Torque wrench recommendations

[BigBlockTank]

Originally Posted by 1bigmess

Lug nuts, suspension parts, brakes, I'd probably be doing OK with a Harbor Freight wrench. I wouldn't build a high-falutin motor with one, but if I could afford to build a high-falutin motor, I could afford a more expensive torque wrench.

I thought so too, until my 454 went the wrong way at the machine shop
What started to be just a cam, headers and aluminum heads was $1700.71 at the machine shop. Glad I had it done now.



Anybody want to buy a 69 Corvette??

[1bigmess]

I don't really understand what you're trying to say there, but it seems we might be roughly in agreement?

[Dee_Dubz]

I bought a craftsman electric torque wrench. It was just under 100 bux. It can go up to 350ftlbs of torque. 1/2inc drive. Battery operated. I wouldn't waste your time with harbor fright, I broke one the first time i went to torque my lugs. If your want something decent your gonna have to spend at least 100

[zmotorsports]

Originally Posted by Dee_Dubz

I bought a craftsman electric torque wrench. It was just under 100 bux. It can go up to 350ftlbs of torque. 1/2inc drive. Battery operated. I wouldn't waste your time with harbor fright, I broke one the first time i went to torque my lugs. If your want something decent your gonna have to spend at least 100

I think you may be confusing an impact with a torque wrench.

Mike.

[G Shaw]

As a retired heavy duty mechanic, anything I want to torque gets done with a tested torque wrench. What is the sense in wasting time with something that either strips the threads off or doesn't stretch the fastener tight enough to prevent it from coming loose.
And yes I carry a 3/4" Proto wrench to check wheel nuts.

[Jpdkmd]

Just looking for something to tighten lug nuts on a future fifth wheel.Trying to get a good tool kit together before we purchase and sell the sticks and bricks!

[Cat320]

Originally Posted by davismills

No more than I use torque wrenches, I went cheap with a Harbor Freight tools model.
1/2" Torque Wrench

Same here and if it breaks they'll give you another one...just like Craftsman.

[oldmattb]

Originally Posted by zmotorsports

I think you may be confusing an impact with a torque wrench.

Mike.

More proper to call it an electronic torque wrench. Battery-powered and has an LCD display for the actual torque applied.

http://www.grainger.com/product/WESTWARD-Electronic-Torque-Wrenches-WP104011/_/N-99y?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/6PAF6_AS01?$smthumb$

[chrisc8869]

Originally Posted by Skip426

chrisc8869; Welcome to iRV2.

Your first post I see.

Yes. Thank you. Guys on the ram forum recommended this forum.

[chrisc8869]

Originally Posted by Cat320

Same here and if it breaks they'll give you another one...just like Craftsman.

Are u sure Sears will give u a new one if it breaks? As I was saying in my post they only had a year or less warranty on their torque wrench. I don't remember exactly how long. that's what made me go with the kobalt which is a lifetime. I think you are thinking of their hand tools. Those they replace no problem.

[1bigmess]

Harbor Freight has a lifetime replacement guarantee on their torque wrenches and many other things. That must be why they have so many locations, people got tired of complaining about having to drive too far too many times a year to replace broken tools!

All kidding aside, I have not had to return a single thing due to it breaking. I had to return one item because it didn't work out of the box. They didn't even ask to see my receipt. Yes, it's cheap stuff, and the odds will catch up to me eventually I'm sure, but as long as they have the return policy they have now, and the quality is acceptable for the task (I'll never build a hot rod or plane, so I can probably not concern myself too much about quality for those tasks), I'll give them the first shot at my business almost every time. Especially since so many of the tools I have paid much more money for in the past were made in China, too.

[89sandman]

I wrench for a living and 90% of my tools are craftsman. That's what I'd buy Wait I already did...

[PushedAround]

Originally Posted by zmotorsports

My 600 ft/lb torque wrench is a Proto. Glad I don't have to pack that thing around the shop daily. Those monsters are heavy aren't they?

Mike.

I got lucky & bought an SK (when they were still good) 3/4 torque wrench on eBay for $255 about 8 years ago. One of my better purchases.

[lynnmor]

Some testing information here:
Torquing - Testing Torque Wrenches - Four Wheeler Magazine