I have three of the Craftsman clicky ones (small/medium/large) and they've worked out well thus far. The 1/2" is the 25-250 ft-lb version. I'm not sure exactly how accurate it is, but it seems fairly consistent. As long as they are stored properly, they should work out well.
I have had the Harbor Freight wrenches, and they just fell apart on me. They also felt way off. Sometimes it would click, sometimes it wouldn't. I hated it.
I have had the Harbor Freight wrenches, and they just fell apart on me. They also felt way off. Sometimes it would click, sometimes it wouldn't. I hated it.
I also have the husky one and I was quite impressed with the build quality and craftsmanship.
You can get the Craftsman digital for $101 (with 15% off coupon when ordered online) plus $9 for the case, but it doesn't have the greatest of reviews
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more
Actually just looked at my Husky. I can't find any "Made In" markings on it, just a US Patent # and a serial #. There might be something on the original packaging but I threw that out.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
I do really like the Husky tools. It's probably at least as safe a bet as the Sears one. Half the parts of our cars are foreign-made, so I wouldn't be worried about a Chinese made torque wrench. Chinese factories build to any spec provided to them. You could bet Husky has a pretty tight spec and Harbor Freight does not. In either case, I'd bet the design is about identical to the Craftsman.
My 1/4" and 3/8" drive torque wrenches are Harbor Freight units because I needed them once and didn't want to spend much money. My 1/2" drive is a Husky and if I need to buy a new 1/4" or 3/8" it will be a Husky too. It is well built and I really like the way the handle unlocks with an easy to use spring collar that you hold down while twisting the handle. It also supposedly comes from manufacturer with a +- 4% calibration and can be sent in (to like Virginia or something) for calibration free within the first 90 days if it's off and any time after that for a small fee.
I have a nice MAC dial gauge and a larger Craftsman Professional Digital that beeps, very nice and I've had them checked for accuracy.
I had a cheap Ampro (Advance Auto brand) 1/2" that I used at the track for my rims. I brought that in when we did a calibration check and it was closer then my old standard click Craftsman for accuracy....surprised me.
I had a cheap Ampro (Advance Auto brand) 1/2" that I used at the track for my rims. I brought that in when we did a calibration check and it was closer then my old standard click Craftsman for accuracy....surprised me.