"CDI" Torque Wrenches.....

[Damian]

I'm looking at this one..5-75ft lbs

http://www.emaxaction.com/cdi752mfrmh.aspx

I've found a few places selling these for just a hair over $100. As far as I know, CDI makes Snap on's torque wrenches. Does anybody have any experience with these wrenches?

I'm looking for an accurate wrench to set up valvetrains with. I need something extremely accurate within the 22-28ft lbs range, and all sources point to this one.

Thanks

 

[Damian]

It's a toss up between that one, or this one. Central Tool TQ wrench, 10-80ft lb. I had a central TQ wrench that served me well for 10+ yrs.

 

[forceyoda]

CDI is a division of Snap On and does make the snap on torque wrenches. They also have made or currently make torque wrenches for other brands as well. The only significant difference between a Snap On and CDI wrench is the ratchet head. I would go for the CDI.

http://www.cditorque.com/

 

[RLYoung]

I use quite a few CDI's at work and I personally think they're a cut above the rest. We haven't had any issues with the torque being significantly off like we have with some of the other manufacturers. If it makes any sense, the CDI ones feel more "smooth" than any other wrenches I've used besides Snap-on.

 

[shampoop]

I have one of these and love it so far. Just got it and have only used it a few times. http://www.tooltopia.com/precision-instruments-c2fr100f.aspx

It looks like there are a lot of these rebadged as SO as well. I really love the flex head and how fast/easy it is to change torque settings and the fact that you don't have to zero it after every use. I really want to get the 1/2" version but they have a really annoying "ergonomic" square handle instead of round and it's very uncomfortable to put a lot of pressure on and ironically very unergonomic.

 

[Damian]

The P.I. wrenches are nice, and I'd pick up that 3/8 if it didn't start at 20ft lbs. Most of the TQ readings I do on vavetrains is in the 20-28ftlb range. It's always good to keep your usable TQ ranges right between 30-50% of the wrench's max for best accuracy.

 

[Damian]

I tried one out today on the Snap on truck and I've decided against the CDI. It does not really "click", they just kinda give way when you hit TQ. I'm going to get another Central. Right around the same price, same accuracy, and you get a nice loud click when you reach TQ.

 

[shampoop]

The P.I. wrenches are nice, and I'd pick up that 3/8 if it didn't start at 20ft lbs. Most of the TQ readings I do on vavetrains is in the 20-28ftlb range. It's always good to keep your usable TQ ranges right between 30-50% of the wrench's max for best accuracy.

Hmm, now I understand why some techs have so many different torque wrenches.