Torque wrench question

[BillW810]

I am looking to buy a 250 ft/lb torque wrench. The Harbor Freight Icon, $100, seems to have good reviews. I'm just a home garage builder. I need it to torque the rear hub nut on the banjo rear on the Tudor.

My question is, looking at the manual online, to use you are supposed to cycle the wrench from min to max and back 3 times before each use. Is this the normal practice for a torque wrench.

Thanks,

Bill

 

[SnapOnGuy13]

Not from what i'm used to. My Snap-On was well worth the money even if it was a little expensive. I've owned it for 3 years and only had to have it calibrated once. I never had cycle it and it worked like a charm right off the truck! I would recommend something of a higher value than Harbor Freight. My buddy had a Harbor Freight Torque Wrench and was using it to torque down his lug nuts... long story short, the teeth stripped on the 4th lug nut it touched.

 

[2manytools]

$60 Tekton 1/2", 25-250 ft/lbs

Free shipping with a Tekton account, that is if you order through them, plus 10% in rewards.

 

[RKA]

My guess is that instruction is intended to free up any stuck parts. But I've never done anything like that with my clickers, never a need.

 

[decableguy2000]

I have the Tekton and it has be good to me.

 

[dnschmidt]

It's a good wrench but that's a ridiculous instruction. It's not really a bad idea as it spreads the lubricant on the internal threads of the adjustment sleeve but it should be totally unnecessary.

 

[barev]

It's due to the design of all click style torque wrenches to "exercise" the spring for more accuracy but I have the Icon 1/2" and it was accurate within 1% without exercising the spring. It might be a good idea to do it if using it in really cold weather though.

 

[BillW810]

Thanks for all the responses.

 

[TXpintail]

Another option that’s worked well for me is buying truck brands lightly used. The pawn shops in Houston are full of them (non-digital at least). Easy to find at +/- 35% of list price. I have them calibrated for $35 and another $30 if they need repairs and Im good to go.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I have a Kobolt that size that I use for torquing front axle nuts. I’ve been happy with it but I’m not sure if it was replaced by craftsman yet. Just checked, they still have, gets excellent reviews, cost $79. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1-2-in-Drive-Click-Torque-Wrench-50-ft-lb-to-250-ft-lb/1000259431


A couple years ago I bought a CDI torque wrench and really like it. Made in USA and it is the one that Snap On puts thier brand on and sells on their truck. The only difference is that it doesn’t have the snap on ratcheting head on it.

CDI 2503MFRMH 1/2" Drive Micrometer Adjustable, Torque Wrench, Torque range, 30' - 250' Lbs. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LA1EDO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

torque wrench is something i would not cheap out on.

get CDI or PI,

 

[visionguru]

From what I tell from the pictures, Harbor Freight Icon torque wrench seems high quality, similar to Gearwrench, comparable to CDI or Precision Instruments, certainly much better than Tekton.

The 3 times exercises are probably intended to reduce the possibility of parts binding, once in a while is understandable. Every time? seems excessive.

 

[TXpintail]

Those Harbor Freights make for a pretty decent tomato stake as well.