Torque wrench suggestions?

[chillman88]

Man if you had asked me that about a year ago I woulda hooked you up.

Could it really still be calibrated after UPS throws it around though

Thanks and done Threadjacking!

I've heard the harbor freight ones to be pretty decent too. There was someone on youtube that did a comparison using a torque gauge, I can't remember who though. When I need a 1/4 torque wrench I'll probably try it.

 

[crash-harris]

2 more items of input.

Firstly, find a 20% HF coupon and some of the free item with purchase coupons before you visit a store. Signn up for they're email list. They send out coupons like crazy.

Secondly, I just watched a video yesterday where a guy did a torque comparison on the Pittsburg (HF) breaker bar vs Mac, Matco and Snap-On. The HF is only $20 vs the others, with his weight on all 4 the HF have the most or second most leverage and returned straight with less head flex then some of the others.

Proves to me they've gotten better without changing prices. Some stuff is still junk though, but the steel hand tools are doing well.

 

[jwalterus]

I hear you. I'd like to have the set, Proto tools please! I just don't have a grand to spare right now...

Just a grand? Only buying the 3/4" drive one?

Threadjacking here, I got a 1/2 Proto from my Grandfathers tools when he passed and have always wanted to get it calibrated but I don't have any idea where to start? Any suggestions? It works but I won't really trust it until it's calibrated.

I'll tell you the best option. If you have a friend who's a mechanic, the place he works for will pay annually to have all of his torque wrenches repaired/recalibrated as part of his contract, that's one of the things about mechanics, they spend so much money on their tools, 99% of the shops will pay for repairs to their tools that aren't under warranty from the tool trucks (such as air tools, torque wrenches, etc.).

If you don't know any mechanics you'd call a friend, look up this place: http://www.transcat.com/quote-request

 

[jwalterus]

I do have one of these, it works in a pinch:

https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-20741A...r=1-3&keywords=torque+wrench+calibration+tool

 

[Thatoneguy]

Harbor freight hand tools,in general are worth it imho. Their ratchets, sockets, etc... Really aren't nearly as crappy as people make them out to be. Honestly,i actually like their ratchets in particular. Only had 1 break but it was my fault. Brought it to the lady at the front counter, she walked away and came,back with a brand new one in the package. No questions asked.

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[79jasper]

HF hear also. Lol

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[Thatoneguy]

Looks like you have your answer, sir

 

[saburai]

Harbor freight hand tools,in general are worth it imho. Their ratchets, sockets, etc... Really aren't nearly as crappy as people make them out to be. Honestly,i actually like their ratchets in particular. Only had 1 break but it was my fault. Brought it to the lady at the front counter, she walked away and came,back with a brand new one in the package. No questions asked.

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That sounds like Sears Craftsman back in the day. When I was in BOCES trade school along with high school in the '70s, Craftsman were the tools of choice. Remember as a kid, misdirection using tools to the point of distruction and just dropping them on the sears counter for replacement...

 

[crash-harris]

Sears only does rebuilds as replacements where applicable now.

 

[homelessduck]

I have an old HF torque wrench that has been left outside, spring compressed , and beat on using it as a breaker bar for years. I just recently compared the torque to my digital torque wrench and it was surprisingly only a couple lbs off.

Also, the last time I was in HF they said all their hand tools have a lifetime warranty now.

 

[saburai]

I have an old HF torque wrench that has been left outside, spring compressed , and beat on using it as a breaker bar for years. I just recently compared the torque to my digital torque wrench and it was surprisingly only a couple lbs off.

Also, the last time I was in HF they said all their hand tools have a lifetime warranty now.

I'm scratching my head. $20, how can they pull this off? I mean, I know, profit margins and all the big names are out sourcing to China too. But twenty bucks? With a lifetime warranty? With positive feedback from you guys? Man! We must be getting seriously ***** by the other suppliers...

 

[oregon96psd]

Hi Gang!
It seems that my 30 year old Proto torque wrench

As someone who pays their mortgage with tools, to me that's your answer right there. Get it fixed, you'll be dead the next time it needs work....

Do you really want to wonder if your longwongdingdong built torque wrench is actually accurate when you tighten head bolts, or is it still full of metal filings because the factory has no quality control. That's the thing with **** tool's, some might be good, some don't work right out of the box....they don't care, why do you think they have a lifetime warranty, it's the only reason people will buy them. On top of that, I live in the states, I like to know my money goes to help someone pay their own mortgage and have a good life, not some slave wages in a third world country.

 

[Thatoneguy]

As someone who pays their mortgage with tools, to me that's your answer right there. Get it fixed, you'll be dead the next time it needs work....

Do you really want to wonder if your longwongdingdong built torque wrench is actually accurate when you tighten head bolts, or is it still full of metal filings because the factory has no quality control. That's the thing with **** tool's, some might be good, some don't work right out of the box....they don't care, why do you think they have a lifetime warranty, it's the only reason people will buy them. On top of that, I live in the states, I like to know my money goes to help someone pay their own mortgage and have a good life, not some slave wages in a third world country.

I too earn my living with my tools. And I completely agree with what you're saying. But many of the "American" tools these days aren't actually,made here anymore. They're ASSEMBLED here. Man I wish wish wish that companies were still able to actually manufacture their products here. But unfortunately, it's been made almost impossible and definitely not economical.

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[79jasper]

As someone who pays their mortgage with tools, to me that's your answer right there. Get it fixed, you'll be dead the next time it needs work....

Do you really want to wonder if your longwongdingdong built torque wrench is actually accurate when you tighten head bolts, or is it still full of metal filings because the factory has no quality control. That's the thing with **** tool's, some might be good, some don't work right out of the box....they don't care, why do you think they have a lifetime warranty, it's the only reason people will buy them. On top of that, I live in the states, I like to know my money goes to help someone pay their own mortgage and have a good life, not some slave wages in a third world country.

So tell me again where all those overpriced tools are made?
Most are being outsourced. Last I checked, SK was one of the only few still being made in the U.S.

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[Thatoneguy]

So tell me again where all those overpriced tools are made?
Most are being outsourced. Last I checked, SK was one of the only few still being made in the U.S.

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Only some of SK tools are fully made here. The very simple stuff. Read an article awhile back.

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