NORBAR Torque Wrenches

[Qualitytools]

Hi, I am in the market for a couple of Norbar torque click type wrenches in the lower end of the torques scale such as around 1-60 nm or so.

They are both available in 3/8, one is not sold in the US but available in the UK it is the TTI 20 13640, this one goes from 1-20 nm. The other one is the 13010 and it goes from 8-60 nm. I like the fact that they have a tolerance of +or-3% vs. the usual standard of 4% and they are within my budget.

Is there anyone here that owns this brand or have these wrenches that can comment on them or does anyone own something similar they can suggest in either 3/8 or 1/4. I prefer the 3/8 since the majority of my sockets are 3/8 but would be open to 1/4 drive also.

Thanks

 

[colin39]

I own 2 norbar torque wrenches a small 1/2inch that goes from 9mn to 55mn and a 1/2inch that goes from 60nm to 240nm
both are over 10year old and both are calibrated yearly and both have never needed adjusting, and are in use most days as im a diesel tech on small and large vehicle's. I would buy another in a heartbeat

 

[Qualitytools]

Thanks Colin39 much appreciate the feedback

 

[Robbie UK]

A very popular torque wrench over here in the UK, especially when rebranded under the Halfords brand (not usually associated with quality) as they are sold at a very fair trade price. I have 3 of them and not one is out of cal and the oldest is now 10 years old.

 

[Dave455]

I've got one, and have used quite a few over the years!

They seem to work fine and last well! Not costly either!

 

[Krokodil]

I have one rebranded as a Gedore. No issues.

 

[PBCampbell]

I have 3, Models 100(80 lb ft) & 330(250 lb ft) with the pass thru ratchet design and a Model 200(150 lb ft) with the selectable(automotive) ratchet that Griots used to rebrand. They seem to have a mostly industrial presence in the U.S. with their headquarters in Cleveland, OH. The fine tooth ratchet heads are really sweet on these.

 

[Qualitytools]

Wow, Great feedback everyone, this really encourages me to pursue the purchase.
Thanks,

 

[Rossco]

Yeah I have a few Norbar units. Great. Newest one is a small 3/8 break head.

Also had a few multipliers 25:1 AWR's. Quality.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Have you actually talked with Norbar USA? They ought to be able to get the torque wrench you want.

http://www.norbar-usa.com/

NORBAR TORQUE TOOLS INC.
36400 Biltmore Place
Willoughby, Ohio 44094, USA
Tel +1 866 667 2272
Fax +1 440 953 9336
Email [email protected]

I do own a Norbar torque wrench, though it is rather large compared to what you want to purchase.

Most of the better torque wrench manufacturers can provide you with their torque wrenches calibrated to a tighter tolerance. 4% is the ANSI standard and also the Euro and Aus standards, so that is what everyone uses.

I know Proto tq wr are available calibrated to 2% for extra $$$ and I think Sturtevant Richmont (SRtorque.com) can also.

Charles

 

[Qualitytools]

Have you actually talked with Norbar USA? They ought to be able to get the torque wrench you want.

http://www.norbar-usa.com/

NORBAR TORQUE TOOLS INC.
36400 Biltmore Place
Willoughby, Ohio 44094, USA
Tel +1 866 667 2272
Fax +1 440 953 9336
Email [email protected]

I do own a Norbar torque wrench, though it is rather large compared to what you want to purchase.

Most of the better torque wrench manufacturers can provide you with their torque wrenches calibrated to a tighter tolerance. 4% is the ANSI standard and also the Euro and Aus standards, so that is what everyone uses.

I know Proto tq wr are available calibrated to 2% for extra $$$ and I think Sturtevant Richmont (SRtorque.com) can also.

Charles

Actually I did not think of contacting them, perhaps I can get the TTI one from them directly or both for that matter. I know that there are online sellers that discount beyond the suggested retail, who knows maybe that will match them. I will post what I find out after contacting them.

 

[mrborohachi]

OP what are your plans with these torque wrenches that your specifically looking for NM? Japanese or European car work?

 

[Qualitytools]

OP what are your plans with these torque wrenches that your specifically looking for NM? Japanese or European car work?

BMW maintenance to be exact and the torque settings are given in NM!

 

[Motor-Mechanic]

I've been using Norbar torque wrenches daily for 27 years, never had an issue.

I'm told by the guy that calibrates ours that Norbar produce rebranded versions for 9 other companies, including Halfords and Sykes-Pickavant.

 

[submariner]

A very popular torque wrench over here in the UK, especially when rebranded under the Halfords brand (not usually associated with quality) as they are sold at a very fair trade price.

I'm told by the guy that calibrates ours that Norbar produce rebranded versions for 9 other companies, including Halfords and Sykes-Pickavant.

Rebranded? yes, the same quality? no.

A simple search on Amazon UK shows that the Norbar 13010 (8-60 Nm) is rebranded as Motorq 60, Wera and Beta. In Australia it's rebranded as Sidchrome. Besides the colour, they all look 99% identical but the rebranded ones are usually more expensive than the original.

