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Which torque wrench?

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Old Nov 1, 2011 | 11:59 AM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by Sigforty
I use the craftsman click ones. They have worked well for me.
Tried and true.
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Old Nov 1, 2011 | 09:13 PM
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I like my dad's 1/2" Mac click style. Use it every time I do Tech inspection at an autocross and it has never let me down. Dad took it into his work one day to check the accuracy. After 10 years of use, it was dead on. I like the Mac because it has a swivel head so you don't have to be 90* to the socket.

On the other hand, my dad likes his snap on also.
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 10:39 PM
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Note, Autozone and others loan tools including torque wrenches for a small deposit. Usually these are pretty good quality tools. I have used torque wrenches from there several times but bought a cheapy for normal use.
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Old Nov 3, 2011 | 01:17 AM
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Find who in your area calibrates the wrench's and talk to Him. Don't just go by brand names. Last time I had my Proto's in he said they were OK but the new ones were junk. These Guys have there favorites and the ones they don't like. They can give You makes and models to look for. He probably has a couple of Used ones laying around he can sell.
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Old Nov 3, 2011 | 10:13 PM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by Gale Banks 80'
Find who in your area calibrates the wrench's and talk to Him. Don't just go by brand names. Last time I had my Proto's in he said they were OK but the new ones were junk. These Guys have there favorites and the ones they don't like. They can give You makes and models to look for. He probably has a couple of Used ones laying around he can sell.
Good idea. I'm using my brother-in-laws snapon click style and love it!
Its an old model otherwise I would have bought the same in 3/8 and 1/2 already. I'm still in the market and would buy a snapon used from a shop like you mentioned above.
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 07:55 AM
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I have 5 snap clicker types. I have a few others, but they just occupy needed space. It's still a matter of getting what you pay for. A $20 torque wrench is just that. If you are using it for the most likely only time then it's a matter of how confident you are in the result. I've gotten mine for the long haul. Craftsman is a reliable name and less than the Snap on or other high end wrench. My question would be how many times will the HF wrench be accurate?
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 11:00 AM
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i like the beam type since it gives you instant feed back on whats going on
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 01:32 PM
  #28  
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I have to put 1 cent in here regarding torque wrench rentals... torque wrenches are very sensitive to being dropped on the floor. Here are a few things to ponder... The Easter Bunny, The Tooth Fairy, and People Don't Drop Rented Torque Wrenches. Pay yer money, take yer chances. Personally, I would not assemble an engine with a rented torque wrench or one with a questionable past. I never loan my torque wrenches out for that reason. Just sayin'.
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 01:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Easy Mike

No complaints with mine.
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 10:55 PM
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Thanks everyone for your input! Goin with the snap on 3/8 drive click. A little pricey but what the hell,wont be second guessing myself.
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 11:08 PM
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Should last you many many years. they stay accurate unless mistreated. Always turn back to lowest setting after you're through with them and you'll never have an issue. Good torquing.
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Old Nov 8, 2011 | 06:39 AM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by woodsman,ab
Thanks everyone for your input! Goin with the snap on 3/8 drive click. A little pricey but what the hell,wont be second guessing myself.
Why 3/8" and not 1/2"?
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Old Nov 8, 2011 | 07:48 AM
  #33  
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I have Snap-on, OTC, Craftsman, and KD Tools; both beam and clicker types. Not a single one reads made in CHINA.

Read torque wrench specs sometime. All of them say something to the effect that their accuracy is +/- 4% of full scale. With that in mind, when torquing head bolts in the 65-80 ft/lb range, I wouldn't choose a 0-250 ft/lb range torque wrench. I'd pick one that was 0-100 ft/lbs, thinking it would be more accurate. But you still might be off by the tolerance built into that precision tool. The best you can hope for is that it's consistent.
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Old Nov 8, 2011 | 08:39 AM
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Very Good, Here either.
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Old Nov 8, 2011 | 10:33 AM
  #35  
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Originally Posted by bashcraft
Why 3/8" and not 1/2"?
Well, I was thinking it would be more manageable and user friendly in tighter spots, and im not getting it to tighten down lug nuts. Got an old 1/2 beem style for that. And I was planning on buying the 0-100f/lb range
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Old Nov 8, 2011 | 10:38 AM
  #36  
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[QUOTE=69 Chevy;1579162879]

I have Snap-on, OTC, Craftsman, and KD Tools; both beam and clicker types. Not a single one reads made in CHINA.

I hear you man! Made in usa all the way!
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Old Nov 8, 2011 | 12:21 PM
  #37  
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I have a "click" and a beam. I always figured that the "click" being newer was the more accurate (but it was a Pomona Swap Meet find).

I took both over to my mechanic's shop to compare them against his. He has his professionally calibrated every 6 months.

To my suprise, the "click" was WAY OFF but the beam was on the money.
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