[Coppertop]

Any suggestions on a simple/cheap torque wrench? Harbor Freight (I know, I know), has a Pittsburg brand with a 3/8" drive (what I need) that is supposed to be +/- 4% accurate...

I'm just looking for something to for bolts on the engine, like intake manifold etc. Doesn't even have to go up to 100 lb/ft. Since I do so little mechanical work, I don't want to make a major investment that will be collecting dust most of the year..

 

[GRUMPYVETTE]

lets assume your looking for a 3/8" drive inch lb torque wrench to tighten little things like intake bolts, logic should tell you that a decent quality tool will not be dirt cheap, and that you don,t need the best available tool for that use so you start pricing your options
the whole OBJECT of you using a torque wrench is to allow you to maintain consistent TORQUE values, do you really think the HF torque wrench will be consistent, when most other sources what 4-5 times as much, think it thru, obviously you don,t need a lab quality tool, but the cheapest option is not likely to be a rational choice either.


harbor freight ($15)
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=807

home depot ($74)
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

sears($69)
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944593000P?keyword=craftsman+torque+wrench

tool source ($57)
http://www.toolsource.com/torque-wrenches-bending-beam-c-315_778.html

GOOD QUALITY ($225)
http://www.toolsource.com/dial-dual-scale-torque-wrench-indicator-light-0300-inlb-p-94631.html

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/torque-wrench/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgwwOJ0B964&feature=player_embedded

 

[lucky3]

Look around craigslist or ebay, I just picked up a nice matco 3/8torque wrench that was just calibrated for $75. Its even a flex head one and its up to 75ft lbs. I had a harbor frieght one and it sucked.

 

[Chris R]

Sears sells one thats actually quite nice for the price.

 

[JWagner]

What lucky3 said. I have been buying used Snap-on and Mac tools that are excellent. Also, if you buy a used wrench, consider taking it to a calibration shop to check it out. And, if you get the adjustable clicker type , remember to always set it back to zero when storing it.