Craftsman Torque Wrench Calibration

[ScottVA]

Does anyone know where a Craftsman torque wrench can be calibrated in The Richmond, VA. area besides Sears? Thanks.

 

[pattenp]

Which Craftsman torque wrench is it? Some of the cheaper torque wrenches can't be re-calibrated. You may be better off to buy a new one.

Edit: Look on Youtube for info on checking calibration and how to re-calibrate it yourself.

 

[ScottVA]

It's an older click type...I believe the model number is 44595.

 

[pattenp]

That one can be adjusted. The end of the handle has an end cap that pops out to expose the adjustment nut.

Do you know it's out of calibration?

It's an older click type...I believe the model number is 44595.

 

[Loscaldazar]

A calibration will cost you as much as a new CMAN torque wrench will (or for that matter, the same price as many other USA made torque wrenches that are on the cheaper end, ie gearwrench, Husky, NOS SK torque wrenches, etc). Just something to think about.

You can also somewhat calibrate it yourself using a scale, a break bar, and some 8 point sockets (or 4 point if you can find them).

Wish I could help you find a place nonetheless.

 

[ScottVA]

I don't know that it's out of calibration, but I inadvertently left it in my box for an appreciable amount of time loaded. It's also several years old, so I don't trust it as much as I once did. The ratcheting mechanism broke and I replaced it, so I thought I'd go ahead and get it right. I know it's cheap, but it has always done a decent job for me on non critical jobs. I use my Snap On for the real critical stuff. I certainly don't want to pay for a calibration that costs more than the wrench itself, though. Thanks for the help, guys.

 

[Partsman2012]

A company I used to work for sent them to Angle Repair and Calibration in W.VA. I sent my old Craftsman in for repair but unfortunately, was told parts were not available. 1978 Craftsman wrench with button socket release.

 

[Hootbro]

Find a someone with a beam torque wrench and use a 8 point socket between both torque wrenches and check you clicker against the beam. Check multiple ranges and make the call from there.

As already mentioned, it is just cheaper to buy a new torque wrench than to have a Craftsman sent off for calibration check. Most calibration shops will just check it for about $50, then any adjustments will cost more on top of that to dial in the calibration.

 

[SMKS]

I have one of the digital torque adapters that I've used to check all my torque wrenches. A torque adapter will allow you to check it, and if you're feeling adventurous you could try adjusting it yourself.

Frankly, it may not be worth the price of having that one adjusted when you could put that money towards a new model like the Husky branded GearWrench clones or one of the other popular models.

 

[zkling]

How do you know a new one is calibrated?

 

[Sureshot]

How do you know a new one is calibrated?

Cause it's digital and if it says 81.5 it means 81.5. Didn't you know.

 

[Sureshot]

Find a someone with a beam torque wrench and use a 8 point socket between both torque wrenches and check you clicker against the beam. Check multiple ranges and make the call from there.

As already mentioned, it is just cheaper to buy a new torque wrench than to have a Craftsman sent off for calibration check. Most calibration shops will just check it for about $50, then any adjustments will cost more on top of that to dial in the calibration.

You can also use a joiner nut or piece of hex shaft of any size with normal sockets.

 

[metaldad]

Find a someone with a beam torque wrench and use a 8 point socket between both torque wrenches and check you clicker against the beam. Check multiple ranges and make the call from there.

can you elaborate?
just couple them against each other?

 

[Hootbro]

can you elaborate?
just couple them against each other?

Below is a pic and link. It is an old mechanics trick to check a clicker torque wrench against a beam torque wrench. The eight point socket is just the coupler.

http://shopngarage.com/?s=torque

 

[uart]

I just pop on an old 6" extension, clamp it up in my vise and pull on it with a simple pull spring gauge.

Every year or so I dial up a few different torque settings and calculate what the required pull force should be (based on 14" to the nominal center of effort on the handle for my wrench). I then compare this with the reading on my pull spring gauge required to make it click. I know it's only a rough and ready way to do it, but it gives me confidence that it's at least somewhere about right.

BTW. Yes I also check that the pull spring gauge is about right before doing this. I check it by just weighing some known volumes of water.

 

[fatfillup]

I have checked quite a number of torque wrenches with a Craftsman electronic torque adapter. Those old CMan clickers have been more consistently accurate them most every other brand I have tested. I've only ever had one dead on and that was a Snappy clicker and the only have had one that was too far off to sell and that was a Mac.

And I don't really trust that a brand new one is accurate either of any brand. Yes I am a bit cynical but you have to trust the manufacturer, the shipping company, the warehouse, the retail sales outlet and hope your new wrench never got abused somewhere in the process.

 

[P_I_Torque]

Kind of an old topic, but this offer goes for anyone really...

Shoot me a PM with your info if you'd like me to check it out. I wont be able to calibrate it or repair it, but I can give you torque readings accurate to within 1/10th of 1%. We're the only manufacture that can claim that! I'd be happy to help out, LMK.