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Looking for GOOD Torque wrench

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Basil

Basil

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I would like to replace the piece-of-doodoo Craftsman torque wrench I currently have with a good one. This is the second Craftsman I have bought (its the one with the rubberized handle that you "dial in " the torque setting and it clicks when it reaches the desired torque. Problem is (an dthis has happene don BOTH of them), the rubber handle (with the indicator window in it) comes loose and then you can't tell if the reading in the little window is accurate.

Anyone have any recommendtaions for a quality torque wrench? (I will not buy another Craftsman).

Basil
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I used the beam type torque wrenches in my business several times a week for 20 plus years. One was calibrated in foot pounds and two for inch pounds. None were the expensive dial type. Has it ever been demonstrated that the dial or preset type were any more accurate than a properly used beam type? The foot pound unit was a Craftsman that is over 30 years old and still in regular use. The biggest problem we had with torque wrenches was compelling ourselves to use them rather than relying on our "calibrated elbows". That's my tuppence on that issue and I promise it's worth what it's cost you.
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[ 12-16-2002: Message edited by: Dale ]</p>
 
Torque wrenches are the same as everything else...you get what you pay for. A couple of options. You could, of course, go with a Snap-on, Mac or Matco product, excellent quality, but more expensive than your E-type. Facom produce wonderful quality items, not quite as expensive as the above, but the very best in terms of quality. Ferrari F-1 team uses Facom tools exclusively. Armstrong make a good wrench, you can buy it through an industrial distributor. Finally, there is Griots Garage.

https://www.griotsgarage.com/search.jsp?searchtext=torque+wrench

Lifetime calibration service and warranty. I have bought things from these guys, not cheap but good quality products.
 
Hi Basil,

I have a Snap On click type torque wrench which I've owned for 28 years (I bought an entire Snap On tool chest full of tools from a auto mechanic who was joining a band ... it was a sweet deal). It's a great tool but the last time I wanted to get it calibrated they wanted to send it back to Colorado and charge me an arm and leg to do it. I have been keeping my eye out for a good beam type torque wrench because they never need to be calibrated. They are harder to use in situations where it is difficult to see the face but that doesn't happen often. Also want to get a small torque wrench for the lower torque settings needed on small bolts. I'll let you know if I find something acceptable.

Cheers, John
 
I would like to replace the piece-of-doodoo Craftsman torque wrench I currently have with a good one.

This is one of those items where you get what you pay for. One of the few Snap On tools I own is a torque wrench.
YMMV

Duane
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Steve:
Torque wrenches are the same as everything else...you get what you pay for. <hr></blockquote>

Except I paid almost $100 (twice) for Craftsman wrenches and got garbage.

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<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by aeronca65t:
https://www.encotools.com/

Go to the link above and type "torque wrench" into the keyword search box. There are two "K-D" beam type wrenches for about $40 (1/2" and 3/8"). We have these at work....pretty much bulletproof.

ENCO is a decent place to buy reasonable quality industrial tools at competitive prices.<hr></blockquote>

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr> <hr></blockquote> <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr> <hr></blockquote>
Now that you mention it I believe the 2 inch pound beam type that I've had for a couple decades are the K-D units. I bought them from Briggs and Stratton with their part # stickers on them.
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Basil:


Except I paid almost $100 (twice) for Craftsman wrenches and got garbage.

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<hr></blockquote>

Did they not replace them when the rubber came apart?
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by aerog:


Did they not replace them when the rubber came apart?<hr></blockquote>

Nope! Torque wrenches are conveniently excluded from the Craftsman lifetime warrenty policy.

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I have had a Canadian tire torque wrench so long that I can't remember when I bought it. It is the click type and is set by rotating the handle.When mine didn't work properly I took it back and it was replaced with no questions asked other than why am I returning it. Said it doesn't work and I was given a brand new one. They are guaranteed forever.I also have one from a local Princess auto store that I bought on sale. Same type of guarantee.
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It finally is cloudy and they are calling for some snow Wednesday.Gee it would be nice to take a day off and finally go skiing.
 
Click Types are easier, as they are no brainers to use as well looking nicer and being easier to use. However I will be gettin a beam tyoe soon though. As my engine repair instructor pointed out they have three real advantages

1. They are less expensive
2. It is easier to see the fastener "take torque", and if it isn't you know it is stripped or very close to it.
3. ANd most importantanly, beam types make it easy to tighten or loosen thing in multiple steps of torque, and know exactly how much to apply without resetting the wrench each time. (i.e. using three torque steps to tighten a cylinder head)

They seem to be more durable as well. Here may be a case where the shiny product may not be the best the best choice.
 
Basil,
They got you. My 1st Craftsman went south just as yours did. I went in and acted innocent and the guy exchanged but your right, it ain't covered. I'd like to find a good reasonable priced replacement and would prefer to stay with a click type.
 
I have both click & beam wrenches. I like the click type better unless you're using it in an awkward place where it isn't easy to read. I haven't bought one in a while but usually go for the best I can afford.

I like to use 1/2 inch drive torque wrenches, rather than 3/8 inch, and if I could only have one, it would be a beam type, 1/2 inch drive, calibrated in foot-lbs.
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by aerog:
Question is though - have you settled on a wrench yet Bas?<hr></blockquote>

I am leaning towards Snap-on
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I have been drooling on the digital one in the Facom Catalog. Not only digital, but it will uplink to a computer. Why is that an important feature to me? Because it sounds cool and isn't the most important feature of any tool/car/toy?
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I am glad for this thread, my Dad and Grandad have always been Craftsman fans, I had my doubts, and now have more.

MattP
 
Personally I think all of Basil's tools should be internet-ready so we can review his work on-line.
 
I dunno 'bout that. From the look of his IRS in the Jag forum, I might get a bit embarrased about the bodging I get away with on the Escort.

Hmmm, is there a coincidence that a Jaguar has a part that first makes you think of the Internal Revenue Service?
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MattP
 
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