New Torque Wrench

[ItsNemo]

My old trusty Mastercraft 1/2" drive 250ft-lbs 24" clicker torque wrench is getting fussy, doesn't always click anymore. I've had it nearly 15 years, so doesn't owe me anything and it's time for a new one. Wouldn't mind spending a bit more.

Sooo...what to get? CDI? Snap On? Gearwrench? Precision Instruments? Other?
Get another clicker or get a digital one? split beam?

This one has always mostly been used for lug nuts 9 times out of 10, otherwise bigger suspension things. Also, needs to be easy to get in Canada.

 

[TheToolEnthusiast]

The Icon split beam is quite accurate. it Had a great review on one the YouTube channels not long ago as well.

 

[ItsNemo]

The Icon split beam is quite accurate. it Had a great review on one the YouTube channels not long ago as well.

Miss the part about Canada? HF is out and I don't really want a generic chinese wrench.

 

[Komet]

I like my CDI, afaik same thing as a Snap-on except it has a coarse tooth ratcheting head. If you're really just doing lugnuts most of the time I don't think I'd bother with anything more expensive.

 

[ItsNemo]

I like my CDI, afaik same thing as a Snap-on except it has a coarse tooth ratcheting head. If you're really just doing lugnuts most of the time I don't think I'd bother with anything more expensive.

Mostly lugs, suspension stuff, motor mounts, etc. pretty much all just automotive.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I use the Precision Instruments wrenches and am very happy with them, but to be honest they are just about the only ones I have used so I don't have much comparison information.

 

[dchawk81]

I would just get whatever. Lug nuts aren't exactly airplane rivets. Although Eric O's red and green lights are really pretty.

 

[uncwstudent]

I love my Precision Instruments flex heads. Though the flex angles are limited, they are really, really handle on lug nuts and working on suspensions. Theyre also well made and split beam. I cant recommend them enough.

 

[Qualitytools]

Another option to consider is NORBAR.

 

[toddmorr]

Second Norbar. I have a smaller one and really like it, enough to sell my cdi which annoys me, just too hard to read it, and replace the cdi with a bigger norbar.

 

[mike93lx]

My tekton always clicks and my wheels haven't fallen off, yet.

 

[seber]

I went through several screw type before I switched to split beam. I doubt brand means much for this type. Nothing to go wrong and no worries about losing precision.

 

[bb29510]

mine are proto

 

[richfinn]

Another vote for Norbar, good quality, affordable, good range, also a Snap-On company

I've got three of them on the go in various sizes.

 

[dnschmidt]

If you want a normal style clicker NORBAR is the answer due to its being the easiest to read the setting. There is a cheap but very good copy of the Norbar called Etork which you can buy on Amazon that was designed here in America but made in China. I have several and they're fine. For wheels and tires a split beam seems to be the favorite. Discount Tire here in America uses nothing but split beams and they sell more tires than anybody else. Very fast changes between torque values. My problem with Precision Instruments 250# rated split beam is that it's not long enough. Did ARP head studs on a Ford Powerstroke 6.0 and nearly busted my guts getting to 210 ft-lb. Under 125 it's fine but at the higher values it's just too short.

 

[WWheeler]

My experience with Torque Wrenches in the past decade or so (from top to bottom)

- Olsa Tools Split Beam Torque Wrench - 1/2 dr, 50-250 ft lbs. Made in Taiwan. This was a very recent gift to me. I didn't need it in any way but it works great. It ratchets smoother and clicks louder than my PI. It might well become my go-to.
- Precision Instruments PREC3FR250F - 1/2 dr Split Beam. Made in USA. 50-250 ft lbsThis is my most used torque wrench. Solid. highly recommend.
- Precision Instruments PREC2FR100F - 3/8 dr. Split Beam. 20-100 ft lbs. Made in USA. Zero complaints. Highly recommend.
- (on the left) Snap On Tools QJR217C 3/8 dr clicker, USA, 40-200 in lbs. I've had this a looong time now. Still works great.
- Precision Instruments D3F100F dial-type torque wrench 1/2 dr, 20-100 ftlbs. USA (bought used on GJ Classified from 'Snapped-Off'). This a great wrench but can only use it when you can see the dial, which isn't always the case.
- Sears Craftsman 'Micro Clicker' torque wrench, 1/2 dr, Made in China - Pure Junk. Accurate but slips often, like injure yourself when it just gives way without warning. Has done this since new. Why haven't I tossed it yet? Honestly IDK?
- Sears Craftsman 'Micro Clicker' torque wrench, 3/8 dr, Made in China - Pure Junk. Same as 1/2 dr. would not recommend even if free.

