Torque wrenches
#1
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Torque wrenches
What kind do you have/trust. I have one of these from Sears(Craftsman) and have never compared it to anything else for accuracy. Are these type more or less accurate than the click types?
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Last edited by levnubhin; 10-07-2009 at 03:02 PM.
#2
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Usually more accurate IIRC, although harder to use.
Ironically, the Craftsman isn't known for holding its calibration very well. Someone on M.net compared a 2-year old Harbor Freight wrench to their Snap-On wrench and they were dead on.
I paid $15 at HF for this nice injection-molded red case and got a free 1/2" torque wrench with it.
Ironically, the Craftsman isn't known for holding its calibration very well. Someone on M.net compared a 2-year old Harbor Freight wrench to their Snap-On wrench and they were dead on.
I paid $15 at HF for this nice injection-molded red case and got a free 1/2" torque wrench with it.
#5
The beam types are more accurate if space permits you to use them properly. However, for most automotive related stuff, an accurate click type will work fine. I had my harbor freight one checked and it's ***** on accurate above 20 ft*lbs. But if I'm torquing head bolts on a 2 stroke or anything that uses inch*lbs, I use a beam type.
EDITED for clarity.
EDITED for clarity.
Last edited by patsmx5; 02-06-2009 at 04:50 PM.
#6
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I use a torque wrench for crap like head-studs and wheel lugs. I don't think a few lb variance really matters for those. If I need real precision, I send the part off with a check so a pro can do it for me.
#10
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I have Snap-On 3/8" and 1/2" click types that I bought while working in a shop. I bought them off ebay for less than 50% of what my Snap-On guy wanted. Slightly used, but for the money, I couldn't beat it.
#17
I have a HF 1/2" one that I use for lug nuts and other random grunt work like that. Used it on a dodge neon head gasket swap and all is well thus far.
I also have the 1/4" click type they sell, little brother of the 1/2" one. It's good for valve cover bolts and other little junx.
For the price you can't beat them. Though I would love a Snap-on click type.
I also have the 1/4" click type they sell, little brother of the 1/2" one. It's good for valve cover bolts and other little junx.
For the price you can't beat them. Though I would love a Snap-on click type.
#20
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My Craftman **** broke after only 4 or 5 uses. I was doing the head bolts and at about 50lb/ft it slipped and wouldnt hold very well after that. I guess the mechanism that holds on the gear broke. I replaced it with 2 Westward Snap-On, one 1/2'' lb/ft and one 1/4'' lb/in. 2 for the price of one Craftsman. Got them from Grainger supply. Dont look very high quality, but they work. Even the worst Ive seen for click type is +/- 5%, which at 60lb/ft for the head bolts is only like 3lb/ft. Hardly enough for me to worry about, and thats maximum. Hell, even at 8% I wouldnt be too upset. Thats why I over torque everything by about 2-3% to be sure. Rather it be a bit too tight than too loose. I also have a beam type thats like 50 years old, so I dont know how well it works, and wether or not I trust it with anything that needs to be close.