Torque wrench (re)calibration

[db_cooper]

While I would agree Harbor Freight is not the best source for precision tools..they do have a very handy digital torque adapter which I use to check the calibration of my very seasoned torque wrenches. It can be used as a torque wrench too. It seems very accurate..within a few tenths of a pound@50lbs. Cost $30..without any of the available 20% off coupons.

The 20% off coupon:20% Off Coupon Unique 01

Digital Torque Adapter

[db_cooper]

Originally Posted by Ayles

I just got a 1/2 inch drive CDI torque wrench in the last year. I picked it up after learning they were the company that builds the Snap On Torque wrench. They are made the US, very heavy duty and come in a nice case. I will debate the not pretty part of the above quote I can post pics later if anyone is interested.

Love my CDI dial torque wrench

[Charles Freeborn]

Make friends with a Snap On sales rep, or find someone who is (repair shop is a good start).
Then find out what day he/she is there. Be nice, maybe even buy something and ask him/her to check yours. They carry a tester on board their trucks. If it's off, either compensate when you use it, or send it back to Sears for replacement. Sears will not likely adjust yours, they'll simply give you another one, which may not be any more accurate.
-C

[Ayles]

Here's my CDI

[afterburn 549]

I like the nice steady pull with the break away "click"
I can concentrate on the nut/ bolt , have a steady TQ on it and presto, ...CLICK!
I think the bendy things are for less then valuable operations....lawn mowers and such, or for people that have no "feel" for things at all and better then all most nothing

[dvcarrporsche]

Don't be cheap with torque wrenchs, if you feel your wrench may be questionable, get it calibrated or replace it. I like the digital wrenchs, removes the guesswork. I own 3, a 1/4in for fine work, 3/8 for most work and a 1/2 in for torque angle work by Snap-On. Some torque specs these days need to be exact, like modern cylinder heads. I just had to do a camshaft on my wifes VW TDI and with parts being valued at almost 2 grand, I didn't want to take chances.. I had 2 cylinder head failures a month apart, one on my Saab classic 900 and another on a E30 BMW, both attributed to a older Husky torque wrench that went out of calibration and I didn't realize it. I'm getting ready to finish an upper end job on my 3.0, I am 100% confident my wrenchs will be accurate.

[Algernon]

Why not get one of these for under $20, and either use it direct, or use it to calibrate an expensive type.
I hate the clickers - I'm always afraid the 'click' will jar the set-up just at the worst moment.

[awhnry]

Friend of mine is in the calibration business going to various auto parts manuf in the East Tenn area. I purchased my last torque wrench from him and he periodically calibrates it for me. I would think that similar shops are in the area for most everyone.