All torque wrenches must meet federal standards.
You can spend a lot or a little depends on your choice and pocket book.
I used to buy nothing but snap-on and matco and such.
Had most of my tools stolen about 8 years ago.
This time I did Sears and Harbor freight.
I got a 1/2 and 3/4 torque wrench from Harbor freightfor less than a 1/2 inch alone
from snap on.
I've tested it against snap-on and reading was so close as to be negligble.
Have not seen an inch pound one at harbor freight though.

 

I'm with you, Chooch, never had a problem with Harbor Freight tools, including their torque wrenches.

 

I use Snap-On digitl they read in in, ft, and metirc. I use them at Work and building my Sprintcar motors

 

I have the clicker types and the beam type. The beam type RARELY gets used. The clicker types seem to be the easiest to use though.

I have a KD inch lbs. and a Harbor Freight inch lbs. and ft. lbs. The Harbor Freight ones are foreign made, but they do the job just fine.

Snapon, Kobalt, Craftsman, Matco, KD.....etc. It really doesn't matter which one you choose and they all do their job reasonably well.

Be gentle with torque wrenches....they are instruments.
Clicker Types should be set back to zero when in storage.

 

I have two Harbor Freight, one Snap-On, and one ancient Torsen--all clickers except the last (torsion bar). I've had all checked for accuracy and the HF are by far the most accurate. My 150 ft# 3/8" wrench cost $11 on sale, the 200 in# 1/4" was $20, and I've had both for years with no problems. Both have lifetime warranties, are accurate within 1 ft# over their entire ranges, and in my mind that's a lot of bang for the buck. The Snap-On, which cost >$250, has rarely been used, never dropped or abused, but needs adjusting. Snap-On wants $40 for the trouble, which would buy almost four wrenches from HF that are accurate from the start.

 

I have had one of these for about 10 years, checked for accuracy and is within 1 in# throughout its range. Lifetime warranty.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94735

 

Sears are great for the weekend wrench. I have had them calibrated and they are still right on after 10 or more years. I should have them tested again this year, been about 2 years since last testing