I'm going to need a torque wrench for a few upcoming projects on my cars. Anybody have any suggestions on what to get & where to get it? I need one that will go up to 180-200 Ft/Lbs Autozone, etc. tools seem to be junk, don't know though How about Craftsman? Just for DIY stuff, but I want decent quality- If it's not accurate, it's no good anyway. Any input is appreciated Thanks!

 

I got one at my bridal shower.

 

Craftsman is good, so is Mac and Matco. If you wanna go a little higher up then you can't go wrong with Snap-On for precision tools like that

 

Too late for the shower gift married 13 yrs!!! Might go with the Craftsman. I assume the manual(non-digital) is the easiest to use/best bang for the buck?

 

on the manual

I'm assuming you're using it for torque-ing wheel lugs and other basic stuff, go with the "clicking" ones. Also don't throw away the plastic box they come in, make sure you keep it in there, and don't drop the torque wrench. And when you're done using it, always zero it out (unlock the collar and set it to 0 lb/ft or below the scale) or else it can get out of calibration

 

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...=torque+wrench

I picked up a torque wrench made by Great Neck from Auto Zone and so far it has worked ok, but I know it's not a great tool compared to other brands.

 

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog >*

Go big or go home

 

Didn't know that about them going out of calibration, thanks for the tip.
-Mirror

 

Yeah, the digital ones by Craftsman are iffy, along with some other things like their newer floor jacks. But for basic hand tools you can't go wrong 99% of the time. Also see mclaren's post....



You probably have one, don't you?

Sure they're very sensitive tools and should be treated as such

 

I bought a cheapie from a place similar to your harbour freight as I just use it for lug nuts, works great and doesn't really need to be super precise for what I use it for.

 

craftsman..it ever breaks you got a lifetime warranty

 

nope, not on torque wrenches/floor jacks/etc. I thought that too, until I went to get a Craftsman torque wrench a while ago. Its only a year I think

not even snap-on has a lifetime warranty on their torque wrenches I believe

 

A torque wrench is always an interesting tool to buy, as there is always such a range (in both quality and price) available. I use them quite often and own a number of them. Currently, I generally use Snap-on or Home Depot. I have been pleasantly surprised with the line of Husky branded tools that Home Depot carries. I have found during the last few years that the Sears branded tools have dropped in quality and feel.

Try the Husky stuff and see if it will work for you. You may eventually end up with two, one inch/pounds for the smaller stuff and one foot/pounds for the larger chores. If you want a Snap-on, let me tell you of a little secret: Buy it used. Find who the local distributors are in your area and contact them. At times they sell used units that were either traded against an upgrade or faulty units that have been factory reconditioned. In either instance the wrench has been fully calibrated and will often have a warranty. If you don't mind a few scratches or worn edges, you end up with a superior tool at a very attractive price. Two of my Snap-on torque wrenches have been purchased in this manner.


Terry

 

I just bought one made by Performace Tool from Baxters for $24.95. It works just fine like any other torque wrenches.

 

Thanks for all the info. Terry- thanks for the tips- My budget+Lifetime warranty+ $80.00 = SOLD! on the Home Depot/Husky wrench, although I WILL check out the local Snap-On guy first. I won't use it all the time, but I need to do my timing belt/water pump on both my TL & my Accord this year & a few other things.