Torque wrench recommendation needed

[switz]

Snap-On tools are expensive, but stand the test of time with replacement when the truck comes by next week....

[J. Morgan]

For those who prefer an American made good quality torque wrench that wont break the bank, try SK tools.

In fact, if high quality but economical American made tools are what a person is looking for, I highly recommend this brand.

Most all hand tools are American made, and are great quality, except that their standard ratchet handles kinda suck...

They are a little more than Craftsman, but IMO much better that modern Craftsman tools.


http://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.com...FQoKaQod190PlQ


Brevi tempore!

[J. Morgan]

Originally Posted by switz

Snap-On tools are expensive, but stand the test of time with replacement when the truck comes by next week....

Some will say that cheap tools are just as good as premium tools....

There was a time when I said that...


Brevi tempore!

[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by rvb

When I purchased my Michelins from Discount Tire they assured me they would not to jack the trailer up by the axles and to would use a torque wrench at 95# to reinstall the wheels. I walked out to the bay where my trailer was being jacked up under the axle at all 4 wheels with floor jacks and grabbed the manager who had the jacks moved to the frame. I then waited and stopped them when they started to use an air impact wrench to put the lug nuts back on.

Whenever possible, I now watch anyone working on my trailer or do it myself.

OH, PLEASE DO!!!!
And ensure that they use a torque wrench to TIGHTEN THEM, and not just check them after. An Impact gun has NO calibration at all, and can do much damage.

(I'm a Canadian licenced Aircraft mechanic, and " A.M.E.)

[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by noresults

harbor freight has their torque wrenches on sale this weekend $9.99. Everone should have one at this price.

Dave

just make sure that the calibration is reasonably accurate!!

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

For those who prefer an American made good quality torque wrench that wont break the bank, try SK tools.

In fact, if high quality but economical American made tools are what a person is looking for, I highly recommend this brand.

Most all hand tools are American made, and are great quality, except that their standard ratchet handles kinda suck...

They are a little more than Craftsman, but IMO much better that modern Craftsman tools.


http://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.com...FQoKaQod190PlQ


Brevi tempore!

I agree.
I have some SK tools from the tool truck back in the day when I worked for the local Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Nissan dealer.


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[J. Morgan]

I bought all of my SK tools off the internet, all of my Snap On and Matco tools off of trucks.

I try to buy on sale off of the trucks.


Brevi tempore!

[Longboard6]

This has been an insightful discussion. Since starting it I have purchased a Tekton 1/2" torque wrench thru Amazon Prime for $39 and had it in hand 1 day later. I also have a better opinion of information to be found in the AS Owner's Manual. THANKS, all.

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

I bought all of my SK tools off the internet, all of my Snap On and Matco tools off of trucks.

I try to buy on sale off of the trucks.


Brevi tempore!

I also have some Matco tools off the truck from my Chevrolet-Cadillac-Nissan service department days-


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[switz]

Back in the day when Sears had a unlimited warranty on ALL of their tools, I was a Craftsman tool customer.

In 2003 I needed tools at my new home in Arizona. I acquired a 100th Anniversary Harley Davidson Snap-On tool chest and filled it with their tools. That cost more than than a mid size car. I have continued to add to their tools in my tool chest whenever a special one was needed for some project.

I have their tire torque wrench which I find is more accurate than the HF torque wrench bought because it was smaller.

[Papa smurf]

As the OP I read every message and finaly ordered and received this. It should help make sure the wheels stay on the AS thanks everyone for your input.

[streaminwild]

Originally Posted by Jacob D

If you are not familiar with tools or brands of tools, go to Sears tool dept. You can not go wrong and Sears stands behind them.

I bought a Sears dial torque wrench in the eighties and tried to replace it in 2003. Sears told me that the wrench wasn't covered. So now I use it as a breaker bar instead. Unless it was a disgruntled employee, only buy beam torque wrenches from Sears. Something I learned from this site, never question a engineer without looking it up first....that was very painful to write. The more you know ...the less you know. At eighteen I knew it all, now I know nothing

[J. Morgan]

It is fairly typical for "mechanical things" (as opposed to "common hand tools") to not have "lifetime" coverage.

This even extends to "premium" brands of tools.

I say this as NOT a fan of modern Craftsman tools. Their quality has decayed.


Brevi tempore!

[dznf0g]

Nothing new here about warranty on Craftsman. Been like this as long as I have been buying them:

Warranty Information - Craftsman

Beam = lifetime

"clicker"= 1 year

Electronic = 90 days.

[J. Morgan]

Brevi tempore!

[markdoane]

Bob the Hobbit.


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[J. Morgan]

Bob is certainly not a giant, but that box is going to be about 90" tall.

A box that size today would probably retail for at least 40K for the box alone.... Filled with Snap On tools, I would say at least another 100k...


Brevi tempore!

[DreamStreamr]

Like M.Hony, I have a Craftsman beam wrench. Bought it 1968, have used it a lot over these 48 years. Same with ratchets, sockets, cutters, adj wrenches. Buy quality the first time, it always pays. I buy disposable paint brushes at HF. I want my tools to last. Quality saves you money.

Thought a long time ago about investing in a bigger torque wrench for once a year hitch and ball r&r. 350 to 400 ft lbs is a big job. Decided instead to use 1" X 36" black steel pipe (new fire sprinkler pipe) over a 1/2" drive breaker bar. 160# applied to the end of the pipe puts a lot of torque on the nuts. Not concerned if I'm off by a little for this once a year chore. A little concerned the breaker bar will fail one of these next times, so I brace for the sudden move. I should shop for a better breaker bar ($35 for 3/4" drive Craftsman.)


Dreamstreamr
2005 International CCD 25SS
http://Dreamstreamr.com

[m.hony]

I found my cheater pipe on the ground near some bushes at a campground!
Looks like galvanized steel water supply line maybe?
It does a good job on hitch head tightening.


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[markdoane]

Originally Posted by m.hony

I found my cheater pipe on the ground near some bushes at a campground!

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That's the snap up bracket lifting bar for my Reese Dual Cam.
I left it there for future use. Put it back!