Does the brand count?

[Narnian]

I can buy a cheapie Torque wrench at Pep boys for $15.00. I can buy a similar quality torque wrench at Autozone with a lifetime warrantee for $20.00. Or I can buy a lifetime warrantee Craftsman torque wrench at Sears for $72.00. Is it really worth $72.00?
Will I ever notice the difference as a backyard mechanic just trying to maintain my Jeep and my Vette?

Should I price out a Blackhawk? I know they are better than Greatneck (Autozone) but cheaper than Craftsman.

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81 Laredo,
360 w/Holley Fuel Injection, Edelbrock man, 219, 3.31, 33's, no fuzzy dice (yet)
86 Corvette
87 GMC Jimmy (Gotta Mechanic Coming)

[Shane]

It all depends what you want out of the torque wrench. I own a Snap-On, Hastings, and a Mastercraft(Canadian Tire). The Snap-On was the most expensive, but it came with a certificate of accuracy, and is the nicest to use. It also has the tightest tolerence as far as rated accuracy goes.

Is it worth it? That will be up to you.

Shane


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1982 J10 Model 25 Pioneer
My Daily driver since 1988
D44,258(.030" over),T5,NP208,AMC20

[Ralph]

I own the cheapie from AutoZone. It's served my purposes well for about two years now. If I were a professional mechanic and used one every day rather than just once a month or so, then I'd probably want the best available.

[porkchop]

At work we use the Snap-on on our Helicopters. To serve my purposes at home I would go for the autozone one. Like Ralph said, if you only use it once a month and don't drop it or throw it around it will do just fine.

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'67/'79 Wagoneer mix
“Old Timer”
Body of a 33 year old
Heart and legs of a 21 year old (not mine the Jeeps)
Spirit of a 1 year old.
360, Holley 500,TH400,QT,D44's F&R
SOA, 2" AAL's 32X11.50's.
Soon to have 3" body lift with some 35's or 36's

"One small step for Jeep, One giant step for the rest"

[Ralph]

Also remember to "unwind" it after every use, so that you don't wear the internal spring out.

[ClarkGriswald]

Is that craftsmen one the one the is graduated in inch pounds?.. that one is more expensive. A friend of mine has a few craftsmens of different types, and They are pretty good for something you can buy at any sears and have lifetime replacement no questions asked.

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88 Grand Wagoneer
D44's front\rear
Warn 20990 Lockouts
AMC 360
TF 727
NP 229--Soon to be replaced by an NP208 that currently inhabits my kitchen.

"I came, I saw, I typed some stuff!"

[andy d]

when i worked on bug engines, i had an sk 1/2" drive beam type. i chucked it years ago because i doubted its accuracy. i spose if i ever do another head iwill need to get one. so like ross perot, im all ears.

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'88 gwag,pure stock