the Proto torque wrenches a little more later when I'm back home on a real computer. Thanks for the recommendation.

Kurt

 

[revhead347]

Actually just looked at my Husky. I can't find any "Made In" markings on it, just a US Patent # and a serial #. There might be something on the original packaging but I threw that out.

1/2 in. Drive Torque Wrench-39104T at The Home Depot

I checked it out last night while I was dropping $230 bones on a ladder. It's made in Taiwan which isn't a deal breaker for me, but I would prefer to have an American made one for that price. All the packages had been opened and taped back shut also, which is a bad sign.

Kurt

 

[revhead347]

I ended up calling Brownline Metalworks today, and bought a torque wrench. This was on special for $99 until August 26th, and the guy said he would let me have it for that price. It's made with components from Malasia and Taiwan, but no Chinese stuff. I can't find anything American made that has good reviews, so I went ahead and got this one.

Brown Line Metalworks, LLC | Professional Grade Digital Torque Wrench

Kurt

 

[Last5.0]

That looks purdy!!

Only goes to 150ft lbs though so can't use it when doing wheel hubs which are usually 160+ft lbs depending on vehicle