If you are looking for an inexpensive torque wrench get a "beam" wrench rather than a "clicker" They are much more consistant and will remain accurate for years. The inexpensive "clickers", that would be anything under $60 - $70, are not worth the money, IMHO.

"Clicked" style wrenchs are supposed to be re-calibrated annually. That does not matter whether it is a Snap-On, Craftsmen, S-K, Mac, or HF

Craftsman, I believe, still makes a "beam" style wrench. It is covered by a lifetime warranty.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...ab=spe#tablink

 

I forgot one other suggestion when I posted yesterday.


A mechanic friend told me to use a socket directly on the wrench whenever possible. Any extension or adapter may twist and you may not actually get the torque you think you are. I do not know if this is true or not, but I figure why take a chance.

 

I do not plan on doing anything too advanced. I currently want to get a torque wrench after ripping a bolt during some suspension work.

anyways, after reading that those who actually have the HF and compared it with other torque wrenches, I ordered an HF one. Hopefully this will do. Is there any way I'd be able to test out this torque wrench? I think i have a friend who has a craftsman one and will try to find some time to test it with his.

the only problem is that delivery takes 10-14 days, in about 9 days, i'll be going out of town for 6 weeks.

 

My HF torque wrench showed up yesterday (ordered May 17th) and it was a whole lot bigger than I was expecting. Overall the wrench is 18" long. I hope you ordered online because it's listed as $9.99 online, but $19.99 in the paper catalog.

It has measurements in both foot pounds and newton meters which surprised me.

 

yup... ordered online. I hate that it takes 10-14 days for shipping. I was hoping to check everything out before I went out of town.