Which Torque Wrench to Choose

[Qualitytools]

Hi, I am a new member here and I am looking for a manual (read not digital) click type/micrometer 3/8 wrench with a +-accuracy of about 2% and a range of at least 5nm on the low end to about 40 or 60nm on the high end. I am looking at Hazet, Facom, Norbar but can't find quite what I want, of course the price is up there too.

I saw that Facom makes one but the range is limited, so I would have to buy 2 to cover what I need. The Hazet 6110-1CT has what I need but pricey, Norbar has one but it starts at 10nm and the accuracy is +-3% but I am not ruling it out.

Anyone owns any of these that can comment, has use or does torquing in that low range on a regular basis or has used any one of the ones I mentioned that can shed some light on some pros or cons. Also some suggestions on others I might have overlooked?

Any input would be appreciated, TIA

 

[Qualitytools]

No one has some feed back of 152 that viewed it!

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I think the issue is that you're looking for a 3/8" drive in that range, when most torque wrenches are 1/4" drive when you get down that low.

I would recommend the USA Gearwrench 1/4" drive (also sold as Matco and Armstrong) since my 3/8" & 1/2" have both been excellent, and I'll be grabbing the 1/4" soon (as I needed one this week dealing with Toyota valve cover bolts that need 45in/lbs).

 

[GirlnAgarage]

No one has some feed back of 152 that viewed it!

Could be that the 152 that looked don't have knowledge on those particular items.

Or could be the fact that there have been a lot of recent threads and there are a lot of older threads covering torque wrenches, especially ones that don't cost an arm and a leg but are still quality. Have you seen those?

 

[W0rLDWaR4]

I have a 1/2" CDI torque wrench and I love it! Haven't gotten around to purchasing a quality 3/8" though. I recommend CDI; however, I'm a weekend wrencher and have no input on professional daily use.

 

[gsingh]

All three I have are Snap-On . Works fine for me. But just like minimumwage said i would look into 1/4 inch drive for those values.

 

[garthg]

Snap On. They're on eBay all the time. I got a Torquemeter ($400 list) for $90, like new in plastic case, with calibration certificate.

Here's one for $75:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-QD2...77957906?pt=US_Hand_Tools&hash=item4ad39e7812

 

[bahcoswed]

I use this, but its not cheapI iam totally in love with it http://api.viglink.com/api/click?fo...ls - Page 714 - The Garage Journal Board&txt=

 

[senator52]

I have a 1/2" CDI torque wrench and I love it! Haven't gotten around to purchasing a quality 3/8" though. I recommend CDI; however, I'm a weekend wrencher and have no input on professional daily use.

I have the 3/8ths and love it!

Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk

 

[afazz]

I can't speak for all of the European standards, but the ASME standards for click-type torque wrenches only calibrate accuracy from 20%-100% of the full scale. So for a 40Nm max, the minimum calibrated value will be 8Nm and for a 60Nm max, the minimum calibrated value will be 12Nm. So to ask for 5-40 would require a portion of the scale to be outside of the calibrated range, unless that particular manufacturer is making up their own spec.

I also wouldn't worry about 2% vs. 3-4% accuracy. If anything is so critical that the extra 2% is necessary, then a click-type torque wrench is the wrong tool for the job. I understand where you're coming from, and this is a tool nerd message board (I'm guilty too lol), but there isn't much practical deference between 2% and 4% accuracy.

I love European tools as much as anyone, but keep in mind that support, repair, and calibration will be easier with a US-made instrument if you're in the US. In my opinion, that stuff is pretty important for a tool like this. I would stick to Snapon, Proto, or CDI for torque wrenches.

 

[bahcoswed]

Yes i understand that, BUT with stahlwille manoskop you can calibrate it your self if you use google a little bit

 

[Treeman]

Listen to the very important facts stated by afazz. Measuring torque through turning motion is very crude and engineering forums will tell you that +/- 20 - 30% is the standard possible error. So your 2% is moot. http://www.surebolt.com/torque_errors.htm

Also consider Sturdevant Richmont and Precision Instruments for U.S. made wrenches.

 

[Qualitytools]

Thanks I had not concidred 1/4 drive, I will have to check them out.

 

[Qualitytools]

Yes Girlinagarage, I tied to do some searches but could not get alll the answers hence my post. Thanks!

 

[Qualitytools]

I did look at CDI and was even concidering Precision Instrument since they make the torque wrenches (or they use to) make them for Snap-On, I will have a look, thanks!

 

[Qualitytools]

Thanks gsingh, yes I will have to entertain the 1/4 drive

 

[Qualitytools]

Snap On. They're on eBay all the time. I got a Torquemeter ($400 list) for $90, like new in plastic case, with calibration certificate.

Here's one for $75:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-QD2...77957906?pt=US_Hand_Tools&hash=item4ad39e7812

Thanks garthg, even with a link, much apreciated!

 

[Qualitytools]

I use this, but its not cheapI iam totally in love with it http://api.viglink.com/api/click?fo...ls - Page 714 - The Garage Journal Board&txt=

Oh Yes, I would Love one but I have to keep in mind (as I was reminded) that with the European tools, warranty might be an issue as well as adding Duty import fees, it can add up.
Thanks

 

[Qualitytools]

I can't speak for all of the European standards, but the ASME standards for click-type torque wrenches only calibrate accuracy from 20%-100% of the full scale. So for a 40Nm max, the minimum calibrated value will be 8Nm and for a 60Nm max, the minimum calibrated value will be 12Nm. So to ask for 5-40 would require a portion of the scale to be outside of the calibrated range, unless that particular manufacturer is making up their own spec.

