recommended torque wrench?

After years of putting it off, I've finally decided to invest in a torque wrench...

Don't think I want to go for a 15 Screwfix special - but how much is a reasonable one these days? 70-90 seems to be the going rate online for a Draper or similar. Is that any good, or is it likely to be overkill?

I won't exactly be using it everyday, just for general maintenance on the car(s), but I want one that will last, and be accurate, and I am a bit of a tool geek

Hope it's not a stupid question! Any advice/experiences/recommendations much appreciated - Cheers! Iain

 

i had my selection of wrenches calibrated recenty

clarke 9.99 he laughed and said they were poo

draper was out of spec and average quality according to the guy

teng was accurate as hell and he said theyhave pukka insides

so...id suggest a teng

 

theres plenty on ebay...have a look

 

Cheers matey

I'll have a search for a Teng bargain!

 

where'd you get them calibrated? wouldnt mind having mine checked over as they've had years of abuse....

I read a thing the otherday about the bendy-bar and dial ones being more reliable than the clickers. I'll have a browse and see if I can find it again but it was interesting as all of mine are clickers.

 

i work at a garage...they have to have stuff checked ,even the tyre pressure gauges etc

i think your right on the bar type ones...i dont spose they go out of spec much

the guy expalined that a cheepie may be within spec...but not always consistant , so when you do head bolts they could all vary a bit..its the spring inside that needs to be pukka

he also said he tested a worldwar2 snap on wrench that had never been done..still within spec so i guess theyre okay too
Edited by: pigbladder

 

I've got one made by "Laser" - think I bought it at the local motor factors - it's quite good I think, it's the dial ratchet type, has a very pronounced unmissable click, and has a range of 10-150lb/ft (1/2" drive)

As Alan Partridge would say - "hmmmm... nice action....."

It was 35 and I'm well happy with it for that price. It seems well built.

 

The only prob with bar ones is they can get a bit fiddly but you're right for keeping calibration they're probably the best, I've heard as well.

 

buy a halfords professional one
it comes calibrated and they do a 10 -150lb 3/8 drive and a 50-350lb 1/2 drive
1/2" 50 ish
3/8" 40 ish

 

got one made by mac tools, cost me 110, 3 years daily abuse at merc garge, still within spec, also have a sykes pickevent 1 65 same as above, dont scrimp m8 it aint worth it in the end

 

Ive got a Britool one,no problems at all

 

We've got a Norbar one and its spot on

 

Norbar make Halfords Pro, Sykes Pikavant (SP) and Roebuck torque wrenches

 

I have a half inch snap-on one that was 140 on special because the measurements were in ft/lb and nobody wanted it. Also have an electronic Snap-On 3/8 for the new stupid magnesium bolts we have now at work, same price and vibrates

I'm impressed with them both but I know i paid the price but thats because I use them everyday. If you are not, then the halfords one would be the next choice, I get my tools from there now and so far they've been great.

 

What he said... and they're on special at http://teng.co.uk

http://www.teng.co.uk/product-listing.asp?cat_id=168

 

My laser torque wrench is a year old and I don't trust the readings it gives... I wouldn't buy another. I trust my 10 year old TENG one more

 

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/products/59647/torque_wrenches.html

draper won

 

ive got a halfords one, cant fault it,

 

"marginally less effective yet substantially cheaper Draper tool"

so it won coz its cheap, not because it was accurate

 

oh dear, ive got the screwfix special,used it for everything on my car, wheel bolts, flywheel/PP, engine mounts, subframe bolts, driveshaft bolts, starter bolts / gearbox, even did my head bolts with it! got me worried now!
will get a better one at somepoint! very pronounced click, not sure on accuracy though, ill have it with me at donington 25th november if someone can compare for peace of mind.
cheers.