1/2" torque wrench recommendations?

[danb35]

I'm looking to upgrade my Harbor Freight special 1/2" clicker-style torque wrench. Mostly used for automotive work, I'd like to not be too much over $100, prefer clicker-style, prefer US-made, don't really care about digital, willing to buy used. What should I be looking for?

 

[Yarpo]

Precision instruments or CDI

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002XMSFIM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Banshee365]

That Icon at HF is having some pretty darn good reviews. I have a Danaher made Husky torque wrench. It’s USA made and great quality. It’s a relabeled Matco. It’s too bad they went all Chinese and it’s not available anymore.

 

[GeoRoss]

Precision instruments or CDI

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002XMSFIM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

****

I just bought one of these off of eBay last night for $145 shipped. It looked unused or very gently used and is about 5 years old. I guess my price checking for new one was not very complete. The prices I was seeing was closer to $180 shipped.

 

[seber]

Second that Precision instruments. You cn buy use with confidence. They pretty much cannot fail.

 

[seanb02]

Precision instruments for the win in my mind! Have the 1/2" and 3/4" ones for a couple years, 1/4" just arrived today and have a 3/8" on order as well. Pretty sure I paid around $130 for the 1/2" one through Tool Topia, but it has been a little while so prices may have gone up some.

 

[txvwnut]

Precision Instruments, American made and the best bang for the buck.

 

[JVB]

It has been said many times but add another for the precision.

If budget oversees coo, I hear tekton are great for around 50$

 

[pepi]

Precision instruments or CDI

/QUOTE]


CDI; has the measurements engraved, not painted on, Excellent tool!


Precision instruments < weak looking construction, better buy 2

 

[plinker]

Precision instruments or CDI

/QUOTE]


CDI; has the measurements engraved, not painted on, Excellent tool!


Precision instruments < weak looking construction, better buy 2

My CDI wrenches are laser engraved for the markings, it's the only fault I find with them. My PI wrench is stamped which is better, IMO.

PI isnt a weak wrench at all in my experience. Snap-on owns CDI, but still rebrands split beam wrenches from PI (with a Snap-on ratchet head).



Regarding PI & CDI, Both brands are very good quality, Find one that fits your criteria and go from there. Both clickers are about 150$, 50-250 ft lb range. I would avoid a used torqe wrench unless it has been recently checked out.


https://www.tooltopia.com/precision-instruments-m3r250fx.aspx

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/CDI-2503MFRMH-Measuring-Instruments-Torque-Measuring-Wrenches-Micrometer-Adjustable-Wrenches

Ebay may be worth checking out as there are Napa & Armstrong torque wrenches at reasonable prices and they are very good quality torque wrenches. No warranty, but your average torque wrench only has a one year warranty anyway.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Armstrong-64-086N-1-2-Drive-Micrometer-Torque-Wrench-30-250ft-lb-/392249399800?hash=item5b53e2d9f8

 

[tarmy]

There are many threads on this subject...including the one I started years ago...

I ended up with these per recommendations here....very happy with them. CDI

 

[Fedwrench]

Precision Instruments split beam. Durable, tough, outstanding in every aspect

 

[danb35]

There are many threads on this subject.

I'm sure there are, but a search wasn't finding much recent (in case the market had changed). There's a surprising level of agreement in favor of the PI, though--I'll have to check it out.

Thanks for all the responses!

 

[16again]

I have both CDI and Precision Instruments. Use and like them both. Really don’t think you can go wrong with either of them.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[GirlnAgarage]

If I didn't have a USA Husky 564464 I'd get a CDI. I have the CDI 3/8" and pleased with it.

 

[Lisamelting]

I have a brand new Proto J6014C 1/2" torque wrench that lasted all of one use before it started skipping and had to be sent in for service. For $180 I expected much better.

 

[danb35]

The near-unanimity on the PI was pushing me that direction, but I found a used CDI in apparently-good condition for under $60. Now crossing my fingers. Thanks again for the input.

 

[Twisty]

I bought a snappy 1/2 on Ebay for $115. I wanted a used one because I do not like the etched markings on the neq ones...I wanted engraved. Gave it to the snap on guy and for around $75 I had it rebuilt and calibrated. Better than $400 for a new one.

 

[noahwins]

Split beam Snap-On/Precision Instruments/CDI. I started using one. I'll never go back to click type. Really worth it not to skimp on a tool like a torque wrench. When critical parts aren't torqued right, bad things happen (lug nuts, flywheel, oil pans, harmonic balancers, etc.).

 

[JulianMorrow]

If you're not locked in to U.S.A made, I'd recommend the Tekton 24335 1/2" torque wrench (COO=Taiwan). You can get it on Amazon for $38. Remarkable value.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C5ZL0RU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[danb35]

As I posted up-thread, I settled on an eBay listing for a CDI 250 ft-lb clicker, used, that I got for just under $60. It arrived today, looks brand new, and includes the factory calibration certificate dated Sep 2018. I'm happy with that.

 

[anndel]

Precision instruments or CDI

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002XMSFIM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Ditto

 

[pstemari]

That or Proto.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk