What torque wrench do you like?

[unibober]

Im getting a new torque wrench for Xmas and am wondering if anyone has a favorite or one to definitely stay away from.  The Park tool I have now is just crap.  Thanks

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Can't say I have any nega-recommendations.  I have a 30 year old Craftsman beam type that is my favorite.  Also have the other type in foot pounds and one in inch pounds.  Seems like I always go to the Craftsman though as it seems the most accurate.

[montmil]

I have two Craftsman beam-style torque wrenches, one of which is 36 years old and the other a newbie; only about ten years. Both are well cared for and accurate from being stored and used properly.

Monte

[Bob_Roller]

A torque wrench was the first tool I bought after getting my '81 R65 in January, 1981 .

It's a Snap-On QJR2100D, got it for $75 in 1981 .

I see them on eBay and usually go for less than $100US .

If you do get a used one, get it calibrated before using it .

The Snap-On equivalent tool now is the QD2R100, price $273US .

I have my torque wrench calibrated every 10 years, it's due another calibration next year .

[Barry]

Quality tools are a joy to own aren't they. I have a Sealey reasonable quality 5 - 80 lb/ft 3/8" drive clicker wrench which does for the vast majority of applications on an airhead.  There are so many variables like thread finish, dry or lubricated threads and the actual user that the best expensive wrench is not the answer to everything. Although I'd still like one I don't see a need for a top price professional quality wrench. A respected brand name is good enough.  

What is it the professional mechanics say... they get lots or work from people who over tighten things but very little work from those who under tighten them.

These written by a BMWMOA guy are worth a read. 3rd one is about torque wrenches but I would read the others as well.

http://www.algeo.com/~joe/KIAT/kiat_1.htm
http://www.algeo.com/~joe/KIAT/kiat_2.htm
http://www.algeo.com/~joe/KIAT/kiat_3.htm

[unibober]

I think that a click style is what I want.  The old Park beam style always seemed to get in the way or was not always visible when you are playing yoga instructor under a machine. Set it and forget it! Ive found that, under suggestion and through my own research, that a 5-80ft lbs should do MOST of what I need. I have a friend that owns a NAPA store and he gives me the bro deal. Not sure what they carry but Id imagine they have several that fit my bill. Man that store gets me in trouble. Thanks for the advice guys.

[Olliepup]

I use a 48 year old Craftsman 1/2" drive beam style for lb/ft.  Just bought a Craftsman click style, 3/8" drive for lb/in, with a set of 3/8" drive metric allen wrenches for the R65. For the price, it's hard to beat Sears tools.

[bjamesw]

I've got a craftsman clic type that has served me well.  I wanted to get it calibrated once, I live in West Michigan, called around the Grand Rapids area to three or four places that do weights/measures/tooling calibrations and the price for calibration was almost THREE TIMES what I paid for the tool.

Each service explained that they are unable to provide a service that is any less than the completely full roster of checks and certifications.  

"Can't you just do a simple bench test and reset?  The tool itself isn't even mechanically accurate enough to benefit from the degree of precision you describe"

No, we cannot do that.  There are liability and certification issues.

"Can you suggest anyone to recalibrate this "consumer grade" tool for me for a reasonable price?"

No we can't.


So where did you get guys get your wrenchs calibrated?  Or did you do it yourself?

I've seen versions of these....


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031QPJZG/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=engineerku-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B0031QPJZG

(read the page above and user comments accompanying it)


These often cost considerably less than the one time calibration I was referring to above.  These "toolbox" calibration tools can be used on-their-own as primary torque wrenches with a standard socket wrench and have an accuracy similar to my wrench (just off the top of my head it's about 3 percent or so). As your primary torque tool the most obvious problem is the length that is now pretty obstructive for any tight situations at all.  They can also be used to calibrate your existing wrench, but  using a such a similarly (in)accurate tool would compound the calibration inaccuracy to six percent possible in a worst case scenario.   Not real good.

[Bob_Roller]

I work for an airline in the aircraft maintenance department, we have our torque wrenches calibrated by a company called National  Calibration, I've had my Snap-On torque wrench calibrated by them for about $40US, this was about 9 years ago .

[Motu]

My 1/2in torque wrench is a Warren & Brown,it's over 35 years old and I still think they are the best professional grade torque wrench you can buy. I had a full set of W&B,but after some thefts I replaced the 3/8in with a Norbar clicker,and the in/lb with a Sykes/Pickavent.