Had to decide between Snap-on and Harbor Freight for a torque wrench last week

I mean, I needed a new 3/8 torque wrench for some panel work on a 737 and I was stuck between a Snap-on at $400 or a Pittsburgh from Harbor Freight for $60. I went with the Pittsburgh just to see if it would hold up for light use. So far after about 15 cycles on flap tracks it's still clicking right at 80 inch-pounds when I check it on the tester. Not sure if I'd trust it for engine work though. Has anyone else tried the cheap ones for non-critical stuff?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_rose25d ago

Still clicking right at 80 inch-pounds when I check it on the tester" - but how many cycles before it drifts? I've heard those cheaper ones lose calibration after like 50 clicks. You gonna just treat it as disposable and buy another one when it fails?

andrew91625d agoMost Upvoted

Buddy of mine bought one of those cheap click-type torque wrenches from a auto parts store. Lasted maybe 60 clicks before it started clicking at random points between 70 and 90 inch-pounds on his tester. He just threw it in the trash and got a split beam instead.