Torque wrench set
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 59
From: Chicagoland
I've got a Proto 1/2" that goes to about 200ft/lbs, and a couple 3/8" Craftsman that cover from about 100 in/lbs to 100 ft/lbs. Paid about $175 for the Proto nearly 15 years ago, and the most recent Craftsman on sale this past black Friday, for $39. Never had any problems with any of them. I think if you don't beat on them, don't drop them, and take relatively basic good care of them. pretty much any brand name one will be reliable.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Rockford, IL
Purchased the 1/2 and 3/8 and harbor freight, still need to get the 1/4. Had the two I have tested at the Aircraft facility I work in. The inspector who did the QA on them said they tested pretty accurate. For the home use I have, its a no brainer for me... no issues and worth the low cost.
I use my own tools to fix some stuff myself, both auto and cycle. I do not make money with my tools, so I have to make good budget purchases.
Just my .02
I use my own tools to fix some stuff myself, both auto and cycle. I do not make money with my tools, so I have to make good budget purchases.
Just my .02
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
Usually anything requiring a 1/2" drive torque wrench is torqued "***** tight".
Using torque-spec is more important with the smaller fasteners, 3/8" drive will be good enough for anything you need torqued in ft/lbs, and the 1/4" drive will be useful for smaller fasteners in the in/lbs range.
Using torque-spec is more important with the smaller fasteners, 3/8" drive will be good enough for anything you need torqued in ft/lbs, and the 1/4" drive will be useful for smaller fasteners in the in/lbs range.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,997
Likes: 655
From: bklyn,ny
I'm sure a less expensive wrench will " work well", but accuracy can be + - 10%. Also they need to be re-calibrated/inspected at least every other year if you only use it a few times a yr.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 739
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis
Another vote for Harbor Freight. I can't find the article right now, but it was either Hot Rod or Car Craft that tested a slew of Tq. wrenches and the HF wrench tested well within the specified parameters. For the limited useage and dollars spent they can't be beat. (well, I'm sure they could, but you'd have to try awful damned hard!) LOL
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 156
Likes: 1
From: Alaska
I picked up the small and medium TQ wrench's from sears on black friday foe 39 a piece. They are normally 80. Haven't used them yet but they seem lie good quaity. I'm an aircraft mechanic and we pretty much have all Snap On at work but can't justify the cost for them at home when I only use them on a rare occasion. If I need I can bring one home but really bought these for convenience.
