Torque Wrench in my Future

sneaky_pete · Oct 14, 2005

I have four torque wrenches in my tool box; three of them are Craftsman, and I can't remember what the other one is. The newest one (one of the Craftsmen), a 3/8" drive inch-pounds model, only used a few times, fell in pieces last time I picked it up - all the nuts had backed off the tension rod, and there is no discernable way to re-install them or re-calibrate the thing if I did. Quick perusal of the owner's manual then reveals that the warranty is not life time, but only 60 or 90 days. I'm going to replace it with a Snap-on.

California · Oct 14, 2005

I still have my Craftsman beam-style torque wrench I bought in 1959 for about $12. (1959 prices).

And a Harbor Freight clicker torque wrench bought about 1990 that came with a certification document. About $12 (1990 prices).

They both indicate identical at 75 ft lbs (auto wheel studs) and 130 ft lbs (tractor head).

I use the HF tool then verify it with the Craftsman. I don't think either of these applications intended greater precision than that.

normde2001 · Oct 14, 2005

It seems to me that the accuracy of a torque wrench depends entirely on the condition of the threads. Are they clean, rusty, dinged, oily. I believe accuracy requires new, clean, dry threads. My $10 Harbor Freight 150'# wrench works fine.

Robert_Parent · Oct 14, 2005

Same awful experience with the Sears here in the Twin Cities. I use to buy a fair amount of merchandise from them but not any more. With the takeover by Creap-mart things have really bottomed out.

MFL · Oct 14, 2005

Robert, JGH,Eddie

Sorry to hear that you guys had the same experience as I did at Sears. It's a real shame that such a venerable American name as Sears has sunk so low! Like I said before, when I was a kid a trip to Sears with my Dad was always a great time. The two story building on 23rd ave. in Moline, Il. was THE place to shop when I was growing up. This was before we had a mall in the area and going to Sears was a family outing. While my Mom and sisters wondered off to wherever women wonder off to, my Dad and I would head right for the tool dept.!!! I'm sure a lot of us are how we are now because of similar trips with our Dads! The salesguys (and they were ALWAYS guys) would all be craggy faced guys with a lot of knowledge about what they were selling.

Forget the quality, or lack thereof, of the tools these days. Comparing the experience I had the other day with the fond memories of tool shopping with my Dad was like finding out the ice cream shop you went to as a kid is now a crack house!! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

On the up side, I called my mechanic friend before a bought my torque wrench and asked for a little advice. He told me that a few guys that he works with actually have the 3/8" form HD and that they're pretty good tools. I picked one up for $70.00 and he checked it against his SnapOn and it was spot on. Won't use mine anywhere near as much as he uses his, so I'm hoping for a few trouble-free years with this thing!!

Thanks to everyone that responded! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

jgh · Oct 15, 2005

20051015

Now at the risk of seeming too two handed ("on the other hand...") I will pass along that while waiting for the manager during my Sears Shagrin last week, I noted that the non-electronic Craftsman torque wrenches were clearly marked as "guaranteed forever" on the outside package. Not sure what type you have?

J

sneaky_pete · Oct 15, 2005

( I noted that the non-electronic Craftsman torque wrenches were clearly marked as "guaranteed forever" on the outside package. Not sure what type you have?

J
)

The non-electronic, dial the handle, click type. Bought it a couple of years ago; owner's manual clearly states "full 90-day warranty". On a related note, my Craftsman air ratchet just gave up the ghost too, but at least it can be disassembled and possibly repaired.

Bird · Oct 15, 2005

( my Craftsman air ratchet just gave up the ghost too, but at least it can be disassembled and possibly repaired )

Yep, I've rebuilt some of them.

coloradotrout · Oct 20, 2005

So just how bad are my harbor freight torque wrenches? I have the 3/8" and 1/2". Maybe $30 for both.

Bird · Oct 20, 2005

( how bad are my harbor freight torque wrenches? )

Sorry, I can't help you; don't know anything about their torque wrenches. I used to repair/rebuild air tools, but not torque wrenches.