which is the better Torque wrench?

[ndoran]

I need new wrench in the range of: 30 inlb to 200 inlb. For the use I need this for I am considering one of the following:

ATD 100M from Advanced Tool Design 25 to 250 in lb $119
GW-85050 from Gearwrench this covers 30inlb to 200 inlb $147, includes set of three GW flex ratchets
GW 85051 from Gearwrench this covers 25inlb to 250 inlb $143 includes set of 15 long GW combo wrenches

Any comments? I am buying this from my SO dealer to avoid prohibitive shipping charges to get stuff to Canada. I do not really need the ratchets or the wrenches.

 

[Treeman]

I thought that ATD handle looked familiar. This site says ATD are made by JS Technology (a Danaher Co.) in Georgia. Same company that labels wrenches for KD/Gearwrench, Napa, Armstrong, and Craftsman. http://www.tooldesk.com/automotive/ATD100M-Inch-Pound-ATD-Torque-Wrench-38-Dr-25250-inlb.aspx

If it matters to you, don't forget that torque wrenches are only calibrated to be accurate to 20% of their upper scale.....so 40 and 50 inch pounds in your case.

The handle on the KD wrenches seems to be of the supposedly "better" model, similar to the Napa and Armstrong wrenches, while the ATD model seems to be closer to the crappy Craftsman model where the lock collar always breaks.

However, a recent thread here says the poster thought his newly purchased KD model "felt" cheap in the hands.....disappointing, if true. Earlier models seemed excellent to me. Search out that recent thread.

 

[griff99]

If he is an SO dealer, can he get you CDI wrenches? I have 2 of them, granted I am only a diy'er, but I love them. The 2002MRMH is the 30-200 in lb. They're also in that same price range as you are looking at and they have a metal handle which I prefer over the plastic.

 

[Jim85IROC]

I've got the gearwrench 25-250 and I'm quite satisfied with it.

 

[binkcat16]

if i got one it would be a gearwrench i would try to get a flex head if you could it makes alot of differnce

 

[Treeman]

stephen1966, its all speculation. I can imagine S&J can put different handles or heads on.... Here is a picture of the Danaher/J&S made SK torque wrench (old SK) with SK ratchet head:

And here is a picture of the old Danaher/S&J made blue Lowes Kobalt torque wrench:

And a red KD one:

 

[6PTsocket]

The Gearwrench torque wrench should be USA made. The ATD torque wrench is likely imported.

I'd buy the 85050 set. The ratchets will be much easier to sell to recoup some of your cash.

I own an ATD torque wrench and a Husky. It is made in USA by the company that owns Gearwrench and Armstrong; Apex Group. They also make for SK and CTA ad have made for Craftsman and Husky (Home Depot). For more money, the high end models have the more durable metal handle. I have not had a problem with the plastic handles but I am careful. I release the tension when finished, clean and box them and put them away. The guts and accuracy are the same. I got that right from the rep.
CDI makes Snap On and is also made in USA.
Snap On even lists the CDI model number; it is not a secret. They seem to be competitively priced.

 

[1950mercury]

Look into cdi or pi