Torque Wrench Info
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 72
Likes: 1
From: Seymour, TN
no not all. just the smaller bolts that have lower torque specs. others will be in ft/lbs. make sure that you pay attention to the difference. more than one mech, has torqued inch/lbs as ft/lbs.....
actually, harbor freight torque wrenches have been shown to be as accurate or better than craftsmen, stanley, and cdi. look at reviews of the specific wrench you're looking for.
actually, harbor freight torque wrenches have been shown to be as accurate or better than craftsmen, stanley, and cdi. look at reviews of the specific wrench you're looking for.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 345
From: Ohio
I'm glad if the harbor freight ones are working for you but I gotta say, I've been in the calibrating and repairing torque wrench business for 30 years now - they are not as good, accurate, or as reliable as the big makers (snapon, stanley photo, and CDI).
Aluminum bearings in the micrometer grips (or even snap rings where the other makers are using steel ball bearings), light weight grease (and sometimes just oil) on the block and even aluminum blocks instead of steel.
Online reviews are okay, but you gotta ask yourself how many of the reviewers have disassembled the wrenches for repair or adjustment, or have tried to calibrate them on NIST traceable torque transducers.
Aluminum bearings in the micrometer grips (or even snap rings where the other makers are using steel ball bearings), light weight grease (and sometimes just oil) on the block and even aluminum blocks instead of steel.
Online reviews are okay, but you gotta ask yourself how many of the reviewers have disassembled the wrenches for repair or adjustment, or have tried to calibrate them on NIST traceable torque transducers.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 243
From: NC
I've got a 1/2" and 3/8" Kobalt torque wrenches they seem well made and come with a lifetime warranty. I seem to remember it is better to leave some tension on them for storage than to 0 them out, I leave them 20 or so ft lbs above the lowest setting.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 345
From: Ohio
They should always be left at the lowest setting on the wrench.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
JMO, but most owners/riders can get by with a set of Craftsman in/lb & ft/lb torque wrenches. If you watch the sales, they go for $39.95 & $59.95 so you get both for ~$100...good addition to your toolset.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 502
From: Northern WV
You can buy all three from Harbor Freight, 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" for $66. Less with a coupon. http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-hal...rench-02082013
And they're as accurate as ones costing many times more.
http://blog.harborfreight.com/car-cr...torque-wrench/
And they're as accurate as ones costing many times more.
http://blog.harborfreight.com/car-cr...torque-wrench/
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,256
Likes: 522
From: USA
Snap On... some say is the gold standard of tools.
Tools can last a life time.
Key w/ torque wrench is to have it calibrated ever so often....based on use, could be yearly could be every 10 years.
Yes, many find Craftsman TW will do and $100s cheaper.
Harbor Freight, I' say a gamble on the TW calibration and quality.
Good luck in your decisions.
Tools can last a life time.
Key w/ torque wrench is to have it calibrated ever so often....based on use, could be yearly could be every 10 years.
Yes, many find Craftsman TW will do and $100s cheaper.
Harbor Freight, I' say a gamble on the TW calibration and quality.
Good luck in your decisions.