I tried to post this in "general discussion" since it wasn't MB specific but after looking at the topics of conversation that have prevailed since my post I kind of gave up hope there real quick.

I recently bought a used Matco torque wrench made in 1990 by Cooper Tools and I was wondering about its condition. Has anyone ever owned one of these that could help me compare it to one that is or was in new condition?
Thanks.

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'82 240D 224K miles manual transmission
mods: wooden 4by4 bumper, EGR delete and older EX manifold without EGR port, glass pack muffler (cheapest replacement muffler), rebuilt bosch injectors with Monark nozzles

working on: aux electric fuel pump, coolant/fuel heat exchanger/filter head, afterglow, low oil pressure buzzer/LED

Is it the clicking style torque wrench? If it is, I would be very careful to verify that it clicks at the correct torque. I used one many years ago that had only sat for about a year, but I ended up breaking a banjo bolt because it wasn't taken care of. I no longer trust any of the click style torque wrenches. I only use the beam style, because you can calibrate/visually see if it is functioning. My $.02

its is the click type wrench. When the guy sent it to me, he had it turned all the way down to protect the spring (so he understood that concept at least) but it looked like it had been set on the shop floor a few too many times.

__________________
'82 240D 224K miles manual transmission
mods: wooden 4by4 bumper, EGR delete and older EX manifold without EGR port, glass pack muffler (cheapest replacement muffler), rebuilt bosch injectors with Monark nozzles

working on: aux electric fuel pump, coolant/fuel heat exchanger/filter head, afterglow, low oil pressure buzzer/LED

Micrometer style torque wrenches require regular calibration. The only safe assumption that you can make about a used wrench is that it needs to be checked/calibrated. In many cases, the cost of a used wrench plus the cost of calibration exceeds the price of a new tool.

Cosmetic appearance is not a reliable indicator of accuracy. Practically speaking, however, a torque wrench that gets used as a hammer and pry bar probably doesn't spend much time at the calibration lab.