Torque Wrench
Novice
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
I had been using one from Harbor Freight and one day I decided to check it against my neighbors digital SnapOn torque wrench and discovered the HF wrench was over tightening things by a ton. Not saying all Harbor Freight stuff is bad I own a lot of it but good to check the accuracy of whatever wrench you are using.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 597
Likes: 20
From: ohio
I had been using one from Harbor Freight and one day I decided to check it against my neighbors digital SnapOn torque wrench and discovered the HF wrench was over tightening things by a ton. Not saying all Harbor Freight stuff is bad I own a lot of it but good to check the accuracy of whatever wrench you are using.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 546
From: Wayne County, PA
I have the harbor freight AA batteries and they are so ****ing bad. I get cutting and grinding wheels there nice and cheap. With tools you get what you pay for. My best quality wrenches are all handmade by my great grandpa.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 127
I always put Teflon tape on my drain plugs. No, I don't use a torque wrench on them. I do use a torque wrench for nearly everything else, especially engine components. I have never lost a plug nor have I twisted the threads out of a case. Maybe experience has a few rewards, or is it blind luck?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
I had been using one from Harbor Freight and one day I decided to check it against my neighbors digital SnapOn torque wrench and discovered the HF wrench was over tightening things by a ton. Not saying all Harbor Freight stuff is bad I own a lot of it but good to check the accuracy of whatever wrench you are using.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 641
Likes: 30
From: Clovis, CA
I'll say this: If you rely on a torque wrench to tell you when to stop turning, you're a disaster waiting to happen. I've had HF, Craftsman, Snap on and MAC... they've all tried to F^2% me at one point or time. The last time I let a MAC torque wrench screw me was when I was working on the case halves of a Lycoming Aircraft engine, while the engine was still in the plane. I'll never do that again. So, Now... I torque to MY specifications and then back up with the torque wrench. If it don't click with in 1/4 of a turn my arm specifications, then theres a real chance something is wrong with the bolt or threads already.
so... I vote... snug using your own hand and follow up with a wrench.
so... I vote... snug using your own hand and follow up with a wrench.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 185
From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
Everytime, it is a good habit to develop.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,061
Likes: 11,080
From: San Diego, CA
Um.... doesn't an oil plug have dissimilar metals (aluminum case, steel plug) and a rubber seal (o-ring).....?
Why the double standard for an oil plug.... just curious.......
