[Shotimes] (OT) Harbor Freight 1/2" Torque Wrench for $9.99

[Alan Fanning]

One thing to check is whether the stated accuracy is at any setting (over
some range like 20%-100% of rated) or X% of rated. In the latter case, if
you have accuracy of, say, 4% of rated torque over the whole range, that
means at 20 ft-lbs you might get 16 ft-lbs or 24 ft-lbs and still be within
the rating. For that reason, I think you'll find that the accuracy of most
torque wrenches is higher at the top end of the peak torque rating and lower
at the bottom end. I would not recommend using a torque wrench below about
20% of it's peak rating if you really care what torque you're getting.

I had one of those 3/8'ths drive Craftsman, click-type, torque wrenches that
only clicked when it felt like it at the lower settings. A real POS that
could ruin your day in a hurry.

    Alan

> Message: 8
> From: "Ron Porter" <ronporter@prodigy.net>
> To: <shotimes@autox.team.net>
> Subject: RE: [Shotimes] (OT) Harbor Freight 1/2" Torque Wrench for $9.99
> Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2004 15:23:26 -0500
> 
> They claim calibration of +/- 4%, and IIRC from the LONG torque wrench
> discussion on the 911 list, these are quite accurate when new (as are most
> TWs).
> 
> One tip was to always set it back to the lowest setting when storing, and
> obviously don't use it as a hammer!!
> 
> OTOH, I wouldn't use this one to assemble a blueprinted race engine! 99% of
> my TW usage is for lug nuts, and 100 lbs/ft is right in the middle of this
> wrench's range, which should leave it calibrated finely enough for that
> task.
> 
> As I understand, the loss of calibration occurs at either extreme of the
> wrenches operating ranges.
> 
> Ron Porter