Craftsman Torque Wrench

[DiZzyBonne]

I'm about to buy one, and I'm a little torn between which to buy.

3/8" Drive - 10-75 ft/lb capacity
3/8" Drive - 25-250 ft/lb capacity
1/2" Drive - 20-150 ft/lb capacity

They're all very similar, with the main difference being what I pointed out. They all have 1 ft/lb torque increments and they're all $39.99.

When would I really need a torque spec under 25 ft/lb?

I drive an '08 GT500, and I'm buying it to have the proper torque specs on a new clutch and flywheel install, but definitely want to buy the right tool so I can have multiple uses out of it.

Thanks!

 

[lem06]

second one is in/lb fyi

best bet is the in/lb and the 20-150 ft/lb one to cover nearly everything youd need.

 

[Blkkbgt]

Don't bother they are absolute garbage and the warranty is only for a year. I know from first hand experience, the cheap shit plastic lock on the handle won't last and the handle will eventually crack also just from normal use. Go kobalt and don't look back they are all metal construction and the head has a finer tooth so it ratchets smoother.

 

[ford fanatic]

I picked up the 1/2" drive one over the winter, it works just fine.

 

[_Snake_]

Don't bother they are absolute garbage and the warranty is only for a year. I know from first hand experience, the cheap shit plastic lock on the handle won't last and the handle will eventually crack also just from normal use. Go kobalt and don't look back they are all metal construction and the head has a finer tooth so it ratchets smoother.

Its a lifetime warranty, just like the rest of their tools. I replaced one that was 10 years old. No receipt, no questions asked, no hassle.

.

 

[4a7191a]

Can't say they're garbage either .. Mines about 18 years old , always used properly and still works like a charm. What ruins them is people using them as a ratchet.

 

[SweetSVT99]

Its a lifetime warranty, just like the rest of their tools. I replaced one that was 10 years old. No receipt, no questions asked, no hassle.

.

http://www.craftsman.com/en_us/customer-care/warranty-information.html#point3

WARRANTY SERVICE
To obtain the warranty coverage stated below, return a defective product with proof of sale to the retailer from which it was purchased.

CRAFTSMAN LIMITED WARRANTY
FOR ONE YEAR from the date of sale, this product is warranted against defects in material or workmanship.
WITH PROOF OF SALE, a defective product will receive free repair or replacement at option of seller. If this product needs re-calibration within ninety (90) days from the date of purchase, it will be re-calibrated free of charge. After 90 days you must pay for re-calibration.
This ONE YEAR warranty is void if this product is ever used while providing commercial services or if rented to another person. For 90 DAY commercial and rental use terms, see the Craftsman warranty web page.

 

[DHG1078]

Its a lifetime warranty, just like the rest of their tools. I replaced one that was 10 years old. No receipt, no questions asked, no hassle.

.

Craftsman got rid of the lifetime warranty a few years ago. Pittsburg tools at harbor freight has a lifetime warranty if you want one.

 

[SID297]

Can't say they're garbage either .. Mines about 18 years old , always used properly and still works like a charm. What ruins them is people using them as a ratchet.

Old Craftsman tool and new ones are not the same. The quality has taken a huge hit since the move to China.

 

[Coiled03]

Craftsman got rid of the lifetime warranty a few years ago.

Wow....didn't know that. So much for buying their tools.

 

[Tabres]

I have the 1/2" 20-150 that I got as a Christmas gift this past year. It's ok. I'm not sure I would have bought it for myself, though.

I used to have a 1/2" 20-150 Klutch brand from Northern Tool and I preferred it much better. It ratcheted smoother and had a much more positive click to it.

 

[Grabber]

If you are able to fork up the money, get an Armstrong, CDI/Snap-on torque wrench. I've got a $250 Armstrong I bought one a while back and it has worked flawlessly. Extremely well made and durable wrench.

 

[03cobra#694]

Craftsman got rid of the lifetime warranty a few years ago. Pittsburg tools at harbor freight has a lifetime warranty if you want one.

I didn't know that either.

 

[DHG1078]

I want to clarify, I meant craftsman got rid of the lifetime warranty on torque wrenches. Some tools still have a lifetime warranty.

http://www.craftsman.com/en_us/customer-care/warranty-information.html#point3

 

[GloomySVT]

I picked up an AirFox torque wrench last year. Excellent quality. 3/8 drive and I think 10-80lbs. Got it for my spark plug change.

 

[Black02GT]

We bought one for temporary use to final torque mounting clips on solar systems. Bolts were tightened before wrench was just to insure spec, lasted less than a weak. The way the ratchet changes direction is odd, loose and jammed up constantly. I wouldn't recommend it, to be honest Craftsman isn't worth the money since K-mart took over quality and customer service isn't there anymore.

 

[Dsg-shaker]

Old Craftsman tool and new ones are not the same. The quality has taken a huge hit since the move to China.

Honestly, it wasn't like they had a high standard to begin with. Good for the at home dyi-er.

If you are able to fork up the money, get an Armstrong, CDI/Snap-on torque wrench. I've got a $250 Armstrong I bought one a while back and it has worked flawlessly. Extremely well made and durable wrench.

Have a snap on digital torque wrench, well worth the 500$. Some folks will argure, if it works, it works? Why pay for inferior product that your own investments rely on? CDI's are great, they will last like the other top tier instruments, both have smooth ratcheting heads. My only complaint with CDI's is that the selector for left/right is a little too easy to move, but the ones I use on a daily basis are 10+ years old and used every day.

 

[Drive XR7]

I have a 1/2" Craftsman torque wrench. Works just fine. I use it for bigger bolts... I'm not rebuilding engines here where cylinders need to be torqued down specifically.

 

[Corbic]

For $40 they are great beater torque wrenches.

If you need two torque wrenches for the occasional garage work, they are perfect.

If your building engines for a living, and using it every day, then spend accordingly.

Common sense, don't over buy for your needs.

 

[bigblue95z]

The second one you listed is NOT in ftlbs. It's inlbs. I missed that until I went into the store to buy it thinking it had the best range hands down when I bought my first one. Over the last couple years, I've picked up all 3 that you have listed that I use occasionally. They all seems to do their job, no complaints here.

edit: See someone already mentioned the inlbs....