shm91

I will tighten the head bolts on D16Y7.

$100-$180 is what I'm looking for for a 3/8 torque wrench. Surely, the spec needs to be about 10-80 at least, if not 10-100.

Snap-on ones are $250+. The 'Snap-on_CDI' brand is about $150, but the reviews aren't as good. Some recommended 'a used Snap-on'. I want to know if it's worth $60 for recalibration.

I heard Craftsman and Kobalt are fine, but the prices are too cheap.


p.s. Below this is irrelevant post - This is the reason for looking for new torque wrench here.

I bought HF 1/2, 3/8 torque wrenches for $10 each. I thought they were good. But head pressure test came out okay today - overheating & HG change, but still white smoke. They suggested that the head bolt might have not been torqued down. I'm agreeing with that. Some broke head bolt inside block due to HF ones not being accurate.

Graham Dunbar

Craftsman, Mac, Matco are great, digital or non.

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

I've always used Craftsman torque wrenches, never had a problem. That said, there's a reason factory mechanics re-calibrate their torque wrenches on a regular basis. My step-brother's $300 Snap-On torque wrench gets re-calibrated once every 3 months by the dealership he works at. If you're going to buy a used one, try to get it from a dealership mechanic.

I would never trust a $10 precision instrument.

Did you have the head and block checked for trueness, or did you just slap a new head gasket on and call it a day?

B_Swapped93

I use a 3/8th Stanley click style one works great and I have a 1/2 snap-on one I got used which I use for more precise things.

TomCat39

One I have the cash I plan on getting a split beam so that it will hold it's accuracy longer and not have to be reset to zero after every use. Over all in general, just an easier and better torque wrench than the standard click types in my opinion.

Can be seen

And if you read the reviews, someone discovered that Precision Instruments is the OEM for Snap On split beam torque wrench. This wrench gets my vote.

shm91

Are those good for Head bolts?

To each of you:

I found a Proto with 'Stanley' mark. (http://www.toolup.com/proto_j6012c_3...FZTm7Aod-SEABQ)

Is craftsman good for engine job? Could you refer me any specific product on the web?

Matco and Snap-on, are those good on used if recalibrated?

Where can I recalibrate a torque wrench personally, and how much does it cost?

TomCat39

Most Torque wrenches are good on head bolts if calibrated. I believe a Snap On truck can recalibrate a torque wrench for you but I do not know the cost.

The twin beam I posted and even it's 3/8ths counterpart might be a bit more difficult for exact settings for head bolts but should be accurate. Basically, the increments of adjustment might not match the exact torques you need. The standard Micrometer Click Type Torque wrench is better for the odd torques (67, 78, 94 etc). But for head bolts I would want the wrench calibrated recently.

Digitals are probably one of the best but need constant calbration from what I understand and are pretty expensive.

shm91

I think I saw truck visiting a shop near my home. Gotta look for one.

I've chosen a CDI. Can't wait to see the quality of it.

TomCat39

Hopefully it's not like the CDI college, the college is a joke!

Steebhouse

Buy it new.

shm91

Yeahp, a new one.

haha lol to that!
Found CDI is under Snap-on. The specific model being made in the US. Pretty much excited to use expensive-quality tool for the first time.

Frostbite0180

I just bought one at harbor freight. It worked great.

Grape Ape Guy

Harbor freight is for one time use tools that you can live without.... buy quality tools once and you should never need replace them (warranty).


Make sure to store you torque wrench set to 0, I have had all brands and they can all break or malfunction.