- I test at least once a year for accuracy using a Harbor Freight digital torque adapter and all have stayed well within their +/- accuracy ranges in the middle of their ranges. It's not a 'calibration' but when they all read dead on the same seems a worthy method of testing.

 

[toddmorr]

that eTork is interesting but 20 inches long for a 250# wrench is too short

 

[mike93lx]

that eTork is interesting but 20 inches long for a 250# wrench is too short

I doubt most uses are near the limit of the range and how easy it is to use will depend on how big you are.

 

[toddmorr]

Well tekton wrench is 25 inches, Capri is 24 inches, craftsman is 27 inches, cdi is 26, norbar is 26, sunex is 27, icon 23.5, pi is 24.5.

I've had a fair number of use cases in the low 200s and I'm in very good shape. Pulling on a 20 incher at even 200 lbs is doable but definitely not preferable.

 

[mike93lx]

Well tekton wrench is 25 inches, Capri is 24 inches, craftsman is 27 inches, cdi is 26, norbar is 26, sunex is 27, icon 23.5, pi is 24.5.

I've had a fair number of use cases in the low 200s and I'm in very good shape. Pulling on a 20 incher at even 200 lbs is doable but definitely not preferable.

Hamburgers and gravity!

 

[Maxcustody]

I have split beams from Tekton and they work very well. I love the easy dial and lock on the split beam.

 

[boom_bap]

Icon 50-250 and PI 10-50 split beam owner. Both are great. I wouldn't hesitate to buy again.

 

[ord.avg.guy]

I recently picked up 1/2" CDI to replace my 1/2" Armstrong that parts are NLA for. I like it, easy to read for $240. CAD. FWIW My cousin has a $25 Princess Auto 1/2" torque wrench , he took it to work and checked the calibration when he bought it and it was in spec.

 

[ItsNemo]

Some interesting suggestions here.

I recently picked up 1/2" CDI to replace my 1/2" Armstrong that parts are NLA for. I like it, easy to read for $240. CAD. FWIW My cousin has a $25 Princess Auto 1/2" torque wrench , he took it to work and checked the calibration when he bought it and it was in spec.

I actually have the cheapy princess auto powerfist's in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive as backups, so I'm not incredibly desperate to have another one this second...but I'd like a good long handle in my box.

 

[dnschmidt]

Something interesting to note. Many Taiwanese torque wrenches are designed ONLY to work on right hand fasteners. Most of TOPTUL's lineup is made this way. They have some really nice torque wrenches and I've got a lot of them but they only work in the clockwise direction similar to a split beam. If this was the old days when Chrysler used left handed studs on one side of their cars this would be a problem.

 

[mikedodge]

I've got a few of them. I have a couple princess auto click ones for things that don't need to be fully accurate and CDI dial ones in various sizes for more precise stuff.

 

[Trapps]

Happy with my Tekton.

I live 15 miles from Canada. Not sure where you're at but I'd be happy to arrange delivery from this side.

Side bar: Here's a good bar bet. If you fly straight south from Detroit, what is the first country you fly over after the USA?

Most will answer Mexico or somewhere in South America. The answer, Canada, is surprising to most.

 

[Krokodil]

Another Norbar vote. Biggest torque tool manufacturer in the world. Was acquired by Snap On some time ago.

