Torque Wrench Recomendations?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 610
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Torque Wrench Recomendations?
I need to buy some torque wrenches for the Vette. I need one in 3/8" size and one in 1/2" size. I don't want to spend over 100 dollars apiece. Any recommendations on brands and where to get them on my budget. Thanks. Todd
Last edited by Whitecloud; Mar 9, 2009 at 11:12 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,290
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From: St Marys GA
Craftsman. They have them on sale all the time for $80 (normally $90 I think). I picked one up used on eBay for about $55 shipped. That's the 1/2" drive 150 ft-lb model. I'm not even sure they make a 3/4" version; are you sure you don't mean 3/8? I just use the 1/2" drive whenever I'm torquing. It goes down to 20 ft-lb, and anything less than that I just feel.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
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From: Warwick RI
Team Owner
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From: Riverside County Southern California
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Lino Lakes MN
for around $20. each they will do what I need them to do. Several members on the C5 side have complained about the quality of the newer Craftsman torque wrenches.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: WV
I don't know if Sears is still having this sale but I bought a in-lbs torque wrench last week for $59.99 , these normally sell for $79.99
They had the ft-lbs wrench on sale for the same price..WW
They had the ft-lbs wrench on sale for the same price..WW
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 576
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I would NOT buy a torque wrench from Harbor Freight. Craftsman would be the most economical one I would own. I own two, a 1/2 drive Cornwell, which seems to be pretty nice and a Snap-On 3/8. I use the 3/8 more often that I thought I would.
If you wanted to get out for not much money, I'd buy an E-bay Snap-On and count on sending it in for calibration. You'll save money and you'll end up with a really nice torque wrench. I have been accused of being a tool baller before and I won't apologize for it. My Cornwell was part of a tool lot I paid $60 for on E-bay. Just goes to show if you do a little shopping, it's possible to find deals.
Torque wrenches are not something to cheap out on. Get the torque spec wrong and either something flies off or cracks. Put all the Chinese sockets you want on the end of it, but get something that clicks where it's supposed to. The potential collateral damage is pretty high. Granted your valve covers are not a high risk situation, but why buy twice?
If you wanted to get out for not much money, I'd buy an E-bay Snap-On and count on sending it in for calibration. You'll save money and you'll end up with a really nice torque wrench. I have been accused of being a tool baller before and I won't apologize for it. My Cornwell was part of a tool lot I paid $60 for on E-bay. Just goes to show if you do a little shopping, it's possible to find deals.
Torque wrenches are not something to cheap out on. Get the torque spec wrong and either something flies off or cracks. Put all the Chinese sockets you want on the end of it, but get something that clicks where it's supposed to. The potential collateral damage is pretty high. Granted your valve covers are not a high risk situation, but why buy twice?
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 133
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From: Mt Pleasant Michigan
I am not promoting Harbor Freight But I have one of their 1/2" drive torque wrenches for tightening wheels, (more concerned about even than accurate) so I compared to a buddies Snap-On wrench and it was dead on at three different settings.
Also where is the Craftsman Wrench made? I doubt in the U.S.A
My .02 worth
Also where is the Craftsman Wrench made? I doubt in the U.S.A
My .02 worth
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,110
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From: Red Sox Nation! RI
That Harbor Freight torque wrench isn't bad at all. I compared it to 2 other TWs, and to quote Marisa Tomei, it was dead on ***** accurate (that's an industry term).
I've been in HF a couple times and it's funny how many tools you see there that are sold elsewhere for so much more (exact item). The 1/2" torque wrench was on sale for $10. Kinda hard to pass that up even if you throw them away every few years. It would be different if I earned my living as a mechanic.
I've looked on ebay a few times for a Snap On, but they're still on the pricey side.
I've been in HF a couple times and it's funny how many tools you see there that are sold elsewhere for so much more (exact item). The 1/2" torque wrench was on sale for $10. Kinda hard to pass that up even if you throw them away every few years. It would be different if I earned my living as a mechanic.
I've looked on ebay a few times for a Snap On, but they're still on the pricey side.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
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From: OBAMA IS HITLER
Craftsman. They have them on sale all the time for $80 (normally $90 I think). I picked one up used on eBay for about $55 shipped. That's the 1/2" drive 150 ft-lb model. I'm not even sure they make a 3/4" version; are you sure you don't mean 3/8? I just use the 1/2" drive whenever I'm torquing. It goes down to 20 ft-lb, and anything less than that I just feel.
it's decent enough for occasional use, i have one as well.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 317
Likes: 1
MSC has blackhawk torques on sale for around 100 bucks, I am pretty sure they are made in the usa and of good quality without the premium advertising price of snap on and others. Also harbor freight has some ok stuff, damn it is so cheap. Craftsman stuff has gone 100% to China lowest bidder and is probably made in the same place as the harbor freight crap, they scare me. Plus Sears will probably go belly up after this recession.