I also wouldn't worry about 2% vs. 3-4% accuracy. If anything is so critical that the extra 2% is necessary, then a click-type torque wrench is the wrong tool for the job. I understand where you're coming from, and this is a tool nerd message board (I'm guilty too lol), but there isn't much practical deference between 2% and 4% accuracy.

I love European tools as much as anyone, but keep in mind that support, repair, and calibration will be easier with a US-made instrument if you're in the US. In my opinion, that stuff is pretty important for a tool like this. I would stick to Snapon, Proto, or CDI for torque wrenches.

You bring up an excellent point, much appreciated!!

 

[Qualitytools]

Listen to the very important facts stated by afazz. Measuring torque through turning motion is very crude and engineering forums will tell you that +/- 20 - 30% is the standard possible error. So your 2% is moot. http://www.surebolt.com/torque_errors.htm

Also consider Sturdevant Richmont and Precision Instruments for U.S. made wrenches.

Another good point, thanks for the tip Treeman

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Go 1/4 in drive and stick with any of the industrial brands (Proto, CDI, Williams, Armstrong, etc.) or any of the truck brands (Snap On, Cornwell, Matco, Mac). Torque wrenches are one of those tools that are rebranded every which way, but as long as you stick with a quality brand name you should get a good product.

 

[cosmik binturong]

Go 1/4 in drive and stick with any of the industrial brands (Proto, CDI, Williams, Armstrong, etc.) or any of the truck brands (Snap On, Cornwell, Matco, Mac). Torque wrenches are one of those tools that are rebranded every which way, but as long as you stick with a quality brand name you should get a good product.

you rarely break/have to warranty torque tools when using them correctly and treat 'em like precision instruments since that is what they are. they might need to be tested/calibrated more or less regularly depending on your work requirements though.

any torque service center can do testing, repair and calibration on almost *any* quality wrenches, US-made or not since a good torque wrench/screwdriver is, usually, build to be serviceable and repairable so the point of not getting service on non-US made wrenches in the USA is kind of moot.

if that wouldn't be the case i wouldn't have many CDI wrenches as well as a Sturtevant Richmont one, an Utica, a MAC-branded and a Mountz drivers here in France along with other torque stuff from Rahsol/Gedore, Torqueleader, PB Swiss, Palmera, SAM, Tohnichi, Wiha, Dowidat, and, mmmm, others...

yeah, i know, got too much torque stuff layin' around...

 

[619DioFan]

My torque wrenches are Husky. usa made. I feel they are very good quality. price is right as well.

 

[submariner]

The Hazet 6110-1CT has what I need but pricey, Norbar has one but it starts at 10nm and the accuracy is +-3% but I am not ruling it out.

You should consider the Norbar 13010 3/8" 'Automotive' ratchet 8-60 Nm.

http://www.norbar.com/Model603_8_Au...vers-TorqueWrenches-54-1-10-1221-product.aspx

About US $130 from Amazon UK (yes they ship to USA and 20% VAT deducted on checkout). I know it say "Temporarily out of stock" - that's because I bought the last

To get down to 5 Nm, I suggest getting the Ritchey Tool Torque Key. Like you I also looked and I went this route because not 1 tool that can do the job, you need at least 2.

 

[Jerelld13]

Go with Craftsman.

 

[Adam.C]

If you are building modern engines, you need a good, likely digital, tech-angle type wrench. For everything else, +/- 10% is fine. You can vary this much thru improper technique. No mechanical torque wrench will be good throughout its entire range. They are said to be better at the top of the range.

My snap on rep has a calibrator in his truck. He's been inviting guys to check their wrenches. It's an obvious marketing ploy to sell the new tech wrench.

He said most click types were pretty good at the bottom end but out several percent at top end. He also said you really have to sneak slowly up on the click, or you over torque. This anecdotal evidence is consistent with industry and Snap On's publications.

 

[Qualitytools]

UPDATE I ended up getting 2 NORBAR wrenches, both thru Amazon UK as one of them is not sold in the US. I purchased them based on feedback of multiple users that gave me some advice and recommendations after years of ownership. Additionally, due to the production accuracy limit that they manufacture there products by +/-3% vs the +/-4%, also they came with a calibration certificate of accuracy. As many of you stated a precision instrument is what I was looking for and I do treat it as such.
Here is what I got:
TTi20 1-20 N.m Part number 13640 (not available in the US) not sure why Made in England.
Model 60 Professional Part number 13010 also made in England.

 

[BirdMobile]

I know you've specified click type... but consider a dial type instead. You'll be sble to achieve your 2% error spec. with a CDI or Precision Instruments dial wrench... and they are very nice instruments that are a joy to use!

 

[Krokodil]

Way to go, Norbar torque wrenches are excellent. They might be the biggest manufacturer of torque wrenches in the world if I'm not mistaken.

 

[Wakefield]

I wonder who makes the Wright Tool 3478 "Micro-Adjustable Torque Wrench 30-200 In. Lbs." I think it is 3/8" drive.