For All That Don't Have A Torque Wrench

[jetmechmarty]

Some time ago, I tested a couple of these cheap tq wrenches. (They calibrated tools were I worked) What I discovered with the tools I tested was that they were very precise exactly in the middle of their scale. They fell off at both ends. They under torqued at the high end and over torqued at the low end. The accuracy was exactly the advertised +/- 4%. The 4% was realized at the extreme ends of the scale and accuracy improved as I moved toward mid scale. I spent no more than $20 on the wrenches tested and they were probably closer to $10. Neither was purchased at Harbor Freight.

[natemoen]

Some time ago, I tested a couple of these cheap tq wrenches. (They calibrated tools were I worked) What I discovered with the tools I tested was that they were very precise exactly in the middle of their scale. They fell off at both ends. They under torqued at the high end and over torqued at the low end. The accuracy was exactly the advertised +/- 4%. The 4% was realized at the extreme ends of the scale and accuracy improved as I moved toward mid scale. I spent no more than $20 on the wrenches tested and they were probably closer to $10. Neither was purchased at Harbor Freight.

I would say that sounds adequate.

[DGXSER]

I use a beam style for my 3/8" drive, and a clicker for 1/2". 1/2" is for over 30 ft-lbs, beam for under.

As to accuracy, I would agree for auto or bike use +/-4% is fine. As for not using one. For your own bike, do whatever lets you sleep at night. IMO if your going to work on someone elses scoot, you should use the proper tools, especially if your charging for your services.

I doubt there is a single person out there who can use sense of feel and be within +/- 4%. Not that I would lose sleep over a little more slop than that. but its the 7.2 and 14 ft-lb ones that can easily turn into a stripped bolt in these aluminum parts. And I doubt anyone has a sense of feel that will get them within 15% on the high torques like clutch or axle nuts.

So I would agree to buy the best quality you can afford, and if that is the HF unit, then buy it, still much better than your arm.

[HobbyMan]

Its all about how you care for them. Treat them like a pressure regulator. Take the tension off the springs when you store them. Keep them clean. Apply steady pressure when torquing. There are lots of things which can be done to prolong the life of your wrench.

[CRXSi90]

Thanks, I got the 3/8" drive one while it was on sale. Now I have a 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2".

[natemoen]

Just so no one asks, the coupon was only good till September 30, 2012 so I deleted the pic so it is no longer available.

[trbig]

So... what happened to the pic?

[CaptonZap]

So... what happened to the pic?

October oneth. CZ

[MPittma100]

Just Like Everything Else

I agree. Tools are in fact just like everything else - You get what you pay for.

MP

[trbig]

I agree. Tools are in fact just like everything else - You get what you pay for.

MP

Disagree. Most of the time, people just get suckered into paying more for better advertising. Seems to me like many people try to convince themselves of this to feel better about paying more. In most cases, it's absolute fallacy. They do say a sucker is born every minute though...

[jetmechmarty]

I make a living with my tools. I do not have a box full of Snap-on stuff. Over the years I have collected what suits be best. Yes, most of them are 1st quality tools.

At home I mostly tinker. I bought a good air compressor to last a lifetime. I bought a lot of cheap air tools. I have a lot of other inexpensive tools at home. If they break in short order, I replace them with something better. Most of these things are seldom used, and seem to last forever. As I stated, I tested some cheap torque wrenches and they are OK for my purpose. I take care of them. I think my calibrated elbow can tell if the tool is so out of whack the bolt is going to snap. (A cheap air ratchet will do that too)

I can't afford to have tools break on the job, and I need to get done quickly. Out there, my philosophy is 180 degrees from the previous paragraph.

[Bigfoot]

Disagree. Most of the time, people just get suckered into paying more for better advertising. Seems to me like many people try to convince themselves of this to feel better about paying more. In most cases, it's absolute fallacy. They do say a sucker is born every minute though...

I agree, just look at most Harley owners for an example.

[jwhughes3]

I usually buy qualty tools used - pawn shops are fun to pick through.

I have a fair amount of Harbor Freight tools for seldom used items since they do fine for occasional use.

John

[MPittma100]

Why Do You Need Good $ Tools?

Here is my 2 cents.

I have been using tools of every imaginable type and size for 40 years. The majority of the work that I do is on large off-road equipment. All of the work is on-site.

I have used the best wrenches, the best pneumatic tools, and the opposite of both. The cheap tools are not accurate, esp. the air tools and they do not last. They are a waste of money. You will buy 2 or 3 to one really good one.

Cheap tools will NOT get the job done in this venue. My work also includes engine rebuild - gasoline and diesel. No cheap tools here either.

Around the house and yard work - cheap tools maybe.

So, the need for tools is pretty much determined by what you are doing with them. To say that cheap tools are all you need is not really a true statement. And visa versa.

MP

[latexeses]

This past summer I sold one of my gold teeth and bought a good CDI (Snap-on) dial torque wrench. Inch pound by the way.
Never having one before, I actually read the instructions.
The first thing in the instructions said:

Before using all models of dial torque wrenches, it is strongly suggested to cycle/operate them 3 times at full scale in the torque direction in which they will be used.

So now, never having owned a "new" torque wrench before, I have to ask if anyone has seen similar instructions for any other "dial" torque or "click" type wrench?