[torontoZ28]

I need to get a 1/2" torque wrench and was looking for some opinions. I have noticed that some go up to 150 ft/lb while others go up to 250 ft lb.

1) Is there anything on an f-body that would require any where close to 150? (I understand that they become less accurate as you approach the limits)

2) What are you opinions on husky vs craftsman? Would you even consider getting one of the Made in China cheapies?

Thanks,

[Judd]

I've also had some bad luck with a Craftsman torque wrench. Bought it to build a motor, had it for about 6 months before I actually used it. When I did use it, it malfunctioned. It would not click untill you actually started to let up on the torque. You could set it for 50 ftlbs {for instance}, apply torque but it wouldn't click even if you were applying 100ftlbs. Then, once you started to let off,,, it would click. I tried to return it to Sears but they told me that I had to send it off to get recalibrated. I argued that the calibration wasn't the problem, the wrench was actually malfunctioning but to no avail. I ended up buying a beam type Thorsen torque wrench and used it till it was stolen some years later.Twenty years later I still have that Craftsman though,,, it's a nice long ratcheting pull bar!

I have two Harbor Freight cheapies, a 3/8ths drive an a 1/2 inch drive. Both are within +/- 3% when I check them at work {I'm in QA Control} on our torque tester. Plus, they are easy to adjust if they ever need it, an allen wrench is used to turn a set screw. I've had the 1/2 inch drive for something like 3-4 years and the 3/8ths drive for about 2 years. Not bad performance considering their cost. I am lucky though, I can check their calibration anytime I want. I will admit that their cost and looks doesn't inspire confidence and if I was like 99% of people who didn't have easy access to proper calibration equipment,, I might not trust them.