Favorite torque wrench?

[skid542]

Okay, so I'm finally breaking down and getting myself a proper torque wrench (I've gotten used to my brakes so I'm waiting until I'm employed or have good excess to get them). I'm pretty accurate with my arm but anything that really requires a hard and precise torque, like my LCA, I tighten up as hard as I think it should be then drive the mile down the neighborhood to my shop and have them spec it. I went to Sears the other day and they had a couple of beam ones and a couple of ones with a rotating adjustment on the handle. My price range is definately in the beam range but I figure I can manage to drop 30 - 35 for a good torque wrench. I've always been a fan of Craftsman but thought I remembered hearing bad things about their torque wrenches. I am under the impression that they warrenty the calibration but not against breakage? What do you all think? What is your favorite torque wrench? Thanks guys.

[Redlined]

I would suspect (If anything) the they would warente against breakage and not calibration. Im a big fan of craftsman also and have never had a problem with getting a broken tool replaced. its generaly done no questions asked... My favorite would be a beam bar. To old school to trust these new fangled Clicky Torqe wrenches.

When in doubt... ask the counter person.

[dzx]

I like my torque wrench that clicks when you get to the right torque. The one i used to use with the needle and gauge broke while i using it and the needle part stabbed me a little but hey, I think the wrench was at least 15 yrs old. The new one cost about 65, a craftsman cost about 95 i think. But craftsman might be going under since kmart bought them.

[LaureltheQueen]

I have a digitork and love it to death. The only upside of it is that it's easier to adjust than the ones with all the metal wheels. If you have the money i'd suggest going with mac.

[Kelly]

but I figure I can manage to drop 30 - 35 for a good torque wrench.

Not gonna happen amigo.

Craftsman is prolly your best bet, although they dont make em like they used to. I think the Snap On one we have was about $350 for the 3/8 flavor.

Just remember to always releive the tension on em when not in use, and the calibration will last much longer.

[THAWA]

The big snap-on ones that go from 50-250 are the best.

[-K-]

The 3/4 inch torque wrench is my favorite but just because it's famous. (somebody had to do it)

I like the clicking ones for real, Craftsman.

[Yukonart]

My 1/2 Craftsman Micro-Tork does pretty much everything I need it to. . . short of tiny bolt torque specs. Been thinking of getting a mini torque wrench for that stuff in the future.

But for around $60-80, you just can't beat most of the Craftsman stuff. Good deals.

[greg donovan]

the craftsman gets the job done well enough for most jobs. however if you are doing serious engine rebuilds i say get the 300 dollar snap-on or mac wrenches.

[skid542]

but I figure I can manage to drop 30 - 35 for a good torque wrench.

Not gonna happen amigo.

Well the reason I got thinking about all this in the first place was the ones there at Sears the other day were marked 27 for 1/2 beam type and 17 for a 3/8 beam type, honest. It's sounding like these were sale prices or something so I'm going to take myself there tomorrow evening and find out. It starting to sound though that if they don't still have them on sale I might not be able to afford a new toy just yet . I don't do a whole lot of intense engine rebuild stuff currently but would like to be able to down the road. Thanks all for the input so far, keep er' coming if you'd like.

[evolutionmovement]

The beam ones are pretty bogus, but will get you in the ball park. Probably fine for things like lug nuts, but you can do those by feel, too. Those all metal grip adjust ones are also terrible - they are stiff, break easy, and I wouldn't trust their accuracy. Pep Boys used them, so there you go. Snap on stuff has gone downhill lately, too, but their prices are still out of control. I blame Wal Mart for everything.

Steve

[Yukonart]

I blame Wal Mart for everything.

[skid542]

Well I went to Sears today and here's the breakdown.

3/8" beam style, 0 - 75 ft-lb -- $24
1/2" beam style, 15-150 ft-lb -- $34
3/8" rotating selection style - 0 - 250 ft-lb -- $64 on sale from $74

They warrenty the calibration for 90 days and against breakage for lifetime on the beam style and for a year on the rotating ones. The 1/2" beam is a bit too long for what a lot of work that I'd want a torque wrench for and I don't want to be limited to 75 ft-lb so I guess my new toy will have to wait untill summer . Thanks for suggestions though.

[Legacy777]

The beam ones are ok.....but aren't as accurate. I bought the beam one when I was poor.....I picked a clicky one since then.

[entirelyturbo]

I love my torque wrench... my socket wrench and my excellent mechanic's feel

The only thing I think I would use a torque wrench for would be internal engine work, like head bolts or rod/main caps.

[THAWA]

head bolts arent really internal