Okay, so i know getting the right tool is important, and I'm a big fan of Craftsman tools which is what I usually use, but I need a torque wrench and the break away type from craftsman is like $150 but at harbor freight I can get the same style for $25, thats a HUGE difference. Has anyone used one before? Have they worked correctly?
Opinions on harbor freight torque wrench
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Ok, I'll admit to owning a 3/8" drive HF torque wrench that goes from 5-85 Ft. Pounds and I also have a second 1/4" drive "inch pound" torque wrench from Northern Tool (also a cheapie) for some of the lighter torque values (less than 10 ft. pounds). I haven't snapped a bolt or lost one yet and use them for both the VTX and the Valk. The way I see it is that while it may not be the most accurate torque wrench available it certainly gets me closer to the recommended torque than just guessing. So for the money, I have no complaints. JMO
I am a big fan of fine tools. Yet I buy HF tools such as grinders and such based on how often I use them. I would not buy their torque wrenches due to the fact that I use them a lot. If you strip one oil plug, The cheep torque wrench was no bargain. JMO when it comes to basic tools never cheep out. When its stuff like grinders , Chop saws, Portia powers, Presses, Yea go HF, its not something you are going to wear out. If they are used just few times they have more than paid for them selves. On the other hand a cheep torque wrench can cause a lot of problems. Rethreading is a PITA, for those who know how.
Just remember to ALWAYS set your wrench back to it's lowest setting when not in use. Also find a safe place to keep it. No throwing it around, no dropoing it. Don't drop tools on it, etc. There are even places around that will check calibration for you for some $$.
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1,456 Posts
I have the HF torque wrench and the first time I used it, I snapped a head bolt on my Sabre :shock: NOW let me tell you why I snapped that bolt...
It was my first torque wrench and I was under the impression that all torque wrenches are of the "break away" type. I was truning and waiting for it to break loose...aaaaannndd it eventually did :?
It was then that I found out that the wrenches that don't break away, "click"...and that's what I had.
So if it's the Pittsburg (or is it Chicago tools) wrench that comes in the plastic red case, make sure you listen for the "click" because that's when you've reached your torque value 8)
It was my first torque wrench and I was under the impression that all torque wrenches are of the "break away" type. I was truning and waiting for it to break loose...aaaaannndd it eventually did :?
It was then that I found out that the wrenches that don't break away, "click"...and that's what I had.
So if it's the Pittsburg (or is it Chicago tools) wrench that comes in the plastic red case, make sure you listen for the "click" because that's when you've reached your torque value 8)
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6,549 Posts
Buy the HF tq wrench.
Also buy a beam style wrench, usually cheap.
Use the beam style to calibrate the click stop wrench.
I have had 2 Craftsman wrenches that gave me problems.
One WAY OUT OF CALIBRATION, pulling out numerous studs.
One now that the ratchet has gone south.
My HF style has not!
Larry
Also buy a beam style wrench, usually cheap.
Use the beam style to calibrate the click stop wrench.
I have had 2 Craftsman wrenches that gave me problems.
One WAY OUT OF CALIBRATION, pulling out numerous studs.
One now that the ratchet has gone south.
My HF style has not!
Larry
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269 Posts
I work for Snap-On but my Torque Wrench's are from Harbor Freight.
I took my Pittsburg Torque wrench's to work to check the calibration
and found that they were with in 2% with a 90 % repeatability in 10
pull. Good enough for me. But I still find myself checking the tightness after I torque it with a socket and driver. :lol:
I took my Pittsburg Torque wrench's to work to check the calibration
and found that they were with in 2% with a 90 % repeatability in 10
pull. Good enough for me. But I still find myself checking the tightness after I torque it with a socket and driver. :lol:
Thanks for the info guys, I think I'll go ahead and buy the HF wrench, I won't be using it that much but the info you have all given me will be very useful, especially the stopping when it clicks tip, I probably would have broken the bolt, so thanks again! :wink:
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4,101 Posts
I found mine on the road on my way to work one day! I was going to have it calibrated, but the Snap-On guy wanted to charge me 50 or 60 bucks. I've used it several times (pinch bolts, exhaust studs, axle nuts, headlight mounting bolts, etc.) and never had anything break, so I'm gonna save my $60 and call it good enough. Buy the HF cheapie and enjoy it!
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2,231 Posts
When I got my 3/8 inch H. F. torque wrench home I found out it only worked counter clockwise since the reverse switch was totally inoperative. I threw it back in the box with the intentions of returning it for replacement. Over a year later I got a round TUIT. I had no receipt and they quickly exchanged it for another one… no questions asked. Their official return policy is returns are accepted within 30 days with receipt … but my experience has always been H.F. provides very good customer service and I’ve had no issues or complaints with them.
Beware some of their stuff is of poor quality so know you usually get what you pay for.
As long as it serves the purpose for a good while consider it a bargain.
Beware some of their stuff is of poor quality so know you usually get what you pay for.
As long as it serves the purpose for a good while consider it a bargain.
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1,456 Posts
Yeah I was in there one day and 2 guys came in to return a tool. They had a circular saw or something, but it had definitely been used because both the guys were covered in saw dust and the tool was as well. Just as said above, the HF person took it back no questions asked and handed them their money back.
I have yet to have a problem with any of the tools purchased from them.
I have yet to have a problem with any of the tools purchased from them.
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