When the same model is rebranded under the Halfords brand, it's cheaper. Why? because it's made with inferior materials: no chrome, plastic handle instead of soft feel material, ratchet head is inferior and it's supplied in a flimsy plastic tube instead of sturdy plastic case.

 

[submariner]

Wow, Great feedback everyone, this really encourages me to pursue the purchase.
Thanks,

So have you pursued her?

The Norbar 13010 is back in stock at Amazon UK. Reasonably priced at US $130 (minus 20% VAT for USA). I just got mine on Monday. Coming from a 3/8" beam torque wrench, I'm loving the fine tooth ratcheting head, short length and best of all the easy to read torque settings. Some pics to entice you

 

[Krokodil]

Nice!

 

[Qualitytools]

So have you pursued her?

The Norbar 13010 is back in stock at Amazon UK. Reasonably priced at US $130 (minus 20% VAT for USA). I just got mine on Monday. Coming from a 3/8" beam torque wrench, I'm loving the fine tooth ratcheting head, short length and best of all the easy to read torque settings. Some pics to entice you

Entice you did, I was just lurking online trying to find a good price for it. I did contact Norbar direct and they want $220.00 for it but I think I can do better. I may even counter offer and see if they will match Amazon, who knows the worst they can say is no that is our price right?

Thanks

 

[Qualitytools]

So have you pursued her?

The Norbar 13010 is back in stock at Amazon UK. Reasonably priced at US $130 (minus 20% VAT for USA). I just got mine on Monday. Coming from a 3/8" beam torque wrench, I'm loving the fine tooth ratcheting head, short length and best of all the easy to read torque settings. Some pics to entice you

I went and looked at Amazon UK and it comes out to 88.53 British Pound with delivery charge no VAT but that's $157.71, where did you find the $130?? I would Love to know so I can place my order .
Thanks

 

[submariner]

I went and looked at Amazon UK and it comes out to 88.53 British Pound with delivery charge no VAT but that's $157.71, where did you find the $130?? I would Love to know so I can place my order .
Thanks

The price was US $130 (minus VAT but not including shipping) last week. The price on Amazon fluctuates, anyway US $157 delivered sounds about right.

 

[Robbie UK]

Rebranded? yes, the same quality? no.

When the same model is rebranded under the Halfords brand, it's cheaper. Why? because it's made with inferior materials: no chrome, plastic handle instead of soft feel material, ratchet head is inferior and it's supplied in a flimsy plastic tube instead of sturdy plastic case.

Yep, all correct but at around £30 trade card price I can live without the nice handle and the flimsy plastic tube went straight in the bin. It is not a lot of money for an accurate, certified and reliable torque wrench. Would I like finer ratchet - sure I would, but not for over twice the price.

 

[nia573]

So have you pursued her?

The Norbar 13010 is back in stock at Amazon UK. Reasonably priced at US $130 (minus 20% VAT for USA). I just got mine on Monday. Coming from a 3/8" beam torque wrench, I'm loving the fine tooth ratcheting head, short length and best of all the easy to read torque settings. Some pics to entice you

I got my 1310 off ebay.co.uk from a private seller. Brand new in case with callibration certificate it was £35 + postage so I think I did quite well!
Ive missed a few slightly cheaper ones in the past, but keep looking, Im sure one will pop up!

 

[Robbie UK]

That is a nice price.

 

[Motor-Mechanic]

Rebranded? yes, the same quality? no.

A simple search on Amazon UK shows that the Norbar 13010 (8-60 Nm) is rebranded as Motorq 60, Wera and Beta. In Australia it's rebranded as Sidchrome. Besides the colour, they all look 99% identical but the rebranded ones are usually more expensive than the original.

When the same model is rebranded under the Halfords brand, it's cheaper. Why? because it's made with inferior materials: no chrome, plastic handle instead of soft feel material, ratchet head is inferior and it's supplied in a flimsy plastic tube instead of sturdy plastic case.

I've been using a Halfords branded torque wrench proffesionally for 7 years now.

The halfords brand carries a lifetime warranty (not applicable to ratchet mechanism) as opposed to Norbars 1 year. Never had a ratchet mechanism fail on any Norbar manufactured torque wrench, but have had the heads crack, that's why i moved to Halfords, they cover it on warranty but use a heavier duty head anyway, contrary to your claim.

I don't need soft feel handles, i'm not a girl.

Don't care if it's chrome or painted, it needs to earn me money not look pretty.

I've had two Norbar and one Halfords branded torque wrenches in 27 years as an auto tech, my torque wrenches average 43200 cycles/year.

My post was based on actual experience, not a search of Amazon.co.uk

Oh yeah, and not one of them has ever failed their bi-annual calibration check.

 

[submariner]

The halfords brand carries a lifetime warranty (not applicable to ratchet mechanism) as opposed to Norbars 1 year.

