Best Budget Friendly Digital Torque Wrench

[RTR]

I know this could be beating a dead horse, but I need a 1/2 inch drive torque wrench and I think I want a digital one because the click type are hard to read and set. I have a newer Crapsman 3/8 drive torque wrench that works ok, but want to get one of the best ones I can for hopefully under $250.00. I really need one that reads in inch lbs too so might be looking for a 1/4 inch drive one.

 

[Ray,IN]

I have a ½ click type that I bought from Harbor Freight. Every time my neighbor tested it against his Snap-On, they read the same.
I have a ¼" Snap-on in/lb click-type that I've had for 40 years, it still checks as accurate as when it was purchased.
I never use mine daily, perhaps once a year, so I didn't buy a ½" Snap-On.

 

[Phill Tibbetts]

I have a ½ click type that I bought from Harbor Freight. Every time my neighbor tested it against his Snap-On, they read the same.
I have a ¼" Snap-on in/lb click-type that I've had for 40 years, it still checks as accurate as when it was purchased.
I never use mine daily, perhaps once a year, so I didn't buy a ½" Snap-On.

I agree, my nephew has all Snap On tools and my Proto and HF torque wrenches read the same as his $300 one.

 

[RTR]

I figured I would buy the Harbor Freight ICON (top tier brand) 1/2 in drive Digital torque wrench. I want a digital one. That thing was $380.00 !!! No way was I about to spend that much on a torque wrench from HARBOR FREIGHT and it not be any good! They had a Quinn model at around $170.00 but didn't want to waste my money on potential junk either. Asking here to see what would be good for occasional use on old tractors. Plan to use it for many years on fixing 8-10 tractors per year and using on other occasional stuff.

 

[wh]

If you want cheap here it is. Amazon is your friend. I bought a snap on years ago. NOT cheap. Have used it a few times. When I need it, I know it will work. The old saying you want cheap or good comes to mind.

 

[scootergmc]

That ICON tested very well if you trust the youtubers, but I understand the cost prohibition. Have you considered digital torque adapters? Those are cheaper some of those are very good as well.

 

[Hobo,NC]

I know this could be beating a dead horse, but I need a 1/2 inch drive torque wrench and I think I want a digital one because the click type are hard to read and set. I have a newer Crapsman 3/8 drive torque wrench that works ok, but want to get one of the best ones I can for hopefully under $250.00. I really need one that reads in inch lbs too so might be looking for a 1/4 inch drive one.

I have a few Mac digital they could not be more aggerating to remove/install the battery's. You do not want to leave the battery's in them and for that reason I normally just use a clicker.

 

[Fixingfarmer]

One thing I’ve liked is the Quinn torque adapter. I have plenty of half inch torque wrenches laying around to last me but I purchased a 3/4 inch one for doing truck and tractor lug nuts. We have had the thing for 5 years and been happy I’ve put batteries in it once. Reads easy lights up and buzzes. If you are one of those people who wants to read it to see what you just did though it does rotate with the nut so if you like to do that I’d spend the money on the torque wrench or you will get absolutely nothing done rotating the extension back where you can read it. I’m not one of those people.

I think now the half inch version you would be interested in is 44 dollars. I’ve had a lot of snap on things over the years and I was upset that the 3/4 inch EXPENSIVE snap on torque wrench (work purchased thank the lord it wasn’t mine) wouldn’t stay set over a whole rogator. It would always slip even after being sent in twice and I was unsure what to do when I changed jobs and needed something and wasn’t impressed with the previous best thing. It sure has worked out.

I probably won’t buy another torque wrench that’s digital I’ll stick to the old school ones I have several smaller snap on ones all over 15 years old couldn’t be happier with the small ones

I might however consider a half inch digital extension

 

[NDIHC]

DeWalt and Gearwrwench both make digital torque wrenches in the $200-$250 range. I have never used one and don't know anything about them but the price sounds reasonable. I have my Snap-On digital but they are over $500 used. I don't remember what I paid for mine new, but I think it was around $500 several years ago so they're probably $700-$800 by now. I had to have an angle torque wrench for torque to yield bolts at work. Those stupid little angle dials are a pita. I have click types and Torq-O-Meters too but like the digital better. They all have their place.

 

[Texasmark]

I know this could be beating a dead horse, but I need a 1/2 inch drive torque wrench and I think I want a digital one because the click type are hard to read and set. I have a newer Crapsman 3/8 drive torque wrench that works ok, but want to get one of the best ones I can for hopefully under $250.00. I really need one that reads in inch lbs too so might be looking for a 1/4 inch drive one.

I like the "old school" rod indicating type because I can see where the torque is going as I get to my destination. I also have a snapper but seldom use it because I never know if it's going to snap when it supposed to. Having broken numerous bolts when learning my mechanicing skills....head bolts on a "Kaiser Henry J" to name one, I pay attention to the torque I'm applying any more.

 

[RTR]

I just don't understand why the click type are so hard to read. They are all made the same. You'd think someone would add a painted background to the numbers haha. That is the only reason for wanting digital.