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Thoughts on this SO torque wrench?

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Mike83

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Used torque wrenches are always hit or miss. A better description for some used torque wrenchs may be "mis-used torque wrench" i.e. used as a breaker bar, hammer, etc.

If I was in the market for a TW I'd look at the original manufacturer of Snappy's TW for better value. Is it precision instruments or another place? Anyone else know?
 
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Skyline

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That's too much money. You can find a used Tech wrench for not a lot more on eBay, and those like posted in the CL ad tend to go for closer to $100-120. For the Tech wrenches (which are really great, btw) the best is if you find one where the seller says "never used". This is not too far fetched, as they've only been in the market a few years. But either way, if someone pays $400 for an electronic torque wrench, it's a good bet they will take damn good care of it. A fair number of these are around eBay as folks are trading up to the Tech-angle wrenches. I bought a second-hand, never used, 1/2" Tech wrench on eBay for $200. For an older wrench like the one posted, try to find one where the seller can provide a recent calibration certificate.
 
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zuspiel

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Thanks a lot, guys!

I wasn't too sure on this from the beginning. I've been looking to get a decent torque wrench for a while but I'm nowhere close to putting my engine back together. I've looked at PI previously and everybody seems to like their torque wrenches. Maybe I'll splurge and buy it new when the time comes... Saves the hassle of sending it off again right after I get it...

Unless the guy is willing to take $100 for it, that is...
 
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48548

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I bought the same one on ebay for 125 and it was a year old from mfd date on case and really really clean and looked like it was used only once or twice. The model I got was a TQFR250E.
 
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zuspiel

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Guy just called me back. Yes, it's a TQFR250E. Asked him about recent calibration.

Him: It's calibrated at the factory.
Me: So, It's brand new?
Him: No, I've had it for a while. Works well.
Me: Hmmmm.... What about the price? They go for a lot less on eBay...
Him: It was over $300 new, I won't go below $185.
Me: Thank you getting back to me and good luck selling it. Bye. :)

I think I'll get a new 3/8" PI from that eBay store for $120 and wait with getting a 1/2" one.

Thanks again for all your replies.
 
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beelsr

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they go for about $125 on ebay - at least that's about what I paid for the 2 i have. they're within 1% of each other. one's red and the other's blue.

if you don't need it immediately, be patient....
 
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Snappy

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Last edited:
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Vinko

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Mike83 said:
Used torque wrenches are always hit or miss. A better description for some used torque wrenchs may be "mis-used torque wrench" i.e. used as a breaker bar, hammer, etc.
Click to expand...

Yes. But on some, you can get a pretty good deal and have it rebuilt. At least for my money. I just had a Proto (c. 1995) serviced and it was about $65 service and recalibration and it's one tough wrench.

If you can get a torque wrench like a Proto Professional at a really good price, it might pay to have it rebuilt.

Case by case basis, naturally, imho:)
 
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Vinko

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Snappy said:
Snap-on claims they can't calibrate my wrench because they don't have parts for it anymore. It's an older QJ-117A , 1/4 dr, click.
This place looks like less money than what Snap-on charges too.
Click to expand...

Same happened to me with an S-O splitbeam. C. 1990 or so. No parts to be had they said :( I think I put a photo of it on the website a while ago. I ended up welding the end and making it into a breaker bar:)
 
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autoace

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I just bought a new Precision torque wrench, I paid about 160.00bucks,brand new. That Snap-on is just a Precision with a SO emblem, he wants too much for it.
 
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TheToolMan

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With any used TW always figure in about $75 to have it calibrated. NEVER use a old used TW and expect it to be accurate
 
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Charles (in GA)

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The majority of my torque wrenches have been purchased used. Haven't got a bad one yet, but then, I didn't pay much for them, and can take them to work where we have a calibration room who will check and adjust them if needed.

attachment.php


I also have the ability to check it at home to determine if its reasonably accurate.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=14505&d=1197570487

Threads.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12678

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=324642#post324642

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28685

Charles
 
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beelsr

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roger that, charles. i've bought one TW new. a craftsman 150 lb clicker back in the mid-90s. i've bought all my others on ebay or pawnshops. I (obviously) have no problem buying a used wrench but like anything, you have to do your homework and follow the #1 rule of ebay: be patient, another one is coming along....

I too use the Craftsman sensor to check them (up to 150 lbs :) but I don't have a calibration room at work (grumble grumble) to check the bigger wrenches. Past 150 lbs I test them against each other. I either have a collection of wrenches that are all mis-calibrated within a percent or few between each other or they're all in spec.... :thumbup:

i was a little extreme and bought 2 craftsman torque sensors to make sure everything was kosher. I probably should sell one of them....
 
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