torque wrench - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

GJEMD · #1 01-26-2013, 01:36 PM

Latest edition of Car Craft Magazine tested 3 diff 1/2 inch click torque wrench on a Cornerstone bench unit
Craftsman $240
Snap-on $325
Pittsburgh Harbor Freight $30

Harbor Freight was dead on with the other 2 within 0.1 lb/ft.
Test ran for 60 days. Caveat was the Harbor Freight had to be dialed back to lowest setting after each use. They left one sprung to 70 lb/ft and after 60 days was completely useless with 4-6 lb/ft variation.

Big surprise was the Pittsburgh Digital unit used with a breaker bar for $29. Best of best accuracy and long term results.

qwerty · #2 01-26-2013, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GJEMD

Caveat was the Harbor Freight had to be dialed back to lowest setting after each use. They left one sprung to 70 lb/ft and after 60 days was completely useless with 4-6 lb/ft variation.

I can assure you that that phenomenon is not limited to specific manufacturers.

Diesel911 · #3 01-26-2013, 03:11 PM

Where I used to work they did not allow the use of Click type Torque Wrenches. They used the American Made Dial types.

There would be a Sticker on the Wrench to indicate when the next recalibration date was. If they sticker was gone or could not be read you did not use the Wrench.
At that time the Digital Torque Wrenches were fairly new and extremely expensive. Also I am pretty sure with the People I worked with that a Digital Torque Wrench would have quickly been broken.

winmutt · #4 01-26-2013, 04:29 PM

I have the both the electric and manual torque wrenches from HF. Never new that about dialing in. Probably explains a few things. Love the digital though! I used it when I put the #22 head on and no leaks yet!