Torque Wrenches

Craig Schwartz · Post by **Craig Schwartz** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 12:43 am

Hi guys,

I need to buy a torque wrench and I'm looking for any reviews. I'm trying to decide between a dial type wrench, or the micrometer adjustment click type. I tried one of the latter type wrenches from Harbor Freight and it tore a bolt in two when at the lowest setting. I'm now thinking of a CDI wrench from Avery. Does anyone have any advice on what to buy and where to buy it?

Thanks,

Craig Schwartz
Endlessly prepping Wing Ribs

Dan A · Post by **Dan A** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 1:32 pm

Sounds like you made the same mistake I did. Harbor Freight is okay for non important things but you need to spend some bucks for a good torque wrench.

Dan

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 2:52 pm

Yah... TW's are delicate instruments. This is one place where you need to throw money at the project. I haven't purchased a 1/4" one yet, but when I do, it will be Proto, Snap On, Craftsman, or Cornwell.

I plan to get the screwdriver style and to have the average setting around 25 in lbs so it will tend to be more precise. I have seen the ones that go from 25 - 250 in lbs. and I just don't have faith that they will accurately measure to the lower reading.

Fortunately for me I have some friends with nice tools, so I may put off the purchase even longer.

CJ

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Mon May 09, 2005 3:24 pm

Just now getting to this post-

I have a Pittsburg Tools 0-200 in-lb TW. Never really heard of this company, but I just came across it on ebay, and bought it.

So, Pittsburg Tools???

hngrflyr · Post by **hngrflyr** » Mon May 09, 2005 7:42 pm

Pittsburg is Harbor Freight's brand. Mostly low cost, low quality stuff. I use their long pins punch sets because they're cheap. They are poor quality. When they get messed up I throw them away and get new ones. I personally opt for high quality tools most of the time. If you ever have a tool failure at a critical moment, you tend to appreciate quality stuff. About 30 years ago, I threw two complete socket sets in the garbage due to a couple of failures that cost me half a day on a job.

Bobby S

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Mon May 09, 2005 9:43 pm

Well, I paid next to nothin for it, so I am not out anything. That's what I figured.

Thanks.

Beezapilot · Post by **Beezapilot** » Thu May 19, 2005 12:25 pm

When it comes to torque wrenches, bite the bullet, get a good set and it lasts you forever. Snap-on has the Tech-wrench series that has a digital readout and is exceptionally accurate as there is no inertia when you "click" past the desired torque. So you set it a little high and watch the readout until the desired spec is reached.

I've little faith in in-expensive tools. On the motorcycles I wrench on there is a torqe spec for 3nm + 45degrees, these are aluminum fasteners going into a magnesium housing... the margin for error is nil.

Cheapo torque wrenchs are suicide, both for reliability and quality of work

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Thu May 19, 2005 12:36 pm

One of the guys I work with has a $SET$ of Snap On torque wrench's, which he just told me I can borrow anytime. Good deal! I'll probably end up buying one, 'cuz I like to have my own stuff, but it's a nice offer anyway that'll get me by in a pinch.

I haven't used the el cheapo Pittsburg, and don't plan to.

Thanks for helping with this!

rowd · Post by **rowd** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 5:29 am

how much use is a torque wrench going to get in the construction of the average RV ? eg) approx how many bolts need tightening to a specific torque value ?
Thanks

mustang · Post by **mustang** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 1:04 am

You need a GOOD torque wrench to work on any airplane, not just an RV. So, just buy a good one and you won't be sorry. They are as necessary as the socket set that they drive. There are lots of nuts and bolts to torque to spec on the RV. Even if you just work on your engine, you need a torque wrench. I remember buying mine while I was bolting up the exhaust system on my Cessna 180. Consider how much it would cost to strip out just one exhaust bolt hole on an O-470 jug?!?!?! Just pulling the cylinder off to repair it will make the torque wrench price seem cheap!

Cheers, Pete

jlfernan · Post by **jlfernan** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 7:59 pm

Go for the Proto dial type.

Snap · Post by **Snap** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 2:55 am

I have a mate that has a Snap-On digital type torque wrench. It beeps as well as vibrates when you get to the set torque. I like it and keep trying to walk out of the hanger with it. He watches me everytime I leave the bugger!!

Post by **Spike** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 6:23 am

Now that is funny.

cnpeters · Post by **cnpeters** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 10:21 pm

Yeah, Pittsburgh is a HF brand, like central pneumatic, but before writing it off, do a calibration test. I just finished reviewing many posts on VAF etc., and some of the cheapos were actually OK, some substantially off. While you will always be assured with a $200+ snap-on, check yours out (easiest way is to cross check against the snap-ons at work as opposed to weights hanging from set distances).

cjensen wrote:One of the guys I work with has a $SET$ of Snap On torque wrench's, which he just told me I can borrow anytime. Good deal! I'll probably end up buying one, 'cuz I like to have my own stuff, but it's a nice offer anyway that'll get me by in a pinch.

I haven't used the el cheapo Pittsburg, and don't plan to.

Thanks for helping with this!

JohnR · Post by **JohnR** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 11:19 pm

I bought one from Cleaveland Tool.

https://www.cleavelandtoolstore.com/pro ... ?number=WT

It wasn't cheap but it came with a calibration printout. It also says "a Snap-On company" on the paper work. IT was cheaper tha nthe $nap On and I hink it will work well for my needs.

I'm still having trouble adjusting to the low torque settings. I know they are correct but they just don't seem high enough when compared to motorcycles, etc. I am adjusting slowly though.