Looking to buy a torque wrench, need advice

[Spartacus]

Hey guys, I'm looking to get a nice torques wrench, No I don't have one, usually borrow my buddies.

Anyway just wondering if a digital is better, what torque range would be the best? 3/8 or 1/2"?

Looking to spend about $100

[06 pitbull]

I have a 3/8 & a 1/2

the 3/8 is in in lbs the 1/2 in ft lbs.. i use the clicker style... it may not be the best but so far it has worked well... I have the craftsman..i'm sure there are some better...

[RB Donovan]

I would suggest a 3/8 for in. lbs.and a 1/2 in. drive for ft. lbs.

$100.00? For that you might get two beam type torque wrenches.
Although, the beam type are reasonably accurate.

After these you are probably going to need a torque to yield gauge.

[Captain America]

I would recommend a click type, I've never liked the feel of the digital ones. I use Snap-on but there's nothing wrong with a Craftsman, I wouldn't buy one from Harbor Freight. If you can only afford(or want) one then you have to decide what you are going to use it for the most. I have a very long 1/2"(30-300 lbs), a regular 3/8"(5-75 lbs), a small head(swivel) 3/8"(5-75 lbs), and a 3/8" inch pound. For me they all have different purposes, if you give some examples of what you torque the most I can recommend something specific for you.

[kxmotox247]

I take care of the calibrated tools at the shop I work at. Approx 1200 tools....of which there are about 40 torque wrenches.
Here are my thoughts....
1) Agree with the post above on beam type. Relatively accurate for the price. Probably sufficient for most home jobs.
2) Snap-On. By far the highest quality of the common brands. We rarely see any problems or deviation from the tolerance with Snap-on stuff. Routinely holds +/- 4% accuracy. Craftsman has been nothing but problems for us. Armstrong is pretty decent too. I use Armstrong stuff at home.
3) Pay close attention to the manufacturer requirements. Some wrench companies do not advise leaving the wrench set for long periods of time. You should back them off when not in use. This can affect torque settings and reliability. We make it standard practice to back off our wrenches every time we're done with a job.

Just some thoughts/opinions that I've gathered. On a close budget... a beam wrench can be a good buy.

[RB Donovan]

Not that my input makes a difference, but I agree with backing the torque off after use.
Leaving one torqued up can weaken the spring and create false readings.
Also, never back a bolt or nut off with your torque wrench.
I broke the ratchet head on my Snap-On so I gave it to my brother in-law to have repaired,(he's a Snap-On dealer)and it came back to me only ratcheting in one direction.
(I could not lock it in the counter clockwise direction.)

[threadkiller]

As with most things, you get what you pay for. I'm in agreement w/the guys above. The #1 rule?...NEVER leave the wrench "loaded"/set to torque! #2? Never bust shit loose with one.

Personally I'd stay away from anything digital, thats just 1 more thing to "break". I had good experiences w/Craftsman before I got the "good" stuff. Snap-On, Mac, MatCo, Cornwell, Armstrong, SK... any decent American made wrench (even if its old) is going to set you back a few dollars.

I'd look at it as a lifetime investment. Buy cheap, buy twice! Check Ebay or your local Craigslist for deals. If you score a name brand tool any of the roving tool truck guys could have it recalibrated for you. TK

[Spartacus]

I Definately want the click type. It doesn't need to a high end lime Snap On. Not going to use it daily. Basically going to use it for wrenching on the bike. Engine work on the bike also.
I already have a 3/8 in pd craftsman. Had it for years. Who can recalubrate this for me.

If I have to spend over $100 that's fine. Just want to get what I need that's going to be the most universal.

[chopperfugger]

I have an electric transducer torque wrench by Craftsmen.
It has stayed accurate. I use it to check others. I have a click
Craftsmen that's 9 lbs. off - I bought another new and use
it for lug nuts and stuff.

[RedWings]

absolutely positively get a >Precision Instruments< torque wrench. get a half that goes to 250 ft/lbs and a 3/8 in/lbs

[foggdog]

I have 3 craftsman, 1- 3/8 inch-lb 1-3/8 ft-lb 1-1/2 ft-lb

[Miamio96]

Originally Posted by RedWings

absolutely positively get a >Precision Instruments< torque wrench. get a half that goes to 250 ft/lbs and a 3/8 in/lbs

They have some very informative fastener guides on their website (www.torqwrench.com)!

[EscaladeSteve]

I've got the Craftsman Micrometer Torque Wrench. I think I paid around $125 on sale a couple years ago. I convert all the values to NM so I don't get Inch pounds and foot pounds mixed.

IT's a 1/2" drive, and I have adapters for 3/8" and 1/4"

Micrometer Torque Wrench, 1/2Dr, 250Ft/Lbs - Micrometer Torque Wrenches - Wrenches - 5WHX3 : Grainger Industrial Supply

[pop 28]

if you have the time find a quality used one ... i don't trust craftsman any more..all the new craftsman tools are off shore now

[pokergolf420]

Craftsman 3/8" ft/lbs and 1/2" ft/ lbs. They're both ratcheting / reversable clickers and I trust both of them. Ya kind of need both just to cover the full range of torques you need for a build.