Precision Instruments And Their Rusty Torque Wrench

[dh81]

I was game for a good quality torque wrench and searched high and low for the best one I could find without spending Snap-On prices. The great things I read on this forum about Precision Instruments played a strong influence on my decision to purchase a 1/2" split beam and a 3/8" split beam.

I just received both items today (bought from tooldiscounter, who, btw shipped within 24 hours and received in 3 days).

The 1/2 seems fine and I'm very satisfied with it, however, the 3/8 one has quite a bit of rust on its insides (where the opening on the end of it is). I've contacted Precision Instruments to let them know about it and awaiting a response. I'm a bit upset about the rust. Paper says it was manufactured in January of 2018. Anyone have any idea on what I should expect in terms of customer service? Should I not worry about the rust? There's an image linked, we'll see if it comes up...

 

[PureLeaf]

Looks pretty minor.... spray a little oil in there and just rub it off?

Otherwise you're looking at a fair bit of downtime and even some cost of shipping it back, and losing it for however long.

I have 2 PI torque wrenches, both have been great. Can't say I ever looked down the handle to see if there was rust or not.

 

[dh81]

I didn't open it up, it comes this way, there is no end cap on this thing (the 3/8 model) but there is a seal inside there.

I figured it might not be a big problem but rust tends to spread and infect the rest of the metal.

My issue is that this is a brand new tool and it should not have rust. It should have a protective coating to prevent it. Does Precision Instruments not protect this area of the tool from rust? A bit surprising to learn about, I expect a little more from a high quality precision tool. Other than this bit of rust though, im very satisfied with my purchase and I'll keep it regardless but I am very interested in what Precision Instruments has to say.

 

[dh81]

This is what it looks like... I wiped it off a tiny bit, I'll do a better job later.

 

[dh81]

Hey I appreciate all replies here, even if you don't own a Precision Instruments tool and are wrong about an assumption. Thanks to you two I'll be much nicer and less nit picky with them. Fact is I'm not a mechanic, I'm just a home diy'er. I've never bought a tool before with rust on it and my current tools I've had for many years don't have rust (save a few that were left outside for days).

So basically the feedback helped me realize it isn't a big deal and I thank the people that responded so far

 

[Treeman]

I took a peek inside my 10 year old 1/2" and 3/8" PI split beam wrenches and there is no rust in either. My wrenches are stored in an non air conditioned shop and are exposed to summer humidity.

While it may not be a problem, there is the principle that you bought something brand new and the quality control of this brand is expected to be high. This is one of those cases that if it makes you uncomfortable, then you should request an exchange. Its your money and you have to live with it. It doesn't matter what the rest of us think.

What if the insides of the wrench have an equally poor finish and humidity causes rust there?

A few years ago here, people started complaining about the weld quality of some U.S. (Michigan) made expensive jack stands. Many said that the welds were probably structurally sound, but many agreed that for the price, one should demand excellent quality control.

 

[hayhauler71]

All 3 of mine that i bought 4 months ago all have minor rust inside.

 

[6PTsocket]

All 3 of mine that i bought 4 months ago all have minor rust inside.

Everybody has there own standards as to what is acceptable with rust, blemishes and imperfections on brand new tools. I have been considering another torque wrench and that just took the Precision split beam off my list. It is no doubt just cosmetic but it reflects on what is acceptable at the factory. What does the part you can't see look like?

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