 

[cannuck]

I have a Warren & Brown 3/8 split beam that I have used for the last 50 years. Probably the best tool I have ever owned. I use a cheap 1/2" klicker for wheels and 3/8 loaner klicker for other stuff since everyone else borrows them but a Proto 3/4 for suspension and heavy equipment engines. Also keep 1/4 and 3/8 pointer type bending beams as they are 100% reliable and very useful for measuring variables. Seriously considering a decent 1/2 drive, as I seem to be doing more of that lately. Would love another W&B but hard to come by here (mine was sold under Repco name waaayyyy back) so PI is a top contender (have an office in Canada) but Alltrade seems to make a knockoff of W&B. Anyone have any feedback on them?

 

[ItsNemo]

Just ordered a CDI 2503MFRMH, should do the job

 

[corn chip]

If this was the old days when Chrysler used left handed studs on one side of their cars this would be a problem.

ford and all their brilliance also used left hand lugs on pickups in the early to mid 80s. illogical nonsense seems to be the norm from ford still to this day

 

[infinite97]

Very happy with my techangles. Have the higher capacity (newer) versions in 3/8” and 1/2”. Love the 300 ft.lbs capacity, don’t have to break out the 3/4” beast as much, and being able to go CCW was a requirement for being able to set some of our belt tensions.

They’re expensive, but what isn’t?

 

[charbar]

illogical nonsense seems to be the norm from ford still to this day

Amen. I usually tell people "There's the way everyone does it and then there is the way Ford does it" Illogical nonsense it a much quicker way to say that, I like it

 

[rancherbill]

KMSTOOLS Lots of brand name tools

https://www.kmstools.com/hand-tools/wrenches/torque-wrenches.html

Vallen I have not really heard much about them but they have a lot of highend and super high end stuff.

https://www.vallen.ca/products/180-..._jKcXCVckkvivVbtGFJtG8r0LSAbSDBxoCAWYQAvD_BwE

Everybody's favorite has to be in the discussion
https://www.princessauto.com/en/torque-wrenches/category/360-005-125-240

 

[corn chip]

Amen. I usually tell people "There's the way everyone does it and then there is the way Ford does it" Illogical nonsense it a much quicker way to say that, I like it

a entire book wouldnt even cover all the terrible designs ford vehicles have had. sadest part is the average vehicle owner is none the wiser

 

[dchawk81]

a entire book wouldnt even cover all the terrible designs ford vehicles have had. sadest part is the average vehicle owner is none the wiser

Educate us.

My lug nuts seem to be normal righty tighty leftie loosies so I have no idea what you're talking about.

 

[corn chip]

Educate us.

My lug nuts seem to be normal righty tighty leftie loosies so I have no idea what you're talking about.

on the hydro clutches they integrated the slave cyl into the throw out bearing all one unit. even a high school kid aspiring to be a engineer wouldnt make a mistake like that. the wipers on new trucks are held in place by some kind of wonky sqaure key that apparently falls out or lets the arm strip. why not use a tapered splined shaft like every proper vehicle of the last 60yrs. the smaller engines that had intrrnal waterpumps. i guess theyre dubbed the ford milkshake as they leak into the oil there ya go. i could go on for hours but have better things to do with my time. early and mid eighties ford trucks did use reverse thread studs on the driver side

 

[mogandave]

that eTork is interesting but 20 inches long for a 250# wrench is too short

That's what cheater-pipes are for...

 

[dchawk81]

on the hydro clutches they integrated the slave cyl into the throw out bearing all one unit. even a high school kid aspiring to be a engineer wouldnt make a mistake like that. the wipers on new trucks are held in place by some kind of wonky sqaure key that apparently falls out or lets the arm strip. why not use a tapered splined shaft like every proper vehicle of the last 60yrs. the smaller engines that had intrrnal waterpumps. i guess theyre dubbed the ford milkshake as they leak into the oil there ya go. i could go on for hours but have better things to do with my time. early and mid eighties ford trucks did use reverse thread studs on the driver side

My 86 pickup has normal lug nuts, but my 88 semi has the reverse on the driver side. But that's how many (most/all?) cap nuts were back then.

I've never owned an older one than that.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

1/2 drive Crafsman click type from Lowes is not bad.