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
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
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
"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.