The next torque wrench

[Jeeper]

So far this year I have bought both the 3/8" and 1/2" precision instruments torque wrench. The 3/8" goes from 20-100 ft/lbs and the 1/2" goes 40-250 ft/lbs. Looking to pick out my Xmas gift (wife and I pick out our own gifts ) I am thinking I want something in the inch lbs range. Wish they had a smaller split beam, but may go after the clicker 1/4" that goes 30-200 inch/lbs. http://www.tooltopia.com/precision-instruments-m1r200hx.aspx

Any other options out there?

 

[purplezr2]

What kind of stuff do you do. Rebuild engines, or rear ends, what do you want to use it for, need more info.

 

[Jeeper]

What kind of stuff do you do. Rebuild engines, or rear ends, what do you want to use it for, need more info.

Generally DIY. So some engine work, I have rebuilt a few diffs. Kind of whatever comes my way. I have a craftsman 3/8" but I decided I want to get better ones that could be recalibrated, hence the move to precision instruments.

 

[-Brent-]

I've got a Precision Instruments that I picked up earlier this year after my other one gave up after 20+ years. Mine goes to 250lbs, if I remember correctly. I also have a Kobalt 3/8 drive, made by CDI that I got in a trade. I was going to pass it on down the line but it's come in useful for smaller stuff. It's dead accurate too, suprisingly.

I like Precision Instruments. They're made in IL and their products are great.

 

[csmitty]

I've got a Proto 20-200inlb microtork wrench. Got it new off ebay I think for around 100. Very nice, knurling is insane on it. I've used it a few times, recently on some charged air tube clamps, just because the FSM called out a torque and I could. Might have used it replacing trans gov solenoid. Nice to have when you need it. I'm just a DIY'r as well.

 

[billymade]

CDI seems to be the other big company that specializes in torque wrenches (they are a division of Snap-On, according to them, they are America's large manufacturer of torque products); the prices seem to be inline with your PI stuff.... maybe better to just stick with all one brand. Here are two they offer:

CDI Torque Products 1501MRMH Wrench, Torque, 1/4In, 150IN-LB

http://www.google.com/products/cata...a=X&ei=-qfrTpbCBYPKiALLi-nzAw&ved=0CD8Q8wIwAQ

CDI Torque Products 501MRMH Wrench, Torque, 1/4In, 50IN-LB

http://www.google.com/products/cata...a=X&ei=EajrTt_YDsiRiAL-8rTTBA&ved=0CEUQ8wIwAg

You can download their catalog here: http://www.cditorque.com/catalog_pdfs/CDI_Catalog_ElecMech_2008.pdf

From what I am seeing; the Snap-On equivalents are just CDI's with a Snap-On ratchet head put on them; so, you do save some dough, just buying the CDI version.

Torque Wrench, Adj. Click Type, U.S., Fixed, 10-50 in. lb., 1/4" drive
Stock#: QD150

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...id=953&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

Torque Wrench, Adj. Click Type, U.S., Fixed-Ratchet, 40-200 in. lb., 1/4" drive
Stock#: QD1R200

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...id=953&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

http://bluetoad.com/publication/?i=45974&pre=1 (page 231)

 

[demographic]

I recently bought a 1000 volt insulated torque wrench from my local secondhand tool seller, now I bought it because I wanted a 3/8ths torque wrench and the bloke selling it only wanted four pounds for it. Can't say I was bothered at all about the 1000 volt insulated part.

I looked online and the new brand price was five hundred and eight pounds

Dunno about anyone else but I'm calling that a score.

 

[ndoran]

I just went through the same process and ended up buying the ATD torque wrench it was significantly cheaper than the CDI or PI units at $119 (Canada pricing) It is also a made in the U.S.A. tool

 

[Jeeper]

They do a fair amount of rebadging, but I can't complain about anything I've bought from them. Their service is excellent. As you probably know they're doing free shipping on a lot of stuff through Dec 31, which has prompted me to buy some things from them I otherwise wouldn't have.

I believe their 120V Mig welder has received good reviews on this board, nice value for the price (COO: China, as you'd expect at that price).

Others have asked about the plasma cutter and TIG welder they're selling these days, but I don't recall anyone posting a first hand impression of either yet?

Who....PI? I thought others (snap on) rebadge them. Do they have welders? I am confused.

 

[billymade]

I think that is a response to the Eastwood thread....

 

[larryq]

Who....PI? I thought others (snap on) rebadge them. Do they have welders? I am confused.

Yep, posted in the wrong thread, my apologies. I asked to have my earlier posting here removed.

Sorry for the confusion, fwiw I have three PI torque wrenches and love them. (And you're right, SnapOn is rebadged PI.)

 

[RKA]

I looked online and the new brand price was five hundred and eight pounds

Dunno about anyone else but I'm calling that a score.

Kinda odd that the true owner of that tool wasn't right behind him waving a large tire iron!

I picked up a 3/8" drive snap on (probably a CDI made) inch lb wrench from the classified. Only had one use for it in the last 6 months...specs said not to exceed 6 ft lbs, so I didn't. Will be using it again in the next 2 months for more of the same work (running down bolts onto epoxy set anchors). About once a year I find a use for one that goes this low...nice to have around, but it's usually not the end of the world if I just guesstimate.

 

[littletoes]

There are quite a few "LIGHT" applications for an inch pound torque wrench.

Getting an inch pound torque wrench is a great idea, but remember, "around" the center part of the tool is the most accurate part.

For example, wife's water pump in the mini-van only torque's to 28 inch pounds.

That Surely Ain't Much! Just for perspective!




ps-I have 5 torque wrenches, 4 are PROTO, one is a Craftsman.

 

[demographic]

Kinda odd that the true owner of that tool wasn't right behind him waving a large tire iron!

The tool seller I go to does a lot of house clearances after people die so there's a good possibility that I have a fair amount of dead mans tools in my kit.

But yes, it did seem a bit of a steal.