False economy; the ratchet mechanism is usually the first part to fail. Hence Norbar sells ratchet repair kits for their torque wrenches.

With the Halfrauds, you have to throw away a good torque wrench when it starts slipping or suddenly jams because they don't sell parts for them. The Norbar equivalent won't fit, strangely they do sell repair kits for their regular (non torque) ratchets.

Don't care if it's chrome or painted, it needs to earn me money not look pretty.

False economy; The primary reason for chrome plating on tools is not for aesthetic purpose. It provides corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning and increased surface hardness.

That's why wrenches (torque, combination, open-end, box, etc) and lots of other hand tools are protected by chrome plating. There's a high chance that the Halfrauds torque wrench is out of cal and need repair or replacement when corrosion sets in.

 

[Robbie UK]

As a follow-up to the above, all my Halfords (Norbar) torque wrenches are doing just fine with the oldest now 16 years old. They still pass the routine calibration check and always well within tolerances. Sometimes cheap can equal good.

Ordered a TTi20 today, so I will have one in Norbar colours. Need it for bike work where the 1/4" drive will come in handy.

 

[kiraj]

Senior, still functioning.

 

[geo9]

This is the one I have been using for some time now for car wheels. It's a Norbar Nortorque 130104 40-200N.m. Adjustment is easy and the click very audible. It has a push-through ratchet with 72teeth. I hope the ratchet turns out to be durable as the torque wrench seems solid. Marked as Made in England.

 

[Qualitytools]

Since my first post back in 2014 I have since purchased several Norbar torque wrenches and ones (yes more than one) under a different name but made by Norbar. I will have to share some photos of my collection that I mainly use for Automotive applications soon. Overall Great, Accurate (that's what it is all about) Tool(s). Thanks to all who have shared in this thread.

 

[rumb]

I have Norbar Nortorque 340 60-340nM - very well build! 60teeth

 

[superautobacs]

I'm not sure if these are still current (probably not) .... these were taken in 2016, before Norbar, the largest company in Europe producing torque management equipment, was acquired by Snap-on.

These came with Italian made ratcheting heads (Beta design).

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/26667422921/in/photolist-GCvvKP-GA8HKh" title="."><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/1670/26667422921_dd13330f38_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/26640537802/in/photolist-GCvvKP-GA8HKh/" title="."><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/1466/26640537802_4f1a6f6435_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Qualitytools]

I'm not sure if these are still current (probably not) .... these were taken in 2016, before Norbar, the largest company in Europe producing torque management equipment, was acquired by Snap-on.

These came with Italian made ratcheting heads (Beta design).

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/26667422921/in/photolist-GCvvKP-GA8HKh" title="."><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/1670/26667422921_dd13330f38_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/26640537802/in/photolist-GCvvKP-GA8HKh/" title="."><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/1466/26640537802_4f1a6f6435_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Indeed I did hear of the purchase by SnapOn. I have a couple of those as well, still have not had a chance to post a photo of the ones I use, soon

 

[Krokodil]

Love my Norbar Torque wrenches. Some are Gedore branded.

 

[Qualitytools]

Same here, and some are WERA branded also.

 

[geo9]

@superautobacs these are replaced (with the exception of the small TTi) with new models by Norbar. The new lines, in Europe at least, are the Pro model and the Nortorque model. TTi seem to still be in production.
https://www.norbar.com/products/vie...new-professional-wrenches/category_multid/404
and
https://www.norbar.com/products/view/ncategory/categoryname/nortorque/category_multid/470

 

[Qualitytools]

@superautobacs these are replaced (with the exception of the small TTi) with new models by Norbar. The new lines, in Europe at least, are the Pro model and the Nortorque model. TTi seem to still be in production.
https://www.norbar.com/products/vie...new-professional-wrenches/category_multid/404
and
https://www.norbar.com/products/view/ncategory/categoryname/nortorque/category_multid/470

I see that they have changed the handle design and locking mechanism, thanks for the links.

 

[Qualitytools]

I had promised photos of my Norbar Torque wrenches and here they are:
NORBAR 3/8 1-20 Nm
NORBAR 3/8 8-60 Nm
WERA 3/8 20-100 Nm
WERA 1/2 60-300 Nm

 

[Qualitytools]

This is the one I have been using for some time now for car wheels. It's a Norbar Nortorque 130104 40-200N.m. Adjustment is easy and the click very audible. It has a push-through ratchet with 72teeth. I hope the ratchet turns out to be durable as the torque wrench seems solid. Marked as Made in England.

Those appear to be the newer NORBAR wrenches based on the handle design, very nice indeed!

 

[geo9]

@Qualitytools I like it very much. Your Norbar Torque wrenches rock, these are some of the best ever made by the company!

 

[Qualitytools]

@Qualitytools I like it very much. Your Norbar Torque wrenches rock, these are some of the best ever made by the company!

Yes thank you! I am fortunate to have found the brand when I was looking to purchase some precision torque instruments to work on my cars. I hope they continue with the tradition under the SnapOn name