torque wrench recommendations
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I've been using a Sears Craftsman clicker type torque wrench for years. Has always served me well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Kelowna BC
Heard good things about the Harbor Freight units including a positive review by Hot Rod.
Don't forget to always back off and unlock when done.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Boise, ID
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X3 for Craftsman. I have a Snap On one as well, but for a good balance of quality/price you can't go wrong with craftsman. Just remember to loosen the tension at the end of each use.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 361
From: Midland TX
Not much help here - all three of mine are Snap-On - two Digital and one Clicker(which I don't use anymore)... pretty pricy.
If you are doing a lot of work on the car to spec, you will probably need at least (2) wrenches - one for the small stuff to about 250 in-lbs 1/4"drive (like battery terminals, OPS, etc.) and a bigger 1/2" drive in the 25-250 ft-lbs range (for lug nuts, rear lower shock bolts, etc.). Big torque wrenches are not very reliable at the low end and too big to get in the smaller spaces (like the battery terminals).
If you are doing a lot of work on the car to spec, you will probably need at least (2) wrenches - one for the small stuff to about 250 in-lbs 1/4"drive (like battery terminals, OPS, etc.) and a bigger 1/2" drive in the 25-250 ft-lbs range (for lug nuts, rear lower shock bolts, etc.). Big torque wrenches are not very reliable at the low end and too big to get in the smaller spaces (like the battery terminals).
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,776
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From: West Seneca NY
I have a Craftsmen as well have had it for many years and never any issues, back when I purchased mine it was $70. Also have a 3/8" inch pound Craftsmen & a 1/4" Snapon inch pound for small areas.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
Not much help here - all three of mine are Snap-On - two Digital and one Clicker(which I don't use anymore)... pretty pricy.
If you are doing a lot of work on the car to spec, you will probably need at least (2) wrenches - one for the small stuff to about 250 in-lbs 1/4"drive (like battery terminals, OPS, etc.) and a bigger 1/2" drive in the 25-250 ft-lbs range (for lug nuts, rear lower shock bolts, etc.). Big torque wrenches are not very reliable at the low end and too big to get in the smaller spaces (like the battery terminals).
If you are doing a lot of work on the car to spec, you will probably need at least (2) wrenches - one for the small stuff to about 250 in-lbs 1/4"drive (like battery terminals, OPS, etc.) and a bigger 1/2" drive in the 25-250 ft-lbs range (for lug nuts, rear lower shock bolts, etc.). Big torque wrenches are not very reliable at the low end and too big to get in the smaller spaces (like the battery terminals).
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
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From: Rio Rancho NM
I have a craft$man that I got for free and a harbor freight that cost 20 dollars. Both read the same after years and years of use and are both clickers. I think the harbor freight for 1/2" and the 3/8" was around the same price 20 bucks each if not one was cheaper then the other. Lifetime warranty on HF tools and can't beat the price. The others are $$$$ screw that noise
Last edited by Chicago1; Apr 1, 2015 at 01:23 AM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Detroit MI
For as infrequently as I use a torque wrench, I too bought HF clicker ones (1/4, 3/8, 1/2), and all have been flawless for years. Every now and then I check them against my dad's Snap-ons that he keeps perfectly calibrated and they're always right on.
Craftsman been using one for decades!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 874
Likes: 107
From: Detroit MI
I use my 3/8 ft/lbs just as much as my 1/2. Like when I installed the headers on my car, the 3/8 worked better (and fit better) for the 10mm bolts.
I honestly rarely use my 1/4 on the car. I mostly use it on my bicycles.
You can buy all 3 from Harbor Freight for less than the price of one from Sears.
I honestly rarely use my 1/4 on the car. I mostly use it on my bicycles.
You can buy all 3 from Harbor Freight for less than the price of one from Sears.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
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From: West Virginia
Another plus for Craftsman and HF. Bought the Craftsman many years ago - pre HF. As I am near an HF store fairly regularly, I get most hand tools there these days.
Best bargain of all was the 12" compound miter saw on special for $139. 4x that for a brand name.
Best bargain of all was the 12" compound miter saw on special for $139. 4x that for a brand name.
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I have the same two plus an additional 1/2" Craftman.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
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From: Columbia SC
I too have two Craftsman wrenches for covering the ranges I need.
I CANNOT STRESS TOO MUCH THE NEED TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE ACCURATE!!!!
I have always calibrated mine before use and again over time based on use.
I once bought a torque wrench and calibrated it to find out the it would over torque by 40%.
THIS IS NOT AN APRIL FOOLS JOKE.
Calibrating for me was easy since I used the Nuclear plant cal lab.
You can at least compare yours against someone's else. Or hang weights on the handle.
PS: My bad wrench was a Craftsman which I exchanged.
I CANNOT STRESS TOO MUCH THE NEED TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE ACCURATE!!!!
I have always calibrated mine before use and again over time based on use.
I once bought a torque wrench and calibrated it to find out the it would over torque by 40%.
THIS IS NOT AN APRIL FOOLS JOKE.
Calibrating for me was easy since I used the Nuclear plant cal lab.
You can at least compare yours against someone's else. Or hang weights on the handle.
PS: My bad wrench was a Craftsman which I exchanged.
