Inch lb torque wrench advice: CDI or PI

[gas guzzler]

I'm fixing to order an inch pound micrometer and I've narrowed it down between the 50-250" CDI and the 30-200" PI.

I had decided on the CDI but with the ratchet head being foreign made I'm second guessing the decision.

The Precision Instrument I have been told is 100% domestic. It also says something about not having to disassemble the wrench to calibrate which sounds like that may make recalibration cheaper in the future??

My question, how does the PI micrometer and the CDI measure up to one another?

Thank you

 

[gas guzzler]

tttt

 

[Jeeper]

I just purchased the PI clicker 1/4" 30-200 inch/lbs. Great little torque wrench and when i mean little, the thing is tiny. I have only used it twice and so far I really like it.

 

[csmitty]

I've got a Proto 40-200inlb however its 3/8dr, they do have it 1/4 though. Used it a few times and like it. The handle knurling is insane, almost sticks to your hand.

 

[diesel research]

It also says something about not having to disassemble the wrench to calibrate which sounds like that may make recalibration cheaper in the future??

Calibration is often flat-rate, so it should not make any difference. Hell, they will usually still charge the same thing even if no adjustments were made.

 

[Treeman]

I would carefully consider the things you will be using it on. I would think that the 250 inch lb. would be slightly more useful: 4 to 20.8 ft. lb. vs. 3 to 16.7 ft. lb..

Just my opinion.

 

[gas guzzler]

Well I made my decision and now the shame. I tried to find a PI or Armstrong to support my country but their wrenches are 2-3 wks out while the CDI was in stock. It's sad when outsourced communist junk is more readily available than domestic product here in the homeland. I was told they are made to order. I guess they don't sell enough to stock them. Now instead of supporting a fellow American and his family I'm supporting the communist. I may have to sale this thing if I can't get past this.

 

[mrpizza]

I also like to buy USA made products, but you can't win them all. Look at your computer, cell phone, television, and other things. 99.9999999999% chance they are all made overseas.

 

[9GUY9]

I bought a gearwrench 1/4 torque wrench yesterday. I was surprised to see made in the USA stamped on it. I havn't used it yet, but it seam like a nice little torque wrench. Its something like 30in lb to 200 in lb.

I do have a precision industries 3/8" split beam torque wrench and really like it.

 

[Need4racin]

I'm also looking for an inch lb usa torque wrench, that isn't tool truck price.

 

[pwilson]

I am pretty sure that CDI torque wrenches are made in the USA, or at least the two larger CDI torque wrenches I have are stamped Made in U.S.A.

 

[Treeman]

I am pretty sure that CDI torque wrenches are made in the USA, or at least the two larger CDI torque wrenches I have are stamped Made in U.S.A.

The CDI wrenches are built in the U.S., but the ratchet head itself is imported. The defining difference between a CDI version and a Snap on version.

So gas guzzler, don't beat yourself too hard. You are still supporting some U.S. families.

 

[bob15]

CDI is a Snap-On owned company.

Want an American made non-truck torque wrench? Try Seekonk. made in seekonk, Mass.

http://www.seekonk.com/torqstart.html

bob

 

[Jeeper]

Well I made my decision and now the shame. I tried to find a PI or Armstrong to support my country but their wrenches are 2-3 wks out while the CDI was in stock. It's sad when outsourced communist junk is more readily available than domestic product here in the homeland. I was told they are made to order. I guess they don't sell enough to stock them. Now instead of supporting a fellow American and his family I'm supporting the communist. I may have to sale this thing if I can't get past this.

Get the PI one here: http://www.tooltopia.com/precision-instruments-m1r200hx.aspx

 

[SMKS]

Well I made my decision and now the shame. I tried to find a PI or Armstrong to support my country but their wrenches are 2-3 wks out while the CDI was in stock.

Where did you look for them?

Tooltopia has them PI in stock right now.

http://www.tooltopia.com/precision-instruments-m1r200hx.aspx

EDIT - D'oh, I just got sniped by Jeeper.

DOUBLE EDIT- Amazon has several sellers that claim to have them in stock.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-list...w?ie=UTF8&qid=1327541940&sr=8-1&condition=new

 

[gas guzzler]

Thanks for the good words fellas. I called quite a few places that supposedly had the PI in stock according to their website, including tooltopia if I'm not mistaken, but no one that I called had them. They make a few different models and I didn't ask about each and every one, the model number I gave them was M1R200HX but no luck.

I have a job to do with the CDI when it gets here and then I may sell it and order the PI when I'm not rushed. I guess it depends on how good I sleep the next few nights..

 

[blacK20]

On a side note... for those that have a 1/4" PI. Do they have a pull type locking collar like the SO's? Or do they twist and unlock?