Best inexpensive torque wrench

[MaverickZ71]

Looking for advice on a good new accurate 1/2 inch torque wrench, the digital or click type, not the beam-scale type, without breaking the bank. My 10 year old Craftsman wrench never felt that good and broke yesterday; apparently the newer ones are not covered by the lifetime warranty. It’s predecessor was an excellent 30 year old Craftsman that was stolen. 

 

Will be used primarily for tightening lug nuts (up to 140 ft lbs) on aluminum wheels—I do maintenance on all of the family’s vehicles. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 31, 2018 by MaverickZ71

[jonhash]

You should go for ACDelco ARM601-4 1/2" Digital Torque Wrench (4 to 99 ft-lbs.) I think this one will going to meet your requirements greatly. Otherwise let me know again so I can referred you to my friend Andy's Blog.

[txab]

Your choices are Craftsman or Harbor Freight. I'm sure Husky and Kobalt have something too. I've not had an issue with Craftsman. They've stayed pretty well calibrated over the years

[AgDoctor]

Got the Tekton from Amazon and it has served me well.


Sent via Morse code

[SarahsGMC]

I picked up a tekton from tractor supply company and like it

[CadillacLuke24]

I've had hit or miss luck with Craftsman as well. It is disappointing. 

[Supreme Pizza]

I have bought several on Amazon in different sizes. They are cheap, and have a certification of calibration. Every year or so, I test them against other peoples toque wenches to confirm the accuracy. Never had a problem so far. 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-Adjustable-Reversible-Counterclockwise-13-6-203-5/dp/B079M1QL58/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1529414489&sr=8-15&keywords=torque+wrench

[Supreme Pizza]

If you prefer eBay over Amazon, here is a pretty good deal: 

 

  https://www.ebay.com/p/Pittsburgh-Pro-3-8-Drive-Adjustable-Ratcheting-Click-Type-Torque-Wrench/1028459242?iid=261231916062&chn=ps

[diyer2]

I'm looking for a torque wrench for torquing wheels also.

I was considering this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Crescent-CRTW12-2-Inch-Micrometer-Torque/dp/B01N6VGVYS/ref=sr_1_23/140-5658170-7762960?ie=UTF8&qid=1511010204&sr=8-23&keywords=1%2F2+inch+torque+wrench

 

[Supreme Pizza]

The one I use for wheels maxes out at 150 lbs, but I have never needed more that 140. 

[jonhash]

On 5/31/2018 at 7:21 AM, MaverickZ71 said:

Looking for advice on a good new accurate 1/2 inch torque wrench, the digital or click type, not the beam-scale type, without breaking the bank. My 10 year old Craftsman wrench never felt that good and broke yesterday; apparently the newer ones are not covered by the lifetime warranty. It’s predecessor was an excellent 30 year old Craftsman that was stolen. 

 

Will be used primarily for tightening lug nuts (up to 140 ft lbs) on aluminum wheels—I do maintenance on all of the family’s vehicles. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are still looking for a new 1/2 inch torque wrench, read one of my friend's reviews on the top torque wrenches of 2018. Hope you will get one there.

Thanks

[Chevyguy85]

Other than the 3 Harbor Freight ones I've got that seem to work fine I bought https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C5ZL1NS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for the higher torque rating.  The HF one one maxes out at 150 lb/ft with whatever % variation, while I'm confident even almost maxing it out, the % variation wouldn't matter, I still wanted a higher rated one for other tasks that required higher torque.  From your post you don't need it, but if you wanted 300 lb/ft Tekton has one for $15ish more.

Edited July 5, 2018 by Chevyguy85

[stacyjohnna]

On 7/4/2018 at 10:45 PM, jonhash said:

If you are still looking for a new 1/2 inch torque wrench, read one of my friend's reviews on the top torque wrenches of 2018. Hope you will get one there.

Thanks

Your guide is so much helpful but i have found more updated guide on Best Torque Wrenches. They have presented the detailed list about each one in attaractive manner.

[Suzi002]

On 10/18/2018 at 2:07 PM, stacyjohnna said:

Your guide is so much helpful but i have found more updated guide on Best Torque Wrenches. They have presented the detailed list about each one in attaractive manner.

 

[AJE]

On 6/10/2018 at 9:22 PM, AgDoctor said:

Got the Tekton from Amazon and it has served me well.


Sent via Morse code

Same

 

I guess I can't verify the accuracy but it has served me well for two years.