Any good torque wrench recommendations?
09-28-2018, 07:37 PM
#2
Team Owner
Member Since: Jun 2005
Location: Northern, VA
Posts: 46,104
Received 2,481 Likes
on
1,944 Posts
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
There may be better, or more money (or a lot less, too), but I like my Craftsman. And it looks like the "brand" will be around even if the company it used to be part of, doesn't. Not sure what I think of Black and Decker, but they are the "new" owners.
09-28-2018, 07:41 PM
#3
go to the Griots Garage website. They got 3 new ones they just posted on their site. They sell good products including auto tools as well as great car detailing products. They are one of the best detailing supply houses in the country.
The following users liked this post:
JimNeedsC7 (09-29-2018)
09-28-2018, 07:42 PM
#4
Advanced
It is personal preference as to what brand torque wrench one uses. I bought a torque wrench from Pro Torque Tools.
My understanding is they make torque wrenches for Snap-On but sell there own brand marketed for industrial use.
I have also heard that the major difference between the two brands is the ratcheting components, The Pro Torque
may not be quite as robust as the Snap-ON, but I haven't had a problem with mine so far and parts are available.
Be sure to get a torque wrench with enough range so that the torque value you will be using the most is closer to
the middle of the torque wrench's range. It will be more accurate that way.
As far as protecting the paint on the wheels, look for a socket with a teflon covered or some other material that
prevents metal to paint contact.
My understanding is they make torque wrenches for Snap-On but sell there own brand marketed for industrial use.
I have also heard that the major difference between the two brands is the ratcheting components, The Pro Torque
may not be quite as robust as the Snap-ON, but I haven't had a problem with mine so far and parts are available.
Be sure to get a torque wrench with enough range so that the torque value you will be using the most is closer to
the middle of the torque wrench's range. It will be more accurate that way.
As far as protecting the paint on the wheels, look for a socket with a teflon covered or some other material that
prevents metal to paint contact.
09-28-2018, 07:50 PM
#5
Get a clicker from Harbor Freight with a deep six point socket.
The following users liked this post:
Rebel Yell (09-29-2018)
09-28-2018, 08:16 PM
#6
Race Director
Craftsman is a good balance between cost and quality.
Snap on is probably the best, but its probably three times more than a comparable Craftsman product.
Snap on is probably the best, but its probably three times more than a comparable Craftsman product.
09-28-2018, 08:24 PM
#7
Burning Brakes
Harbor Freight or Tekton are the cheapest at $25-40. Next step up would be Craftsmen at about $50-75. I’d recommend CDI, they’re owned by Snap-On and run about $120-200. It’s the same internals as the $350-500 Snap-On, just without the fancy exterior bits and finish. Should last you a lifetime. I always get Craftsmen but I noticed the quality of their tools isn’t what it used to be. My craftsmen 1/2” drive torque wrench broke after 2 years.
Last edited by Pineapple; 09-28-2018 at 08:26 PM.
09-28-2018, 08:48 PM
#8
Melting Slicks
If you are willing to spend the money, there are none better than Snap-On; on more of a budget, then S-K or Craftsman.
I have an assortment of 8 torque wrenches ranging from a 1/4" S-K 10-120 in/lb small one to a 3/4" 100-600 ft-lb Snap-On that is 4' long (about $1,200), but my favorite is my 3/8" 15-100 ft-lbs Snap-On that I have had for over 25 years.
I find you can't beat the Snap-On sockets - with their flank-drive, you will never round-off a lug nut.
I have an assortment of 8 torque wrenches ranging from a 1/4" S-K 10-120 in/lb small one to a 3/4" 100-600 ft-lb Snap-On that is 4' long (about $1,200), but my favorite is my 3/8" 15-100 ft-lbs Snap-On that I have had for over 25 years.
I find you can't beat the Snap-On sockets - with their flank-drive, you will never round-off a lug nut.
09-28-2018, 08:54 PM
#9
No, don't buy Harbor Freight. Buy quality and you'll enjoy using it, avoid problems, and have it for the rest of your life.
