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Made in USA or comparable torque 3/8" wrenches

Saxon

Saxon

Active member
Joined
Aug 19, 2012
Location
SF Bay
Moto(s)
L-twin & Triple
Any recommendations for a medium quality non Chinese/Taiwan torque wrench. I need it for the those smaller torque ranges like 8-30 ft lbs.

I found Precision and Wright tools, but they did not go low enough.

So far, this seems to be what I may order. I have emailed the manufacturer of this Ingersoll Rand (3/8" 7-35 ft lbs) to see where it is made. An AI search says Japan, but at $120, it seems low.
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I do have a 120 to 960 inch lbs from Taiwan, but for me it opens up errors in estimating the calculations between increments. But, thanks for bringing Klein up as a US made tool, I will remember them when my large torque needs replacing.
 
don't torque wrenches need to be recalibrated from time to time?
 
Precision Instruments are USA made and high quality. Clickers and dial type torque wrench’s are reasonably priced I think. If you want electronic digital they’re going to be expensive. CDI Torque products are my other go to and are now part of the Snap On family. Similar to Precision in products and pricing. The 200 inch pound was available in both 1/4” & 3/8” drive. With the Snap On low clearance sockets and the 1/4” drive you can get in some pretty tight locations like valve cover bolts right up next to frame rails. My first clicker from Snap On is still going strong after 50 years.
 
Wera tools are gaining popularity in the US and are very high quality. The Click-Torque B1 is probably the size you'd want. I have the A5 for bicycle work and it's great. My Armstrong torque wrench is made in the US. The Wera is better and made in Taiwan. It might be out of your price range though.

 
For home use I have the SnapOn TECH2FR100 3/8" dr/ 5-100 ft lb electric tq wrench.
Yes it's pricey ( $635.00), BUT.....
That's a lot of range for one tq wrench
It's worked fine for around 15 years..so far
Think of it like this: every time you give money to Taiwan it pisses off China (I don't know where the tool is made)
I enjoy it EVERY TIME I use it
(Note: take the batteries out every time you put it away ;) )

FWIW
 
Hi, my name is Sam and I'm a tool whore! ("Hi Sam" says the group :ROFLMAO: ). I also sell Snap On Tools (not a franchise owner, and employee of one) and have a the 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" ATECH series. They have changed and increased their torque range (wispering voice......"and price") from a few comments above. I absolutely love the ease of use with these but they demand a substantial price. CDI, maker of many different lines of torque wrenches, was purchased by Snap On many years ago.

I completely agree with @planegray about removing the batteries after each use. I have no desire to have batteries corrode inside of the tool and then be charged a flat rate repair.

Now that's out of the way.....have you heard of a bending beam torque wrench? This is not a US made company but one I've seriously considered buying um because as I said above, I'm a tool whore. It is not inexpensive but it take no batteries and I believe it will remain accurate essentially indefinitely.

Sam

 
Fortunately I bought a Craftsman 200 in-lb clicker torque wrench before Sears sold it off and they started to cut corners. I also have a cheap beam torque wrench (close enough) that I only use for the big bolts like the front sprocket or rear axle, etc. Here is a hot tip for cheap, quality tools -- if you see an estate sale pop in and take look. It is a great source for tools and kitchen items, mostly built back when such things were quality and lasted a long time. It is also a great source for 10mm or 12mm sockets and wrenches for 1$/ea that randomly vanish from my tool kit like socks in the dryer.
 
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Beware anything, regardless of vendor, with a digital display.

The time will come that the display no longer works and if, like my 1/2" snapon unit, it's old enough that there are no parts available to repair it anymore, you're hosed. Fortunately I can still read the display enough to set the wrench and it functions perfectly otherwise but I know the day will come when that display completely dies and I'll have to buy another wrench from someone.... Or I'll just go to the full manual, also SO, clicker that stepped in while the digital was with SO for a couple months while they figired out they can't fix it.

Harbor freight has a lifetime warranty on hand tools. Even torque wrenches. I asked about that specifically.

Sincerely
-auntieB.... Kicking the can down the road
 
Thanks for all the recommendations and advice.

I settled on that Ingersoll Rand with a usable 7-35 ft lbs. I ordered directly from the manufacturer, but it still came my way via a dealer. $10 cheaper at the dealer's site, but I don't know them from Dick or Tom.

Feels, moves and smells like quality. Made in Taiwan, but reasonable at $115. With the small head and about 15.5" length, I can get into tight places. I am not too keen on the plastic lock collar, but it does have a lifetime warranty or service/parts will likely be available.

I was impressed by their test doc that showed 4 repeated measures to meet specs.


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stangmx13 said:
Wera tools are gaining popularity in the US and are very high quality. The Click-Torque B1 is probably the size you'd want. I have the A5 for bicycle work and it's great. My Armstrong torque wrench is made in the US. The Wera is better and made in Taiwan. It might be out of your price range though.

Click to expand...
I belive Wera are all made in Germany/Czech republic no?
 
Also Stuff coming out of Taiwan is really good. China can be hit or miss it really depends on the manufacturer and their QC. I would trust IR. They make good stuff
 
The box might have been made in Taiwan but the tools themselves are made in Germany/CZ. I would bet $5.
 
Wish it was made in Europe, but company said tool is manufactured Taiwan.
 
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