Good torque wrenches
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 759
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From: Omaha
Good torque wrenches
Im hoping someone can recomend me a torque wrench I plan on spending 50 bucks to 120 bucks for one. Some thing that has a good warranty and doesnt need calibrated every time I use it would be great. Im using the wrench for school and for work when I get out of school. So I like it to be good and accurate.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 196
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Two words.......... Snap-On, but it will cost you more then your budget.
Or MAC or Matco, same caveat.
I've spent most of my life with tools in my hand, work or play. Since I was 13, now 54 I liked working on stuff.
One thing I learned early, buy absolutely the best you can scrape up the cash for, take care of it as well as you can and a good tool will last you a very very long time.
Cheap tools quit when they're needed the worst. And cost you time when time is money, as in working flat rate for commission pay.
I've yet to find professional grade tools except off the trucks.
Or MAC or Matco, same caveat.
I've spent most of my life with tools in my hand, work or play. Since I was 13, now 54 I liked working on stuff.
One thing I learned early, buy absolutely the best you can scrape up the cash for, take care of it as well as you can and a good tool will last you a very very long time.
Cheap tools quit when they're needed the worst. And cost you time when time is money, as in working flat rate for commission pay.
I've yet to find professional grade tools except off the trucks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,418
Likes: 0
From: SpringHill,Fl
I just bought the snap on digital torque wrench...about $350
It does inch lbs and foot lbs up to 100 foot lbs it beeps and vibrates when you reach the setting, plus it has a digital readout of the actual torque.
you might try shopping the local pawn shops for a name brand torque wrench, and an easy way to check itis compare it with someone elses...set it to different torque settings, then tighten some bolts, and check with another torque wrench...then use the other torque wrench to tighten some and check it with yours....if they are within a lb or 2...it should be good for automotive use...if its snapon or mac or matco, it can be sent in for calibration.
Mark
____________________________________________
01 F150 Supercab Flareside XLT 4x2 5.4L Auto
Deep Wedgewood Metallic and Silver
Fabtech Lift 285/75/R16 Dominator Sport A/T's
It does inch lbs and foot lbs up to 100 foot lbs it beeps and vibrates when you reach the setting, plus it has a digital readout of the actual torque.
you might try shopping the local pawn shops for a name brand torque wrench, and an easy way to check itis compare it with someone elses...set it to different torque settings, then tighten some bolts, and check with another torque wrench...then use the other torque wrench to tighten some and check it with yours....if they are within a lb or 2...it should be good for automotive use...if its snapon or mac or matco, it can be sent in for calibration.
Mark
____________________________________________
01 F150 Supercab Flareside XLT 4x2 5.4L Auto
Deep Wedgewood Metallic and Silver
Fabtech Lift 285/75/R16 Dominator Sport A/T's
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Warren, Ontario
At work we have Proto torque wrenchs and they are pretty tough as well but not that different in price from snap on, mac etc.
I know you don't want to hear this but buying a cheap torque wrench is throwing away your money as it will not last and you will end up buying the good one anyway.
Plus my grandfather used to have a saying "A craftsman is only as good as his tools"
As was stated above buy good tools and take care of them and they will never let you down.
Andy
I know you don't want to hear this but buying a cheap torque wrench is throwing away your money as it will not last and you will end up buying the good one anyway.
Plus my grandfather used to have a saying "A craftsman is only as good as his tools"
As was stated above buy good tools and take care of them and they will never let you down.
Andy
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 759
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From: Omaha
I was thinking about checking out the pawnshops we have several around here in fact I went to one a week ago and they had 5 snap on torque wrenches. Does any one know how I can get it recalibrated because the snap on truck doesnt stop at my house and how much does it run to get it recalibrated.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 30
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Do a search here. Alot of people, including some Snap-On reps (apparently) highly recommend the $20 Harbor Freight clicker wrench.
There are some things in life that are freakishly good for an insanely small price. This may be one such example.
There are some things in life that are freakishly good for an insanely small price. This may be one such example.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Your on the right track Grease monkey. Buying high end tools used has worked great for me.I have found them at pawnshops,auctions,garage sales and from guys who have quit wrenching.To get a torque wrench recheck that a friend bought at in auction last month he search the internet for the brand he had (proto 1/2 inch 250 lbs.rachet click type) found the proto site a got the info. to have it checked.I beleive proto quoted him $50.00 to do it.It's a 350.00 tool and he bought it for $55.00 So even with shipping he's way ahead of the game.And he has a high end tool for the price of a cheapy that will last him a life time!
High end used tools have served me well without costing me a fortune!
Only note to this:: I do stay away from used electronic and digtal type to tools. Way to costly to have fixed and get outdated way to quick.Better off buying these new in my view.
HOPE THIS HELPS!! AND HAVE FUN SEARCHING
High end used tools have served me well without costing me a fortune!
Only note to this:: I do stay away from used electronic and digtal type to tools. Way to costly to have fixed and get outdated way to quick.Better off buying these new in my view.
HOPE THIS HELPS!! AND HAVE FUN SEARCHING
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 110
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you can request a snap-on dealer to stop by your shop from the snap-on website. you can also look up a local dealer in the phone book, call and set up an appointment, either you meeting him somewhere, or him coming to you. they are very customer oriented and friendly.
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Brett Foote
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From: Idaho cda postfalls
i got the same torque wrench as Azbluewolf, love the thing goes through batteries quike.buying a cheap torque wqrench is like throwing your money away expecially when the calibration is wrong and you can under torque or over torq bolts causeing bad things to happen
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,654
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From: Bossier City, LA
Proto or sturtevant-richmond period, trust me on this one I could show you all the snap on torque wrenches my company ever bought, cause they are all broke. I have seen brand new snap on and mac's get tosed because they could not meet the inspection requirement of the FAA. These were wrenches brand new off the truck, getting calibrated at the shop I worked at. Don't pinch pennies on this tool, you'll regret it later on donw the road.
Ryan
Ryan
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 3
From: Sapulpa OK
A bending beam torque wrench is the cheapest and the best because they never go out of calibration. You do not need all that fancy digital stuff. It will only loose its calibration or its batteries will be dead when you need it most. The only thing about a bending beam wrench is they are hard to read at higher torque levels. I use a 3/4" drive bending beam thats over 50 years old and it still works as well as the day I bought it.
Clickers are nice but even they are subject to wear and loss of calibration. I have been an industrial mechanic all my life. Good luck on your endeavors.
Clickers are nice but even they are subject to wear and loss of calibration. I have been an industrial mechanic all my life. Good luck on your endeavors.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,362
Likes: 3
From: Hendersonville, NC
I have two Craftsman brand "clickers" (one ft/lbs and one in/lbs)
I used to have to have them calibrated constantly, until I realized you need to completely unwind them before you store them. I presently have used both of them for over a year and a half and still seem to be in perfect calibration ever since I started doing so.
I used to have to have them calibrated constantly, until I realized you need to completely unwind them before you store them. I presently have used both of them for over a year and a half and still seem to be in perfect calibration ever since I started doing so.
