Defective Torque Wrench
 

Recently I discovered that my Harbor Freight 3/8" torque wrench is calibrated way too high. Fortunately, I have able to retorque everything with my 1/2" torquer - nothing below 20 flbs. The lower stuff was done by feel.

I have the warrenty but no receipt. Does anyone know if HF will exchange it without the receipt? I know, just go and try, but I'm trying to avoid a trip.

Aren't you able to "recalibrate" the 3/8" unit?

Put a socket on the 1/2" unit that will fit snuggly onto the 3/8" unit, then "torque" 'til both units *CLICK!* at the same time...re-adjusting the 3/8" unit ONLY 'til you reach the same *CLICK!" time-wise...

Then, reset your 1/2" unit to a higher torque setting, adjust the 3/8" unit accordingly, then re-check to see if they "CLICK!" together...and adjust the 3/8" unit for a "finer" tuning, if you will...

If you trust the 1/2" unit, doing this will give you the 2nd torque-wrench you wanted, back.

GL! :thumbup1:

HF units
 

1.Store them with "No Load" 0(ZERO) on the setting.
2.Pre-Torque by starting at a low setting 10-15 ft/lbs and work your way up to
80 ft/lbs on the Lug Bolts to PRE-Lube and KINDA RESET the wrench after long
dis-use.[Think of it as EXCERSIZING the Torque Wrench,after dis-use]
3.I always use an old style Beam Torque Wrench to VERIFY the HF units are working properly,BEFORE actually setting the Torque on anything.

I think it's um, Craftsman, that has the lifetime exchange warranty, not Shanghai Freight.

You can check/calibrate the wrench by clamping the drive in a vice and a known weight hanging off the handle at exactly 12 " from drive C/L ..[ if it is a ft/lbs wrench]...
Wrench must be parallel to floor and the weight Total must include the hanger.
Best accuracy is attained when wieght is approx. 1/2 way point of wrench range specs.

HF torque wrenches are junk, as you have discovered. Why do you want another one?

actually I wouldn't worry about the torque wrench....I haven't used one in years and have never had a problem...I just feel it....but I am an old guy, and this working on BMW's, Peugeots, Hondas, Fiats, SAABS, VWs and Mercedes, never a torque wrench...head jobs, brakes, exhausts, suspension and so forth.... never...just feel it...every repair has worked spendidly......

Correction
 

Craftsman has a one year warranty on any of their torque wrenches.





Have a great day.

Yup. Prolly because they are made in China.
Any task requiring a torque wrench needs a well made torque wrench.

My 1/2" drive Craftsman (and my 3/8" micro-torque) were both made in USA....and cost accordingly! (over $75 apiece. :eek:) Got the small one during a holiday half off sale though. :D


Harbor freight will usually endlessly exchange things....if no receipt then you can pick from store credit or a direct exchange. I've done it many times.....that's probably not a good sign. :eek:


I liked the comment about "Shanghai Frieght" :D So true...

I just bought a 2-ton engine crane there a few weeks ago for a measly $170......the thing weighs over 250lbs! :eek: Works perfect though....it did not flex or strain at all, even with a whole 617+trans hanging from it!

And when you bought your made in USA torque wrenches was the warranty a year?

Talk about surprise, this is what the website says:

>>With Craftsman:
lifetime warranty on all hand tools reassures you that no matter what your tools will show up for each and every project you begin. <<

so I was about to call BS on you, but the product specs on the torque wrench actually say 90 day warranty!

Mine has performed reliably for over 25 years, but I figured I could always exchange it at the drop of a hat if needed. Now I won't sleep well at night ...

Shucks! Just torque 'em down like I do! Tighten 'em down 'till it squeaks and then one half turn! Just kidding.

Throw that HF trash away. Why would you waste the gas and time to replace it with another one just like it?

I'm a Snapon kind of guy but Craftsman, Matco and Mac all make good, dependable tools. Spend your dollars where it counts. Your tools!

Previous announcement brought to you by "The proper tool for the proper job" committee of discombobulated mechanics and the "A workman is only as good as his tools" junta.

You can get them calibrated
 

I took 5 of my torque wrenches to be calibrated in Dallas. The Chinese one bought years ago was only fit to be a breaker bar. I did not trust it though.
Buy a real brand.
It is not possible to calibrate torque wrenches by yourself.

No idea....I never checked. I've only had my small one for 7 months....I've had my big one for about 4 years now...it's worked great every time.