TOOLS: Reviews: Torque Wrenches

[eckoman_pdx]

This thread is for reviews of Torque Wrenches. This way we can have all the reviews of torque wrenches in one easy to find, easy to search place. Please post your reviews of torque wrenches you've used, own or owned here.

Torque Wrench: Powerbuilt 3/8" Drive 5-80 lb-ft:
$42.99 full MSRP



This is a schucks/checkers/kragen brand. I only got it because I needed one, and it was the only place still open.

I got it on sale. It's ok, this one works still, but it's gotten finicky over the years. I've had it for a few years, it still works, but it has a few quirks now. First, once you set the desired torque, you twist this red colored thing on the bottom to tighten/lock it up. This thing doesn't like ti lock anymore. It worked fine when I got it, but now I have to use pillars to lock it down and un-lock it. If I just twist it by hand, it won't lock down right. That's my main gripe. Once or twice in the last few months, it hasn't clicked when you hit the right torque. I move the direction switch on top back to what would be loosen, and then return it, it seems to work fine. I just do that every time before I use it, and it's fine. Not the greatest torque wrench, I don't like it because these quirks annoy me, but despite all that it still does the job. It also came with a nifty little snap in plastic carrying case. Other than the need to use vise-grips or pillars to lock it, it's not that bad actually. I've got my moneys worth out of it.

It has a limited lifetime warranty, so I could probably get this thing replaced if I really wanted to. It is what it is...an inexpensive torque wrench.

Torque Wrench: Craftsman 1/2 Drive 25-150 lb-ft:
MSRP now raised to $79.99



This is my 2nd one. It has a really short warranty (90 days). My first one died in the first few months of owning it. It was a long time ago (several years or more). The lock collar broke and wouldn't lock, making it a big breaker bar. They exchanged it no questions asked. Just had me bring the new one to the counter, noted what was wrong with the old one, and they exchanged it for the old broken one. The replacement has never given me issues.

This one has a different designed lock mech. It's a collar you twist to lock it at the desired torque, after you set it. It still works fine when you un-lock and lock it, and I've had it several years. I've never had a problem with the lock collar on this one. I prefer this one over the above one, as long as the lock ring still works... If the lock ring breaks, it's an big breaker bar. I've never had a problem with this one(my second one, the warranty replacement), and I've had it for years.