Which torque wrench?
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
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Which torque wrench?
All we have at the house here is a 3/8" Craftsman 10-75 ft. lbs. torque wrench. My dad and I are putting an engine back together, and need something that's higher rated. I've read that Craftsman torque wrenches are questionable at best, while Snap-On and Mac are the best. What are your opinions? Just need to be sure before my dad has to shovel out another $200. Thanks.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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I have used the torque wrenches from Harbor Freight for years. I have a friend that calibrates torque wrenches and he says they are surprisingly just as accurate as the Snap-on wrenches. He says to use them for a few years and instead of re-calibrating them buy new ones. If you drop one no big loss either. Or if your daughter finds yours and uses it as a ratchet wrench on a friends truck you haven't lost a lot either... 
You make the choice, $20 and throw it out every 5-10 years or $200 and pay to have it re-calibrated every 5 years in normal home shop use.
You make the choice, $20 and throw it out every 5-10 years or $200 and pay to have it re-calibrated every 5 years in normal home shop use.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Spokane, WA
I'm with Torque on this one. I was all set on buying a top of the line 'my next 10 paychecks are tied up in this' torque wrench. My buddy who owns all Snap-On told me that the Snap rep said not to waste your money unless you're using it on a daily basis. He suggested Harbor Fright and said they seem to be dead on accurate but you don't cringe when it gets knocked off the fender of your truck and goes bouncing across the floor.
Hey, for that matter just buy 2 while you're there and keep one hidden as a backup so you're never stuck in the middle of a job if something happens.
Hey, for that matter just buy 2 while you're there and keep one hidden as a backup so you're never stuck in the middle of a job if something happens.
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Freshman User
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Hmm, sounds good. I just checked Harbor Freight's website and they're having a special on that very torque wrench: $10. Mmmmm. I'm gonna stick around for a couple more opinions, but I think the two of you already have me sold. Also, what stores carry Harbor Freight tools?
Last edited by JaredMackall; Apr 3, 2004 at 12:53 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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There is a Harbor Freight near my house in st.louis. I have a one of their torque wrenches ad it seems accurate. I also carry some of their tools in my truck, If they get lost or stolen, No big loss. At home I use craftsmen. You cant beat the fact that you can saw a wrench in half and sears will give you a new one know questions asked!
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Alright, I got good words about Harbor Freight from the guys over at TRS also. Turns out there's one about 5 miles from my house. So I'm heading over there today. Thanks, guys.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
I bought a cheap one for $50 from northerntools.com made by Sunex. My first one was broken by someone that I let borrow it. The second has survived four years so far, I do not let people borrow it. Comes with a plastic case which is a big bonus. Just remember to set it to zero when you are done before putting it away. I use a Craftsman bar type torque wrench for the small stuff and to double check my other wrench sometimes.
For engine work (caps etc.) I might venture to a better wrench, maybe a digital one. Though most older engine guys seem to prefer beam type because you do not have to tighten the bolt again to double check its torque. On a click type, you are actually applying a bit more force and torque to the head of the bolt to get it to click when double checking it, as I understand it.
For engine work (caps etc.) I might venture to a better wrench, maybe a digital one. Though most older engine guys seem to prefer beam type because you do not have to tighten the bolt again to double check its torque. On a click type, you are actually applying a bit more force and torque to the head of the bolt to get it to click when double checking it, as I understand it.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 938
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From: North Carolina
yep got the one from harbor freight works great. The clicker torqe wrenches are great. I do not beleive you apply more pressuere with a clcker. I uses a harbor fruit one on my main bearing caps, rod bearings, heads, intake and pretty much every thing else. my engine runs great and so far theres no problems so i guess nothings was improperly torqed.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,833
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From: Honkytonkville
I swear by craftsman tools but I won't use a torque wrench from anybody cept HF. By far the most accuracy for the buck, and very durable. We(myself and my buddies) all have used the same one for going on 4 years now, with about 10 engines rebuilt and running, 4 of which I own.....
Scott
Scott
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
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From: Montana Territory
I paid $80 for a KD tools torque wrench. I think its worth it. I'm putting together a rahter high performance engine, and I can't afford to have a cheap torque wrench give me a false reading.