Looking to pick up a new 1/2" drive torque wrench. I'd like something of quality manufacture that I can trust to be accurate but not necessarily looking to purchase a future family heirloom. I'd appreciate some reviewed by current owners and, if possible, links to the actual product or model numbers so I can confirm I am looking in the right place.

Thanks!

I have become a fan of over priced snap on tools. My reasons are....
They stand by the product. even if a particular model is no longer available it is replaced with the newer model at no cost to me. (if it cant be repaired)
Convenience .. they come to my place of work 2 times a week.
payment... I can set up an account interest free to pay off a purchase.
on the spot tool repairs and/or replacement.
I have tools from other dealers and brands. I have run into issues too many times where they wouldnt honor the guarantee because in their opinion the tool was misused. (I dont use screw drivers for prybars)
I believe dial torque wrenches are more accurate but, if your givin a range for a value, click types are a whole lot easier to use.
So, buy that heirloom and dont ever worry about it again. (I'm sure I didnt help you at all)

Sears used to re-calibrate their torque wrenches once a year at no charge, I don't know if they still do that or not. The drawback was the only part covered under unlimited lifetime warranty was the ratcheting head.

I like the idea of Snap On. I really do. But I have two issues with them.

First, where do I go to buy their tools? I see trucks all the time but without a store front that makes it a little difficult to shop. I'm all for Internet purchases, but for something like this I am a tactile shopper. I want to see it, hold it, etc. before I buy.

Second, if it happens to break, I'm in the same predicament. Is the truck going to show up to my house to exchange a wrench? (I know. A question for the truck, not you guys.)

What I DO know is I will not be buying any more Craftsman products unless they are the older tools and I can see the "Made in USA" on them. I've had too many issues with "guaranteed" pieces of crap of theirs over the last few years to trust one of their products to torque specs.

Get the # off one of those trucks. they will tell you where their scheduled stops are and you can meet them. you may even have one in your neighborhood.
I bet its not as big of a hassle as your thinking. No, I dont get any kickbacks from them.

I didn't assume you did. Also, looks as if they have an Internet store front these days too.

It's just a tough pill to swallow when you're looking at dropping so much on a single wrench.

I hear ya.....

Snap On is what I would buy for a torque wrench. Other tools you can buy cheaper, but I wouldn't skip on the Torque wrench.

My Snap On inch pounds torque wrench has lasted 15 years. It does go to get recalibrated every 14 months, I would buy it again.

Erik

what are you using it for?I only use my 1/2 maybe once or twice a year.I use my 3/8 more.

Next question: digital or mechanical?

I'm sure you are aware they are to be stored at the lowest torque setting to remain accurate? Other than that I can't help with brand. My craftsman has served me well and it's new enough it was probably made elsewhere.

I would recommend this one:






I bought this unit for work from ToolZone. I would order off of Amazon these days after my last experience with those guys. It is the same unit sold under the Snap-On brand name. Accuracy is better than most torque wrenches and it comes with a NIST-certified calibration sheet. I have used it to torque test over 200 bolts, each one requiring that I increment the torque value 10-20x per bolt. (~ 3000 "clicks" of the wrench) I sent it off for recalibration recently and it was in great shape, still within stated spec. Now I'm looking at replacing my personal torque wrench with this unit.

It has nice laser-etched markings and a nice feel. I would use this wrench up to 7 hrs / day when I was in the thick on my project and never was disappointed in its performance or feel.

When your eyes get old they will appreciate a digital torque wrench.

I would go with a digital 3/8 snap on.it allows you to use n.m,ft lb and lbs.I use it all the time for heads and other things.there is one on craigs list http://cosprings.craigslist.org/tls/489 ... .html.Mine comes with a case I dont know if that one does but you will want the case.

Thank you gentlemen. I appreciate your providing examples of what you are using.

My Snap on has been great for me for the last 12 years. Always backed off and stored in its case. Recalibrated every other year and has yet to be out of spec. Having said that I would go with the wrench Digger recommends since it is the same as the snap on at half the cost. I would be very leery of buying a used torque wrench. If I did I would have it recalibrated immediately before ever trying to use it. I have seen far too many techs not know how to properly take care of their torque instruments to trust used.

Does the wrench digger posted have a 3/8" version?

Never mind. Turns out my Google-Fu works.

http://www.amazon.com/CDI-Torque-2502MR ... B004618UI8

Looks like there are a bunch of range options, 1/4 - 3/4 drive.

I have used Snap on for many years and pretty much don't use anyone else. Yes, it cost more but since I wrench for a living I can't afford to drive to a store if they break. I had digital torque wrenches on my service truck and they don't like the smooth county roads so I traded them for the click style. If I worked in a shop I would buy the digital style due different torque combination s you get in one tool. If you can't justify Snap On then we have one mechanic that has good luck with Gear Wrench products

The Ford dealership I worked at in New Mexico had a guy once a year to recalibrate our torque wrench's and He told me that the Sears torque wrenches are good and he very rarely had to adj them.