CDI is owned by Snap-On and is excellent for a click-type wrench. The only diff between CDI and Snap-On branded is the head, which doesn't make a difference IMO. For beam-type torque wrenches, Precision Instruments is the best, and they make nice click-type also. Older Craftsman and a few of their newer ones are US-made, but most Craftsman today are Chinese crap.
CDI is owned by Snap-On and is excellent for a click-type wrench. The only diff between CDI and Snap-On branded is the head, which doesn't make a difference IMO. For beam-type torque wrenches, Precision Instruments is the best, and they make nice click-type also. Older Craftsman and a few of their newer ones are US-made, but most Craftsman today are Chinese crap.
Last edited by red62vette; 09-28-2018 at 08:56 PM.
09-28-2018, 08:59 PM
#10
Melting Slicks
I think I have four Snap-On torque wrenches. You get what you pay for.
I do have a couple of Craftsman from many years ago when Sears was a USA company.
Craftsman is no better than Harbor Freight. Both are mass produced in China.
I do have a couple of Craftsman from many years ago when Sears was a USA company.
Craftsman is no better than Harbor Freight. Both are mass produced in China.
09-28-2018, 09:12 PM
#11
Team Owner
Member Since: Aug 2007
Location: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
Posts: 136,148
Received 2,402 Likes
on
1,366 Posts
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
09-28-2018, 09:18 PM
#12
Burning Brakes
If you want the best Torque wrench, go to Lowe’s and get this: https://m.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1-2-in...nch/1000259431
Better than anything Craftsman or anyone else is currently offering. It has a long shaft you you don’t have to put much force into it, will save your back. Also goes up to 250 lbs.
Better than anything Craftsman or anyone else is currently offering. It has a long shaft you you don’t have to put much force into it, will save your back. Also goes up to 250 lbs.
09-29-2018, 10:06 AM
#14
Instructor
I would do a snap on 1/2" drive for lug nuts. I have 3 in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 for about 20 years and they all work perfectly. you really do get what you pay for, especially with a torque wrench. I have them recalibrated every 3-4 years as I don't use them that often. and if you can remember, it is recommended that you store them on their lowest setting to keep the spring unsprung.
09-29-2018, 10:40 AM
#15
Drifting
Been using this for four years, very trouble free, and the guy in the cal lab at work was impressed with the repeatability
Then a 6 point 19mm socket and a long handle 1/2 drive and you are set
Then a 6 point 19mm socket and a long handle 1/2 drive and you are set
Last edited by k24556; 09-29-2018 at 10:41 AM.
09-29-2018, 11:47 AM
#16
Burning Brakes
If you want the best Torque wrench, go to Lowe’s and get this: https://m.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1-2-in...nch/1000259431
Better than anything Craftsman or anyone else is currently offering. It has a long shaft you you don’t have to put much force into it, will save your back. Also goes up to 250 lbs.
Better than anything Craftsman or anyone else is currently offering. It has a long shaft you you don’t have to put much force into it, will save your back. Also goes up to 250 lbs.
Last edited by George_L; 09-29-2018 at 11:48 AM.
09-29-2018, 01:07 PM
#18
For as much as I use one I bought the Harbor Freight wrench. Use it a couple of times a year to check the lug nuts. Less than $20.
Last edited by justplainjim; 09-29-2018 at 01:08 PM.
09-29-2018, 01:16 PM
#19
If you're a weekend warrior DIYer then all you need is 100 lb-ft or less. Over this is needed if you're an engine builder or into truck repair.
Last edited by MMD; 09-29-2018 at 01:17 PM.
09-29-2018, 01:30 PM
#20
I see a few posters above recommending Craftsman. I wouldn't. They're not all that well made and there is no lifetime warranty on them. I had one initially back when I first started doing DE's in my Porsches, and the plastic locking ring cracked; no warranty, and I replaced it with a Snap-on that I bought used off Ebay. No worries about breaking cheap plastic on the Snap-on and if you want to have it calibrated, you can have that done by any one of the independent Snap-on tool distributors, whose trucks you see driving around. Snap-on torque wrenches new are crazy expensive. Good used ones are all over the place.
If you're looking at Craftsman type quality, then you can pretty much buy any torque wrench anywhere (Harbor Freight for example).
If you're looking at Craftsman type quality, then you can pretty much buy any torque wrench anywhere (Harbor Freight for example).