Need to buy a torque wrench. Recommendations?

[KG]

I have decided that I need to buy a torque wrench. I've been looking around the world wide web and saw a few. I usually like Crafstman tools but at least one of their torque wrenches had poor reviews with comments about breaking something at the higher torque settings.

So I thought I would go straight to the experts. Anybody here who can recommend which torque wrench I should buy? I lean toward "Made in the USA" if I can but haven't seen much that carries that label.

Any of you have a torque wrench that you can recommend over others? How much money should I expect to spend for a quality wrench?

Thanks,
Keith

[GAHorn]

You've got some decisions to make.
What torque range? What length handle? What size drive?

Craftsman are fair tools. (and any tool should be kept properly calibrated and that will obviate any failures to torque properly).

Snap On is a professional tool company. Their torque wrenches are made by CDI. http://www.cditorque.com/

If you only intend to use a wrench occasionally, it's probably better to purchase a less expensive tool, and for critical jobs like engine assy, etc.. borrow a trusty-mechanic's recently-calibrated tool, or hire him to put final torque on the fastener.

IMHO

[c170b53]

I'll just add that snap on tools are the best tools I've ever used. I have a 3/8 drive 0-100 ft/lb range click type that retains its calibration and I find it does most jobs. I think George is correct in think hard about the type of work its intended for and then go shopping

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

I have two Craftsman ratcheting torque wrenches. One in inch pounds and one in foot pound both are 3/8" drive. I don't recall the ranges but they have covered all the the most extreme cases like the 200 ft lb required to torque the prop hub to a tapered shaft Continentals. They have worked well and adequate for me for several years including 3 engine overhauls. But I don't use them every day.

I've nothing against Snap-on and others. Just that Sears and Craftsman tools have been convenient to obtain and served me adequately.

[canav8]

Most important thing about a torque wrench is when you store it do not store it preloaded with a torque. Unload it. Will definitely save on calibration costs. Doug

[Brad Brady]

I carry Craftsman torque wrenches in the truck. I have Snap On wrenches in the shop. I calibrate them all each year. I have had no problems with any. I carry the Craftsman in the truck because of cost.....If stolen....I'm not out as much!

[KG]

Thanks guys. I think I'll go shopping for the Crafstman as they are readily available, affordable, and you guys haven't had any problems with them. Thanks again. Keith

[counsellj]

How or where do you go to recalibrate your wrenches?

[n3833v]

I use a 3/8 Snapon 650 in/lb and the local Snapon man comes to the shop for calibration any time. Snapon is the best for any torque wrenches.

John

[GAHorn]

The only problem I've had with Snap On is their franchisee's are restricted by co. policy from selling at residences. Unless you can catch one of their trucks at a shop somewhere, or unless you are a legitimate work-shop, they may not serve you. When I worked at a legit-shop, I had no problem (and of course their tools also have lifetime warranties) but when I quit the shop and began working privately I ran into issues with service.
Nevertheless, their tools are top-rate, IMO, and whenever I've had a problem with one, I've simply flagged down a truck which was calling at a shop locally, or I've asked a mechanic friend to take my tool for when the truck calls again on it's regular route. For most, this would never be a problem. But way out here in the country, it's a different matter.
For most folks, Craftsman is a good solution, even tho' their tools are a bit on the "clunky" side.

[Bill Hart]

I have MAC torque wrenches because the MAC man comes by every Wednesday. The Snap-on guy is just too unreliable for me to spend that kind of money with. That is not an indictment of Snap-on tools just this dealer.

[Brad Brady]

The Snap-On Guy doesn't come by the shop....I have to chase him down in town. My Brother Brent, works for Garrett Engines in Springfield. I give him the wrenches, and magically they come back with a cert number. Of course he just laughs at me when I ask "can you do something about my compression gauges"