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Jan. 1, 2010 5:59 p.m. MarkinKY None

Before I go any further, I've tried the forum search feature and it provided no -- nada -- results for my question, and I'm sure it's been covered, so sorry for the repetition.

My wife wants to give me a torque wrench for my birthday and I want to make sure I give her good guidance. I have three cars I fiddle with, in order: BMW e36, 1968 Triumph GT6, 2006 Honda Pilot. I've heard to avoid those from Harbor Freight (duh) and Sears. In today's economy price does matter, so I am looking for mix of quality and value. What would you recommend?

Thanks!
Jan. 1, 2010 6:21 p.m. mel_horn Dork

If you're close to a NAPA they sell KD-branded torque wrenches. IIRC they have one with a rubber cushioned handle specially for tire shops, etc.
Jan. 1, 2010 6:53 p.m. Toyman01 Dork

I use one from Northern Tools. Seem to work just fine.
Jan. 1, 2010 6:54 p.m. pigeon HalfDork

The Harbor Freight wrenches are actually pretty good. I've read that they test out within spec as long as you're within 85-90% of the operating range, which is pretty standard for any torque wrench. I've used the 1/2" and 3/8" for several years with no issues or problems.
Jan. 1, 2010 7:29 p.m. Grtechguy UberDork

I have the HF 1/2" one...works fine for what I need.

Think I paid $14.99
Jan. 1, 2010 7:31 p.m. xci_ed6 HalfDork

I really like my snap-on's, they've stayed calibrated without adjustments for 3 years. They cost a bit more, but they'll last forever, and more importantly, I can trust them. I can't trust the $15 H-F special.
Jan. 1, 2010 7:36 p.m. wbjones HalfDork

Grtechguy wrote:

I have the HF 1/2" one...works fine for what I need.

Think I paid $14.99

+1
Jan. 1, 2010 8:01 p.m. drmike New Reader

xci_ed6 wrote:

I really like my snap-on's, they've stayed calibrated without adjustments for 3 years. They cost a bit more, but they'll last forever, and more importantly, I can trust them. I can't trust the $15 H-F special.

I have a couple of Blue Point (sold by Snap On for those who don't know) that are upwards of 25 years old. They spent at least ten years as the primary torque wrenches of an engine builder. I use them often, and they still perform well. I had them calibrated a few years ago, and they were spot on and needed no adjustment.
Jan. 1, 2010 8:26 p.m. f86sabjf Reader

if new isn't necassary hit ebay and buy a blue point or snap on. That what I did and saved hundreds and now I have a high quality set of torque wrenches
Jan. 1, 2010 8:53 p.m. TJ Dork

Previous issue had an article about torque wrenches that concluded that the HF ones are good for the price. That is what I have because I am cheap.

Pawn shops might be a good place to find one of the more pricey brands without paying for a brand new one.
Jan. 1, 2010 11:34 p.m. skruffy Dork

The HF one is fine for wheels and stuff like that, I wouldn't trust one for engine assembly. I've got one at home and use it ALOT.
Jan. 2, 2010 12:22 a.m. 1slowcrx Reader

I built a stock honda F22 rebuild with a HF $14.99 special and that motor had 30k trouble free miles on it when I sold the car..

I'm in the HF camp but when I land that dream job and have the money I'll go Snap On every single time
Jan. 2, 2010 12:31 a.m. mndsm Reader

Price no object- Snap on.

Living in the real world- HF
Jan. 2, 2010 9:31 p.m. MarkinKY New Reader

Thank you all, just the input I needed!
Jan. 2, 2010 10:25 p.m. jrw1621 Dork

Just so it is clearly written here, the Sear's Craftsman torque wrench is not longer a "lifetime guaranteed" item.
Jan. 2, 2010 10:33 p.m. JeepinMatt HalfDork

I have a GreatNeck 1/2" and a 3/8" drive. Both work great.
Jan. 2, 2010 10:36 p.m. Josh Dork

jrw1621 wrote:

Just so it is clearly written here, the Sear's Craftsman torque wrench is not longer a "lifetime guaranteed" item.

IIRC, the beam type ones are, but the cickers are not.

Personally, I have a beam-type craftsman (that I never use) and a HF clicker and check them against each other every so often when I think of it. The HF clicker hasn't caused me any problems in the 4 or 5 years I've been using it.
Jan. 3, 2010 10:00 a.m. ReverendDexter Dork

The article basically showed that if the Craftsman torque wrench was good enough, so was the HF. If you need something better than that, you're looking at Mac/SnapOn/&c.
Jan. 3, 2010 10:05 a.m. wbjones HalfDork

I've been using a HF clicker for ~ 7 yrs now... the only problem, the screws holding the head together came apart and it all fell apart... they replaced it no problem, even though it was out of warranty and I had lost the receipt
Jan. 3, 2010 6:14 p.m. Twin_Cam Dork

jrw1621 wrote:

Just so it is clearly written here, the Sear's Craftsman torque wrench is not longer a "lifetime guaranteed" item.

Probably because I broke two of them under normal use within the span of three months.

The third one has lasted four years, though...
Jan. 3, 2010 7:10 p.m. fornetti14 Reader

xci_ed6 wrote:

I really like my snap-on's, they've stayed calibrated without adjustments for 3 years. They cost a bit more, but they'll last forever, and more importantly, I can trust them. I can't trust the $15 H-F special.

+1 Same here. I've had mine for over 12 years now.
Jan. 4, 2010 5:28 p.m. SupraWes Dork

If you get a clicker make sure you set it to "0" every time after you use it. That is more important than what brand you buy. The Chinese ones are good for a home mechanic. If you are building some serious stuff a beam type, or even better, angle gauge and bolt stretch measurements are the way to go.
Jan. 4, 2010 7:14 p.m. xci_ed6 HalfDork

SupraWes wrote:

or even better, angle gauge and bolt stretch measurements are the way to go.

my Snap-On has the angle gauge built in. It's really nifty, but I've only used the feature a couple times.

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