Torque Wrenches - anyway to beat the "ya get what ya pay for"

[joeclarke]

I've purchased and returned two torque wrenches in the last six months - one fell apart in my hands and the other "siezed-up" just sitting in the garage for a couple of weeks - I couldn't budge the settings.

Both were fairly inexpensive (~$100) with dial type settings in SAE and metric units. One was a store brand from a national hardware chain, the other a Korean make.

I'm looking for something that will run to 100 ft/lbs or so in 1/2" drive. Any good recommends on widely available brands?

[island911]

No

. . .and that is GW Bushs fault too.

[joeclarke]

. . .and that is GW Bushs fault too.

LOL! That one gets my nomination for the "best shot of the day".

Yeah I know I had that coming.

[Rot 911]

The Craftsman "beam" torque wrench for around $50 is an excellent buy. I also have a Harbor Freight 1/2" and 1/4" "click" torque wrenches that I paid a whopping $25 total for 4 years ago that are working fine and are within spec.

[joeclarke]

Kurt by "beam" - I take it you mean it has one of those pointers that deflect under torque. You apply torque until the arrow points roughly to the desired setting on a 3-4 inch wide scale near the handle.

Are those things anywhere near accurate?

I've always assumed that a "click type" was essential for anything more than wheel lugs.

I'll check out the Harbor Freights. Thanks

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by joeclarke
Kurt by "beam" - I take it you mean it has one of those pointers that deflect under torque. You apply torque until the arrow points roughly to the desired setting on a 3-4 inch wide scale near the handle.

Are those things anywhere near accurate?

Actually most people have found that the beam torque wrench (yes the one that deflects with the pointer) to be more accurate. In addition, unless for some reason you manage to bend the pointer, it never needs calibration.