3/8in Dial torque wrenches (on amazon - gift card)

[R-mm]

Got $200 gift card to Amazon for a bday and gonna indulge in a nicer than my Sunnex click-type 3/8in torque wrench. I do a lot of motor building and auto work and 0-50 ft-lbs covers a great many fasteners. Therefore I'm looking in this approx range. I have a CDI click type and like it a lot - made in usa, feeld good in hand. I'm looking at their and Precision Instruments dial types. Any comments or others to consider.

Sorry, they do have to be on amazon and at or below $200 pls.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I1Y48U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0186ME0ZE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Lucid Moments]

I have the Precision Instruments C2FR600H and it is pretty good. The low tooth count mechanism feels a little unusual when you are used to a high tooth count ratchet, but if you get used to it then it is fine.

 

[R-mm]

Do these type display torque as well as clicking when you hit your set point?

 

[Lucid Moments]

Not the one that I mentioned.

 

[Wrench97]

No dial torque wrenches you have to look at the dial straight on to be able to see the correct reading, IMHO they are not the first or second choice for automotive work.
With modern engines moving more and more to TTY bolts dial wrenches are getting less popular in favor of "tech angle"(digital) type wrench.

For comparison I realize it's over you price limit> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1UTI4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[R-mm]

I'm not throwing away my clickers, I have a full set and will use them often.

I want some means of seeing critical fasteners come up to torque and checking preload torque on bearings etc.

I work on older cars and more engines I've built than not have asked for torque in ft-lbs not torque to yield or angular measurements. The few angular cars I've done have been straightforward: torque to spec then 90deg or something like that.

I'm open to electronic as well. It took me a while to get over my aesthetic preferences and buy all digi mics and calipers, which I love a LOT, especially nice for being able to go back and forth metric/inch.

That CDI you linked to is very nice. Could be worth considering a budget stretch...

 

[Wrench97]

The only dial I have left is a inch lb unit from back in the Cummins 72 inlb injector setting days, They work but even for pinion bearings not my first choice.