TrueBlueCoupe

I did a search and could not find any threads. I am looking for a good in-lb torque wrench, 1/4" or 3/8" drive. Considering the craftsman($50), but thought I would check and see what other forum members are using.

AQWIKZ

I am using the craftsman in./lb and it works just fine.

Baldfart

I had one, great tool for the buck. Had a Proto it was a P.O.S.

Got uid0

you could get a 15 dollar torq wrench that uses the bar and is not the clicker type that you have to worry about falling out of spec, dropping etc etc

Got uid0

you could get a 15 dollar torq wrench that uses the bar and is not the clicker type that you have to worry about falling out of spec, dropping etc etc

RealmSteel

For in-lb torque wrenches, I much prefer the beam style as opposed to the click type.
I think mine is a Matco or Snap-on.
This one looks similar to mine.
http://www.amazon.com/2955-Torque-Wr.../dp/B00004SQ3B

The thing I don't like about the click type is for small values when it clicks, it's easy to keep going and not realize it clicked.

The beam style is also useful for when you need to adjust something for drag.
I had something not too long ago, where it required so many in-lbs of drag.
It may have been a differential.

TrueBlueCoupe

I like the click type but might consider beam for this application ( TPMS sensors), one option I have seen is a digital adapter you put on your rachet. Anyone tried one of those?

cruisemon

Harbor Freight. Less than $20, checked it against a bending beam in-lb wrench, they are the same

Charlie

rws.1

Another Harbor Freight fan....

Randyman2002

I purchased Harbor Freight 1/2" and 3/8" drive clicker torque wrenches. My old "beam" wrench had seen better days 40 years ago!

When I got home I compared their torque values against my friends good Snap-On 1/2" and 3/8" wrenches. The Harbor Freight wrenches were "right on" when compared to the Snap-On.

One can easily question the quality of Harbor Freight tools because you always get what you pay for, but surprisingly these seem to be a good investment.

Todds427

Can't beat the price of Harbor Freight!

Eric D

Hands down this is by far the best I've used:

GearWrench (KDT85074) Gearwrench 1/2" Dr. Electronic Torque Wrench with Angle

It can be had for well under $300 and worth every penny IMO

Here is a LINK with more information

Its_Go_Time

For small torques, I use a KD 2955 beam wrench. It's got a 1/4" drive, reads up to 60 in lb, and goes for about 40 bucks which aint bad. Beam wrenches are an inherently simple design, so should hold their accuracy quite well if looked after. The only hitch with one of these is you have to pay close attention to the indicator while torquing. Sometimes the clicker type is just easier to use. As RealmSteel mentioned above, they are also well suited to measuring drag torques, something a clicker can't do.

Paul Wood

Depending on the application torque may be one of the most important specs you need to get right. I understand budgets but there are times to be frugal and times where spending a few extra bucks might save you money in the long run. To me the danger of trying to achieve small in-lb torques is actually OVER torqing. It is very easy to do! So you might consider buying the best quality wrench you can! Also, calibration of your wrench is a consideration. Good Luck.

joe Villarreal

harbor freight tool had it for $20.00 or less worked great no problems

hotwheels57

I made the mistake of buying a HARBOR FREIGHT wrench at first. It lasted about a year and failed in the middle of a car project. I threw it away and bought CRAFTSMAN. In hind site I should have kept it for a hammer.

I did have a beam torque wrench, but gave it to a friend since I didn't use it much.

I have both an inch lbs. and a foot lbs. wrenches from CRAFTSMAN. I've had them for over ten years and they've never failed me. Always re-set them to zero when not in use.

FWIW, the CRAFTSMAN line of tools can now also be bought at many ACE HARDWARE stores. When K-MART bought out SEARS, they sold off the rights to the tools line. Some ACE HARDWARE stores are now stocking the line because of the cost incentives.

jrose7004

Boom!

Lothar34

Just an FYI on the Pittsburgh torque wrenches that Harbor Freight carries:
If you let one sit for a while, turn the handle and run it through the torque range 3 or 4 times before you use it. It says to do that in the instructions which I did not read, and I kept having problems with mine not clicking when it should. If you do that (which I believe lubricates the internal mechanisms) then it should be fine.

red-in-la

Just NEVER buy HF's fuses.

69SSC5

CDI (they make torque wrenches for snap on), or a beam style of any brand. I personally wouldn't **** with harbor freight or craftsman for a torque wrench. break off an intake manifold bolt due to an out of calibration torque wrench and you will be pissed,,, dont skimp on torque wrenches