recommend me a torque wrench

[mrpowderkeg]

Well, my SK torque wrench decided it didn't want to function properly, I needed to torque something to 30 ft lbs, and this thing would click at next to no torque. Something defiantly wrong inside. So now here's the dilemma. I really don't like this torque wrench much, it never really was a good piece, but for the most part it was reliable and repeatable, so I guess I shouldn't complain. I am considering upgrading to a nicer unit, maybe snap on, or proto, I'd like to get some feedback of what everyone else is using. My other option is Pro Torque is just down the street from me, I could take it there for repairs... what would you do?

 

[tw33k2514]

What range are you looking for?

 

[mrpowderkeg]

the one I had went from 25 to I think 250, mostly used for building engines and transmissions

 

[krusty the clown]

you can't beat a PI split beam IMHO.

 

[pirana]

I really like my Precision Instruments split beam wrench. I also have a Proto micrometer wrench for low inch/pound stuff & a CDI dial indicator for stuff over 100 ft/lbs.

 

[Merkava_4]

I'd recommend a Precision Instruments torque wrench, but they're pricey.

 

[tw33k2514]

I agree PI is a great choice. here are some pictures of mine http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=633997&postcount=75

 

[bmwpower]

I'd recommend a Precision Instruments torque wrench, but they're pricey.

Compared to what? I think they are reasonable.

OP, I wouldn't have used that torque wrench for a 30 ft-lb bolt. Your at the bottom of your range.

 

[forceyoda]

Since you can get one repaired and calibrated relatively easily i would go for an off brand relabeled CDI wrench and get it calibrated.

 

[forceyoda]

Something like this-
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Corn...Z140362649910QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

 

[benjamming]

I would most certainly take it to Pro Torque for repairs or at the very least an estimate.

 

[Merkava_4]

Compared to what? I think they are reasonable.

Compared to the HF wrench that nissan_crawler prefers.

 

[bmwpower]

Compared to the HF wrench that nissan_crawler prefers.

Oh man, not that discussion again...

 

[rsanter]

for properly doing all the ranges you need for engine building, you will need a 1/2 and a 3/8 drive torque wrenches
look that the specs of the wrench as far as what its tollerance it. also as a rule of thumb you will only want to use the middle 80% of the range of the torque wrench. the top and bottom 10% of the range will tend to have most of the variance

by the way, I have a spare 3/8 torque wrench (husky) if interested

bob

 

[BB26]

I recently purchased the 1/2'' PI split beam for $140 from Tooltopia. It is awesome; I'm very happy with it.

 

[rodm1]

you can't beat a PI split beam IMHO.

 

[bmwpower]

What about the CDI split beams? How do they compare to the PI split beams?

 

[Iocol]

for the PI split beam...if you only need to torque to 30lbs, you would be better off with the 3/8 drive...

 

[autoace]

I'd recommend a Precision Instruments torque wrench, but they're pricey.

+1 P.I. is what I use, very good despite the price

 

[Griff93]

I have three PI torque wrenches and would gladly buy them again. There also sold under the Snap On label.

 

[Major Ramifications]

I am not a mechanic by trade, but I will only use beam type torque wrenches on my stuff. I don't trust the click type that occasionally go wacky and need to be recalibrated. Admittedly, I don't even know what a split beam torque wrench is. I do know that my Craftsman beam wrenches are made in USA and CANNOT give false readings. All this for only $25. I understand that the engineering division at Chrysler Motors does not allow anything but beam type torque wrenches in their facility.

Can anyone explain to me why someone would prefer an expensive click type wrench over the old beam type?

 

[nissan_crawler]

Can anyone explain to me why someone would prefer an expensive click type wrench over the old beam type?

Takes too long to watch a needle for 24 lugnuts, etc. For engine work, i could see using a beam if you didn't keep your clickers calibrated.

 

[Skyline]

Here is something for you tool detectives to check out:

I have a couple of Snap-on Tech Wrenches. There's no question that they are great tools. But to call them pricey is an understatement. I was reading a Griots Garage catalogue that just came in the mail, and they were selling a torque wrench that looks to have the same OEM as the Snap-on...but for $149 for a 1/2" wrench. I would really doubt that anything but the actual ratchet head was functionally different than the Snap-on model, and at that price a digital torque wrench is a great tool to have.

Another option is eBay. I did buy both of my Snap-on Tech Wrenches for about the same price as the one mentioned above from Griot's...but mine were second hand, (looked like never used though).