Buying a torque wrench on ebay?
 

I'm in the market for a quality torque wrench. It looks like there are some pretty good deals on used Snap-Ons on ebay. What are the risks/downsides of buying one via the bay?

If it's broken - no warranty applies - so you pay for the repair.

I've had good luck for the most part buying tools on eBay. Obviously hand tools are an easy decision. I'd pay attention to the seller's feedback and description of item. If you do get a defective item, there is really no risk on eBay. You can get your $$ back fairly quickly.

craiglist is alright too. my friend bought a SK torque wrench. he bought a socket/extension and checked the torque on this lugs..it clicked at the right setting, so a deal was made.

i would want to lay hands on one first..i think.

If the lugs were already tight to a certain torque, that test would prove nothing. You need what is called an "auditing torque wrench" for that. They cost about $20k. :cool:

Proves it clicks.

You can run two wrenches against one another pretty easily - not a bad comparison. Some of the geeks on the board also came up with hanging weights off the wrench fixed in a vise at a foot or two to coarsely check. Not a $20k calibration tool but probably close enough for comfort.

I would not buy a torque wrench used on Ebay. It is a measurement device ... too much uncertainty for the savings realized. I'd buy simple hand tools like a ratchet or wrench but I found that the savings are minimal and you always wonder if it is somoene's loot ...

Just my two cents ...

G

Go into your local pawn shop and see what they have. They should give you some sort of warranty. I bet they have some nice tools just sitting there.

If you manage to get a Snapon they can test and calibrate for what I would call a small fee.

For lugnuts, sure buy one you are not sure of, if you are doing engine work make sure to have it calibrated. I am one of those anal people with my torque wrenches. They get sent out once a year and cleaned and calibrated. I may make a mistake building something but it will never be because of an improperly torqued fastener. I also never let anybody borrow mine. They also all say Snap-On on them, and worth every penny

Be careful with the clicker style torque wrenches, check them before using them. I used a pair on the first re-build of my 911 engine Found out they were both out of spec AFTER I finished the build. Borrowed from my FIL and returned thusly. I now use only t-bar style.

A torque wrench is not a tool that I'd buy used.

We've had two pro wrenches swear that this is the same wrench that Snap-On sells - at a vastly higher price. Bought two of these and have been extremely happy with them.

Amazon.com: TORQ WR 1/2"" DR SPLIT-BEAM CLICK STYLE 250FT LBS: Automotive

Just curious: what are you using it for?

I bought a couple of very cheap digital torque transducers and had them calibrated (not on my dime, it was for work). They were very accurate out of the box. I would not hesitate to build an engine with one of those.

i would also add that in many cases the true torque is not as important as having all bolts torqued to similar values (within reason). Have a repeatable torque wrench will accomplish this.

Digital Torque Adaptor | Princess Auto

Any torque wrench will click, unless the insides have exploded. The point is that the amount of torque needed to overcome the friction of a tightened fastener is completely different than the amount measured while it's moving, which is the way that regular torque wrenches measure.

An SK is a good tool, I have one. And torque wrenches can be sent out for calibration if you really want to know if they are right.

Having just had a shop full of tools stolen, I wouldn't buy any tools from anyone unless I knew the seller.

Thanks for the feedback gang. I hadn't thought about a pawn shop - I've never been in one, but after watching 'Pawn Stars' (great show :)) I have a new respect for that business model, so I'm going to give that a shot. I'm looking to buy one for the eventual rebuild of my motor, starting to build my tool collection now for what I'll need when that time comes....

I have an old (made in USA) Craftsman beam wrench now. but I'd be hesitant to use it as it's not a high end model.

who do you send the wrench to for calibration?

Snapon calibrate them. Call their service/support number.

pm'd you Dave
Jim

Because when I am torquing a head bolt and my wrench says click, I am confident that I am correct. It might be your engine I am building but it is MY name on it.

rick.."Who?"..not "why?"..i understand the why :D