Torque wrenches: Old Snap-on vs. new Craftsman?

[crashbumper]

Ok, so I am in the market for a torque wrench. I couldn't find this particular questions addressed while searching, and if I missed it I apologize.

I have always borrowed my dad's Snap-On QJR2100D, and I thought about buying one of those used since they are reasonably priced ($100-130 eBay)

I picked up a new Craftsman catalog however and then I got to thinking how a NEW Craftsman compares to an OLD Snap-On. Since tolerances and materials usually get better with time, is a new Craftsman better than an old Snap-On?

I was first looking at the Craftsman electronic (009-47712 $239.99) but I don't think that is a fair comparison to the SO clicker (or is it?) The smaller tolerance 2% is nice, as is the wide adjustment (20-200lb-ft.).

So instead, I'm thinking a Microtork (009-44594 $79.99) or Digitork (009-44596 $119.99).

I'd love to hear from guys who calibrate their torque wrenches regularly; do you notice them getting worse over time, or is it "consistently off" each time you check it?

Home use on auto projects, not line work. Usage about 1-2 times a month in past, but probably more if it was readily accessible (read: MINE).

Opinions?
Comments?

Hopefully this will be a useful thread to more than just me.
Thanks guys!

 

[vjquan]

I have 3 C-man Micortork in the various ranges and they are fine. I check them with my torque meter and they are within tolerance. I've had them for several years and never sent them out for calibration.

 

[crashbumper]

I have 3 C-man Micortork in the various ranges and they are fine. I check them with my torque meter and they are within tolerance. I've had them for several years and never sent them out for calibration.

That sounds pretty good, how often do you use them?

 

[Islands62]

I have 3 Craftsman Microtorks as well, and while they work for my hobbyist nature on my cars, I have had the dreaded broken plastic ring on one of them. Luckily I managed to get warranty coverage despite the lame and paltry 90 days.

I noticed the similar Kobalt wrench has a lifetime warranty.

 

[BrokeEF]

I'll be keeping my eye on this thread I have thought about getting a Craftsman Tq wrench, but I am always concerned about accuracy.

Sean

 

[goodfellow]

I have seven torque wrenches, but have used the same Craftsman Digi-Torque set in 1/2, 3/8 drive and a 1950's Snapon 1/4 Torq-o-meter for over 30 years. The C-man wrenches have never needed recalibration.

 

[john w]

I have 3 C-man Micortork in the various ranges and they are fine. I check them with my torque meter and they are within tolerance. I've had them for several years and never sent them out for calibration.

What torque meter do you have? Your post is the first time I've heard them mentioned here. Thanx.

 

[jesselyons2002]

Don't buy use. I had to sell my used snap Atech3r250 cause it started having problems. I even had the CF digitork wrench and that broke month after using it. Now im just thinking about buying the BRUTUS3R250D.

 

[vjquan]

That sounds pretty good, how often do you use them?

I'm certainly no daily wrencher, but do all my maintenance and repairs when the need arises. I guess they get used on a regular basis every couple of months when I do oil changes and tire rotations. I have never had a problem with the broken lock ring that some are experiencing. The latest Microtork has a ratcheting handle such that you can feel detents at every graduation. It's a little bit annoying, however, because of this, I see no need for the lock ring.

Depending on when you actually need these, I've noticed for the past couple of years that Sears runs a 50% off sale on these on Thanksgiving weekend.

What torque meter do you have? Your post is the first time I've heard them mentioned here. Thanx.

Here's a thread discussing this, but Sears no longer carries these. Post #27 has a picture:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12678

 

[autoace]

Even though I endorse Craftsman in general, I would not use their torque wrenches for engine assembly etc...I don't like the plastic lock collars. Precision instruments makes good torque wrenches, and they are re-labeled for Snap-on. Save some money and buy a new Precision, a used torque wrench will need recalibration for peace of mind. A used SO is probably the same price as a new Precision, especially after the recal.

 

[tankboy_taylor]

never used craftsman torque wrenches but I just bought a snap-on torqometer tq 150 which i belive is around 50 years old and tested it on the tool truck and it was just about dead nuts not bad for 30 bucks on ebay.

I got four more torqometers of different sizes coming soon ill post results as alll are used

 

[REAL HOT SCHITT]

Hi from new zealand.

Try lookin at the english made norbar range of wrenhces.

I have model.... 100, 200 and 300. They are no nonsense tools.
I also have a powerbuilt electronic torque wrench adapter to check calibration plus a atlas copco torque driver calibrator.

I have a snap-on torquemeter 0 to175 footpound wrench which is good for taper bearing preloading due to it having a gauge face whereas the norbar is gr8t for general torque.

Reason why i have 3 norbars 100,200, to 300 is that no torque wrench will cover full torque spectrum on scale of each tool accuratly as each is accurate up to 70% of scale only ( please check with makers spec sheet to confirm).

 

[diesel research]

I have a question for those who have said "I have never needed to have mine calibrated" or "I verified mine with a digital torque adapter".

The question is, how do you know?

We use a planetary gear reduction "torque gun" for lug fastening. It has to be calibrated to 540ft-lbs. It is verified atleast 20x per day (or 30% of lugs) with a snap on torque wrench. I believe it is a tqr600E. A PI split beam.

Only problem is, how do I know the torque wrench is actually accurate? In reality I can't unless it is fresh back from re-cal. A loose lug could result in death or injury and is almost certain to result in automatic termination. Even if I had last tightened it a month or more ago.

So I am of the belief that those who claim to be sure they don't need a calibration, are likely only fooling themselves.

 

[dirtrider]

I own a Craftsman 1/2 inch 20-250 torque wrench or should I say ratchet/breaker bar now, and it's maybe a year old. The bottom lock nut fell out so who knows what it's calibrated at after that and the plastic handle is no good and I barely used it . I took it to Sears and they wanted to send it out for a few weeks and to have it calibrated again and the cost was not worth it. So I took out all the internals and use it now as a Ratchet. Needles to say I would not buy another, when working with precision measuring tools buy quality, Precision Instruments and CDI I hear make good products which several tool truck's rebrand and charge extra. I would buy the higher quality Snapon and try to find somewhere cheap to calibrate it over buying a new Craftsman.