Just saw this sale at harbor frieght:

3/8" Drive Click Stop Torque Wrench

I actually bought one of these when the torque wrench I had been using for a long time failed me and I needed something quick and I have actually been pretty satisfied... especially since you get a lifetime warranty.

 

That's a great price. I have the 1/2" model and it works well.

 

I'd never buy tools at Harbor Freight. The prices are good, but for the most part the tools are junk. Especially when it comes to something like a torque wrench, I have to buy quality because I want to know that it is accurate.

 

I'd have to agree with you, but at 13.99 and +/- 4% accuracy I think it's a pretty good deal. Besides, you can verify the calibration, it's not that hard.

 

Interested. How do you easily verify a torque wrench's calibration?

 

Torque wrench accuracy varies based on where in the range you are trying to set the torque wrench, but in general, you could take another torque wrench and torque something to say 25ft/lbs. If you knew that first wrench was accurate and you try to tighten that fastener further with the other torque wrench and it also stops without turning the fastener, then you know you aren't gong to over torque said fastener. You could also do it in reverse and verify that you are not making the fastener too loose.

This is a very easy was to get an idea of how closely calibrated your torque wrench is, without using a bench tester. I'm just pulling this idea out of my head, so it's possible there is a flaw in my reasoning so please feel free to add additional info.

 

If you're an old fart like me, you still have a needle and beam style torque wrench in the back of your toolbox to compare it with!!!

Those stay accurate!!

 

OK, now seriously:
Find a small local airport, and pay an A&P tech to check your torque wrench.
It's an FAA requirement to be able to calibrate torque wrenches in the shop.

 

That might be a way to get a ballpark idea, but still, if you have another torque wrench that you know is accurate, then you wouldn't need to buy the Harbor Freight torque wrench.

Seriously though, at that price it might be useful as a throw-away tool, but generally I don't like to waste my money on crappy tools. I buy quality and pay more upfront, but my tools usually last forever (or close to it) and I end up ahead of the game over time.

I have a friend who built just about his entire collection of tools from Harbor Freight and none of it is what I would consider good quality. Hell, I'd feel better buying even something like Craftsman over H.F. tools.

 

I have one of those and it's a great tool. I inherited it from my father.

 

I've used a method very similar to this:

How to perform your own torque wrench calibration testing - GL1800Riders

 

it was on sale at the "after thanksgiving sale" for 11.99
picked one up and realized it doenst click release -.- just a breaker bar LOL
will return for a new one..

 

No the klink he posted to is a torque wrench. The breaker bar is a completely different tool. I have their 1/2" breaker bar, it's great. I got the 25" long one that doesn't ratchet and it's fantastic. Got is cheap.

 

Currently on SALE for $21.99 originally $32.99!

You got a great deal at $13.99!!!

 

great deal, i had one that broke, needing replacement, good timing... stopping by later today