Best torque wrench under 200$

[Sebastien]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for suggestion for a good torque wrench that would be available under 200$, in 1/2 drive.

So far the only ones I found are the CDI by Snap On, but I' wonder if the laser etching is good on them?

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B002LA1EDO/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=

Is there any other model you could suggest me?


Thank you

 

[GTA Matt]

http://www.tooltopia.com/precision-instruments-c3fr250f.aspx

 

[DRhodes]

http://www.tooltopia.com/precision-instruments-c3fr250f.aspx

You got it. Best torque wrench for the money. I dont know how I did it before I purchased this one. The best thing is, if your easy on them, they never need to be re-calibrated. Also, you don't have to set them at the lowest setting for storage like a click type.

 

[herfalerf]

That torque wrench does not ratchet though correct?

 

[DRhodes]

That torque wrench does not ratchet though correct?

Yes it ratchets

 

[Fcvapor05]

Used Snap-On techwrench. Easy.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Most of the guys on here highly recommend the Precision Instruments split beam wrenches.
I'm not a pro so I use a Craftsman beam type. Never needs calibrating and gives you 100% trustworthy readings. Mine were made in USA, but I don't know if they still are today. I would not use one of the regular click types even if you gave it to me.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Go for the Precision Instruments torque wrench. Fantastic for DIY or Pro.

 

[dnschmidt]

The split beam Precision Instruments are the answer. They are basically bulletproof. The way they are made is once they are calibrated they WELD them into position so there are no adjustments to change. Their only fault, if one considers it a fault, is that they only work on right hand fasteners. You cannot measure breakaway torque. How many times one would want to do that is questionable but I did think that I should point this out.

Another nice feature of the split beam is that fact that the torque setting can be changed very quickly. Some times with a micrometer type it seems like your twisting forever. With the split beam it takes only seconds to move from one torque setting to another.

 

[CobraRed]

My 1/2" is a SnapOn TECH3FR250 TechWrench and if someone wanted to trade I would prolly trade it for a Precision Instruments and a beer.

Go with the PI

 

[Leadberry]

You got it. Best torque wrench for the money. I dont know how I did it before I purchased this one. The best thing is, if your easy on them, they never need to be re-calibrated. Also, you don't have to set them at the lowest setting for storage like a click type.

The advantage of split beam torque wrenches is that the internals aren't under constant tension. This alleviates the issue of failing to wind down micrometer type wrenches, which makes them go out of spec faster. Does this mean that a split beam wrench will never go out of spec? Absolutely not. It has adjustable, moving parts. Things will start to go out at some point.

Obviously most guys here aren't building helicopters, but to say split beams never need calibration is a little overreaching IMO.

From Precision Instruments:

"Our Split-beam click wrench series is unique in that the internal components remain at rest while it's not being used. This gives the torque wrench an extremely long shelf life. Also, this tool exceeds the ASME B107.14M national specification which requires the torque wrench to remain accurate for 5,000 cycles at full scale. So for re-calibration you have use and time to take into consideration. If you have put 7,000 cycles on the tool it may be time to have it looked for calibration. If it's been 12 to 18 months since purchase, the lubrication used on the release mechanism can dry or become less effective as designed when new and can be removed, cleaned, and replaced when it comes in for repair. Our general statement is send the torque wrench in after ever 7,000 cycles or 12 to 18 months.

We offer a flat-rate repair and calibration charge, which for this tool is $70.00 plus shipping. Your torque wrench will get a complete factory tear down and rebuild, placing back in factory new specifications for that price. We can issue you an RGA if you would like to send the tool into us, it allows us to collect your information ahead of time."


Another member previously posted this manual for the calibration procedure:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/33jskc8hy7g8gxk/Split Beam Repair Manual.pdf

 

[Leadberry]

The split beam Precision Instruments are the answer. They are basically bulletproof. The way they are made is once they are calibrated they WELD them into position so there are no adjustments to change. Their only fault, if one considers it a fault, is that they only work on right hand fasteners. You cannot measure breakaway torque. How many times one would want to do that is questionable but I did think that I should point this out.

Another nice feature of the split beam is that fact that the torque setting can be changed very quickly. Some times with a micrometer type it seems like your twisting forever. With the split beam it takes only seconds to move from one torque setting to another.

There is indeed an adjustment on these. See the following thread:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252138

 

[BirdMobile]

Precision Instruments dial type, or CDI dial type. Fantastic tools for the price - more accurate if used correctly than any "clickie", and you can't ruin them by forgetting to set back to zero after use. Not quite as fast to use as a clicker, but far more enjoyable - and you know when you're approaching torque final value due to the dial needle.

 

[dnschmidt]

The problem with the dial type is the same as the problem with the digital type. You can't see what's happening most of the time when using a torque wrench other than on an engine stand. With the clicker you can be blindfolded and tell when you've reached the right torque. That's the advantage of the clicker.

 

[Leadberry]

The problem with the dial type is the same as the problem with the digital type. You can't see what's happening most of the time when using a torque wrench other than on an engine stand. With the clicker you can be blindfolded and tell when you've reached the right torque. That's the advantage of the clicker.

That's when you get one of these babies!

The little bulb lights up when you hit your torque setting.

A guy I work with has a digital that beeps and vibrates when you hit your torque setting...it's pretty cool.

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

+1 on the PI torque wrench, I have a 1/2" and 3/8", it's a high quality tool for the money. I really prefer the way you dial it in with the the thumbscrew on the PI model vs screwing the whole handle up and down on other designs.

Snap On basically puts their sticker on the same exact model and nearly triples the price.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=&item_ID=642559&group_ID=675230&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[SASORacing]

Harbor F $9.99

I don't have one but that must be the best value, if you spend more money get a name brand/ peace of mind/ working on expensive stuff.

 

[wagzilla]

The problem with the dial type is the same as the problem with the digital type. You can't see what's happening most of the time when using a torque wrench other than on an engine stand. With the clicker you can be blindfolded and tell when you've reached the right torque. That's the advantage of the clicker.

that is where you get what you pay for my new snapon digital torque wrench works great but it's almost 500 dollars

James

 

[TurboCup87]

I've had this for several years and have been very happy with it.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NICGXS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Fireball027]

You may laugh at my suggestion, but since your in Canada also, I recommend the Mastercraft Maximum. They go on sale for 65 bucks usually and can't be beat for that price. Over the course of 5 years I have exchanged it once, because the handle rubber ripped. For the price and the lifetime warranty its a great value.

My shop has to check calibration every 3 months on all of our torque wrenches. 3 out of the 4 guys have these and have always been right on spec when tested. They are used daily as we do a lot of tires and it is mandatory to use one.