Torque wrench?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 284
From: Fort Worth, TX
I am pretty happy with my Kobalt units from Lowe's. They are not the cheapest units out there but they are under $100 and come with a calibration certification. I use them at the shop and the house and have had no complaints yet. I am into 2 sets (1/2" drive and 3/8" drive) for less than one 1/2" drive unit off the truck. If I do have an issue I can always take it back to Lowe's for a replacement...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
if you do a search the cheapies form Harbor Freight test well for the price. The key they say is to return it to zero after every use. They also just came out with a new digital one that attaches to a standard ratchets
https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-...ter-68283.html
I'm going to pick one up
https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-...ter-68283.html
I'm going to pick one up
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 289
Likes: 129
From: Flatlands of Indiana
I have been buying CDI lately. you'll likely need more than one range.
http://www.cditorque.com/education.html#What
http://www.cditorque.com/education.html#What
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 651
Likes: 72
From: Harleysville, PA
Whatever torque wrench you buy, I prefer (Snap-On) make sure you send it out for calibration, as it probably not within specks + or - 1%, but if you want it tighter + or - .05% NIST standards you can rely on accuracy for years (if you don't drop it)
Most people don't care on its accuracy, so to each his own.
B Bop
2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo (stage II)
Cruise Control, ABS, Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Spoke Tubeless Wheels, Security Package, Saddle Bag LED Lid Spoilers, and an array of accessories that enhances nostalgic appearance & blood curdling performance.
When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane and going in the wrong direction
Most people don't care on its accuracy, so to each his own.
B Bop
2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo (stage II)
Cruise Control, ABS, Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Spoke Tubeless Wheels, Security Package, Saddle Bag LED Lid Spoilers, and an array of accessories that enhances nostalgic appearance & blood curdling performance.
When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane and going in the wrong direction
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 963
Likes: 145
From: Displaced hillbilly
I’m never one to pass up a good buy on tools. The digital Craftsman 3/8 drive one that Sears has sale right now for less than $60 is a great deal. It goes from 5 to 80 ft. lbs so it covers most things you’ll end up doing on a bike. I wish it had come with a full case like my other torque wrenches, but it’s stored in the tool cabinet anyways, so not a deal breaker.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,307
Likes: 2,443
From: Eastern NE
Im never one to pass up a good buy on tools. The digital Craftsman 3/8 drive one that Sears has sale right now for less than $60 is a great deal. It goes from 5 to 80 ft. lbs so it covers most things youll end up doing on a bike. I wish it had come with a full case like my other torque wrenches, but its stored in the tool cabinet anyways, so not a deal breaker.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,377
Likes: 732
From: Out west
Soooo, Beginning in 2010, hand tools manufactured for Craftsman by Apex Tool Group such as ratchets, sockets, and wrenches began to be sourced overseas (mainly in China, although some are produced in Taiwan.
Harbor freight tools are also made there....whats the difference?
http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ccrp-...rench-testing/
Harbor freight tools are also made there....whats the difference?
http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ccrp-...rench-testing/
Last edited by Inop; Oct 31, 2017 at 02:11 PM. Reason: Added link
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,076
Likes: 3,293
From: Plover, WI
My apologies in advance if this has been covered recently/frequently, but I am wanting to get a foot-pound torque wrench to do some occasional tinkering on my bike. I know they go from Harbor Freight to Snap-on and perhaps beyond. What should a person expect to pay for a serviceable wrench and what are good brands? Thanks, JD
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Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,468
Likes: 3,572
From: Idaho
I have three different torque wrenches, 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2". All three are inexpensive; two Tekton and one Harbor Freight. I've had zero issues using any of them.
For those asking for advice, one of the main reasons for having more than one drive size isn't just because they use different sockets, it's because you want to use a setting that's close to the middle of the range, if possible. For example, my 1/2" drive goes down to 10 lb-ft, but there's no way in hell I'd use that wrench to set a torque of 16 lb-ft. It's not going to be accurate at either end of the range. I'd go to the wrench where 16 was closer to the middle.
Fwiw, Harbor Freight has had their click type torque wrenches on sale over the holidays for $10. Unbelievable.
For those asking for advice, one of the main reasons for having more than one drive size isn't just because they use different sockets, it's because you want to use a setting that's close to the middle of the range, if possible. For example, my 1/2" drive goes down to 10 lb-ft, but there's no way in hell I'd use that wrench to set a torque of 16 lb-ft. It's not going to be accurate at either end of the range. I'd go to the wrench where 16 was closer to the middle.
Fwiw, Harbor Freight has had their click type torque wrenches on sale over the holidays for $10. Unbelievable.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 456
From: The Great Midwest
I’ve switched from my digital Snap On that I used at work for machine tools to a regular Tektron 3/8” for my garage wrenching. It’s pretty spot on and honestly I like the click action over the beep/buzzing. Converting to inch/lbs is a no brainer with a digital however.
Always return to zero when not in use on a regular one. It’s amazing how many backyard mechanics never do this
Always return to zero when not in use on a regular one. It’s amazing how many backyard mechanics never do this
Last edited by lyork; Dec 25, 2017 at 10:54 PM.