Affordable Torque Wrenches

I've had 2 Craftsmen torque wrenches die on me now. I don't need anything fancy for my occasional use. What's your go to torque wrench?

Icon from the hammer store for my latest 50-250ft/lb one. Bought it over July 4th where they had the 10%off everything coupon.

For $50 tho, kinda hard to beat Home Depot  Husky ones.

I've got Tekton 1/2 and 3/8 units bought through AMZN, and no complaints. I'm not doing critical work with them, so for what I need they're suitable.

Check out suncoast precision.  They sell CDI torque wrenches (which is who makes Snap On torque wrenches) for much less than Snap On prices.

I also have a many years old Husky torque wrench that checks out just fine and has done many head studs.

Wow. $50 for the 50-250 seems like the ticket. I'll look into the other suggestions too. Thanks for pointing me in a direction! I tend to look at lots of options and then never commit. Then I end up kicking myself later when I really need something.

CLH said:

I've got Tekton 1/2 and 3/8 units bought through AMZN, and no complaints. I'm not doing critical work with them, so for what I need they're suitable.

I have one of these in 1/2. Did a cylinder head replacement with it with no issues. 

CLH said:

I've got Tekton 1/2 and 3/8 units bought through AMZN, and no complaints. I'm not doing critical work with them, so for what I need they're suitable.

Same. Seems like they're well built versions of the HF wrenches. Cheap enough that it's not a bank breaker but expensive enough that it feels like you're buying something real. I have an old craftsman 1/2" that I'm hanging on to because I like the adjuster better and it still seems accurate after all these years, but the tekton is much beefier with a longer handle which is nice to have around.

Man, I say forget the wrench and go for a "calibrated torque elbow". 

Now I know it costs the better part of an "arm and a leg"... but you'd be surprised how handy these things are.

I've had mine for a couple years now, and find myself quite attached to it.

GRM Article on Torque Wrenches

Mine died recently (after 20 some odd years) and I found this article enlightening.

Wait, that's actually an older article.

Video on Torque Wrenches

There it is. I swear there was an article as well, but I can't find it now.

I grabbed the 3/8ths Icon from HF and have been really happy so far. 

Pretty sure I bought it based on one of JG's reviews-not sure if it was a video or an article, but I think the wrench itself is basically a Kobalt for much less money.

When I compared the new one to my old 20$ Pittsburgh 1/2 I was pretty shocked at how far off the old one was...pretty sure I had been reading the markings incorrectly for years.

Hungary Bill (Forum Supporter) said:

Man, I say forget the wrench and go for a "calibrated torque elbow". 

Now I know it costs the better part of an "arm and a leg"... but you'd be surprised how handy these things are.

 

 

I've had mine for a couple years now, and find myself quite attached to it.

I'm a little concerned about how you adjust it.

how do you check if an older torque wrench is calibrated ?

is there an at home way to check ?

One or two of these have been mentioned already, but here's what I was able to quickly dig up on torque wrenches:

Choosing a torque wrench

Are more expensive torque wrenches more accurate?

Not a torque wrench, but still worth sharing:

After some challenges (snapped bolts) with my HF 3/8" and 1/4" torque wrenches, I bought a CDI in 3/8" and a 1/4" Westward and love both. I still use (and like) my 1/2" HF torque wrench, but am looking at getting an ICON 1/2" when they go on sale. My friend has the ICON 1/2" model and it really impressed me, and I like the ability to go beyond 150 ft-lbs.  I also have the 3/4" HF torque wrench and it's been great for Honda axle nuts.

I use CDI or Snap-On because if I'm using a torque wrench, I'm looking for precision.  The Snap-On was a Christmas present, the smaller CDI was my purchase. 

californiamilleghia said:

how do you check if an older torque wrench is calibrated ?

is there an at home way to check ?

Seekonk makes a check gauge, pretty expensive for irregular use and is supposed to be calibrated every year or two .

I was given a torque wrench by my dad years ago. I think it was a harbor freight special. I have used it on so many motor rebuilds I have lost track.  I have it checked every now and then at the local machien shop and it has always been spot on.  
 

I know people are skeptical of tools like this but mine has been perfect.  I do take good care of it. I am carful to never drop it and I never use it to bust free anything.  

I've had an S-K 1/2" for over about 15 years now.  I bought when my Craftsman failed.  The S-K is nicely made and works well.   I bought a Husky 1/2" from Lowe's as it was on sale and has a lifetime warranty, something my Craftsman didn't.  This one is my traveling TQ wrench for when I used to autocross and swap wheels at the event.  It works well but was made to a price point.  It's only seen light use.  I bought an Icon 3/8" from Harbor Freight after my 3/8" Craftsman failed.  The Icon is nice and was cheap.  I can recommend S-K, Husky, and the Icon.  

Thanks for the input everyone. I picked up the Husky one from Home Depot for only $50. It will work for what I need. I'll definitely use the advice here if it craps out on me.