RT

remember, you don't need the "best" you just need good enough to do the job properly.
BTW, I've got some S-K stuff thats not as nice as Craftsman stuff

spider

I recently bought a Craftsman torque wrench and other tools. When I was at the checkout counter, I was told everything has a lifetime warranty except the torque wrench because it needs recalibration as often as once a year and that isn't covered under warranty. I ended up returning the torque wrench and went with Husky which has a 10-100 ft-lb model, whereas Craftsman's only 10-75 ft-lb. I get to tighten the oil drain bolt (29 ft-lb) and lug nuts (80 ft-lb) with one torque wrench.


/Rog

MacGyver

Roger,

While Sears doesn't offer a lifetime warantee on their torque wrenches, here's what they DO offer:

90 days - repair due to defect in material or workmanship and/or calibration.

1 year - repair due to defect in material or workmanship (no recalibration).

However, if a torque wrench is used properly, it needs to be checked/calibrated infrequently (Sears suggests every 5,000 torque applications if used in an assembly-line fashion). You can return it to Sears for recalibration (for a nominal fee).

My Craftsman has a range of 20-150 ft-lbs., so more than enough range for everyday use, including lug nuts. Cost, $100, and I think they offer 3 or 4 models of varying ranges.

Note to users...you should return the setting to it's lowest point when the wrench is being stored to avoid overly stressing the internal components.

kster

Good point. And based on all the helpful, favorable replies of Craftsman, I'll be heading down to Sears.

spider

Don't get me wrong. I always go to Sears to buy tools. Only if I can't find what I like there, I would go elsewhere. I needed a 3/8" torque wrench that can do both drain plug and lug nuts. I can't find one at Sears. The 20-150 ft-lb one is a 1/2" if I remember correctly. Plus, it is way too long to torque the drain plug with because my car has an X-brace. I have to jack up the car extra high just to use the torque wrench. So, the shorter the wrench, the better, in this case.

pfb

[QUOTE]Originally posted by josh3io
[B]...and brake line (specific name slips my mind) wrenches

pfb

Snap-on makes some nice stuff, but IMHO, the prices aren't just expensive, they're astronomical! And unless you work in a garage, it's kind of a pain to meet up with the Snap-on guy driving around in his $400,000 truck.

I am constantly amazed at how much junior mechanics dump from their paycheck into snap-on tools. It's almost like indentured servitude with the huge credit debt they run up with Snap-on.I guess they got to pay for that truck somehow

But I must admit, I have a Snap-on flex head 3/8" ratchet that I use constantly, and it just feels better and works better than the cheaper Craftsman ratchet I use as a spare. I often check a pawn shop I might run across for used Snap-on tools at reasonable prices, but it's usually complete sets they want a fortune for or odd-ball stuff that other folks have passed on. Much more used Snap-on SAE tools than Metric as well

Penforhire

If you want Snap-On quality but don't want to cough up THAT much $$, check out the Proto brand. While I agree 100% with the recommended Craftsman lifetime replacement warranty (and I've seen tools replaced again and again) there's a few jobs I won't trust my skin to a wrench that MAY break. I haven't had ANY trouble with Proto wrenches.

jschmidt

Proto is good too. They're at Lowes now.

Snap-On is an interesting company. Their most common tools are astronomical (and the comment about indentured servitude is true). Recently, I went to thier website, though, and I was surprised at some of the prices for less common tools. They were pretty reasonable. And they're a sure bet if you don't want to have to be concerned about quality. I don't think they sell a bad tool.

Common wrenches and wrench sets? I don't think there is any way to justify the price (unless you need credit) even for a pro.

They're always at the swap meet too.

Jaykkub

I've been thinking about picking up some tools to have as my own...since my brother in law is a car nut he's got all types of tools. But searching through his things for the right tools can be a pain...I may pick up a few things just to get a couple of jobs done that I do often. Sounds like Sears is the best place to go.

Jaykkub