Harbor Freight - Too good to be true?

[helosailor]

I wouldn't use mine (it's a cheapo HF clicker) to build an engine or something else that had to be dead on, but it is fine for other less-critical things.

[whitetrash]

Pass/fail thread

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27192

[CWO]

Pass/fail thread


http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=27192

great thread

[BP]

I used an SK one for years, several times a day. No clue how accurate it was but I didn't have any comebacks. Half the price of the Snap On version. The same wrench is $280 at Grainger now though!

[HECDOGGIE]

get a "Precision Instruments" brand wrench or a "CDI" brand wrench

You should be able to get a brand new one in your $150 price rance.

CDI has made Snap-On's torque wrenches for decades. I toured their facility in CA and took their factory training out there. Precision Instruments is usually easier to find than an actual CDI labeled wrench.

The ONLY difference is the ratchet head, but it's really a cosmetic difference.

I used to sell and calibrate mechanical and hydraulic torque equipment

Good info! Thanks...

[Country cracker]

I've never had problems with HF tools.

[Thehead]

one key thing to remember is don't leave it set on a torque when not in use. I always return mine to zero before putting it away. Mine isn't a HF, I use a Snap-on one but I have had craftsman and others as well. Tools will last longer if taken care of and stored properly.
same one I have but mine is the older model without the rubber on the grip.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=642559&group_ID=675230&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

[SSMAN]

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...rench_testing/

That is good to know, thanks.

[SSMAN]

I've never had problems with HF tools.

As long as you don't drill with it (bit) or hit it (chisels) my experience everything else will do the job.

[SSMAN]

I also purchased a $199.99 ( original cost ) Compressor, 1.8 HP / 150 PSI / 17 Gallon OPEN BOX for $ 75.00 !!
I could not pass it up .. Hopefully it works well with an Impact and DA -

Not likely to work well. DA's take a lot of air volume, you just don't have that with that small of a tank. Impact will be good for a short burst, very short.

[Cooter]

one key thing to remember is don't leave it set on a torque when not in use. I always return mine to zero before putting it away. Mine isn't a HF, I use a Snap-on one but I have had craftsman and others as well. Tools will last longer if taken care of and stored properly.
same one I have but mine is the older model without the rubber on the grip.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

Snap-On recommends leaving them set at 20% of max torque. If you completely decompress the spring and the wrench gets bumped/dropped/etc. it can cause problems.

The TQR style with the thumb dial can be stored at any percentage of torque value with zero issue. They are also the best at holding accuracy vs. the handle screw style.

[Cooter]

also, the best thing to do with a cheap torque wrench is to click it out 5-10 times before you start relying on its accuracy.

accuracy jumps up big time after you do this... the first few cold clicks are pretty erratic on cheap wrenches

[quikag]

I got a CDI wrench for around $150 on Amazon. It's awesome and great for setting proper torque on my wheels for track events. It even came with a calibration testing sheet.

[0393gt]

I bought an agle grinder from HF, and It broke the first use. It doesn't stop spinning even when im off the trigger.

[Thehead]

Snap-On recommends leaving them set at 20% of max torque. If you completely decompress the spring and the wrench gets bumped/dropped/etc. it can cause problems.

The TQR style with the thumb dial can be stored at any percentage of torque value with zero issue. They are also the best at holding accuracy vs. the handle screw style.

Mine is the dial style