Hazard Fright Tools

[Shovelrick]

The new Remflex header flange gaskets (Very Nice IMHO) call for 20 ft lbs for proper seal so since I don’t use a torque wrench much and my trade a standard TW isn’t needed so read some reviews and thought “Why not” this was probably 10ish yrs ago so bought 1/4”, 3/8” & 1/2” Pittsburg TW’s but other than wiping them off haven’t done anything but today under the car the 3/8” TW fell apart luckily no busted knuckles and IF I can find the other screw I’ll put it back together or maybe buy one of the Icon brand 3/8” TW, anyone have an Icon torque wrench and if so do you like it?

 

[cheveslakr]

Or just demote it to a hammer. A few years back I broke down and bought a used 3/8 snapon tw then took it to my machinist who calibrated it, was only max 2 ft. lbs off. Great tool.

 

[Shovelrick]

I was thinking about buying used but was concerned about accuracy, guess I could do that then take it somewhere to get checked out, maybe something the engine builder/machinist I know could do that or at least know who could

 

[Nashville Cat]

I was thinking about buying used but was concerned about accuracy, guess I could do that then take it somewhere to get checked out, maybe something the engine builder/machinist I know could do that or at least know who could

The 3/8" torque wrench will do 95% of an engine build. It stops at 100 ft-lbs and the mains are 110 on a BBC.
I bought a 3/8 click type from Home Depot.
The click types will lose their calibration unless you back the spring off completely when you store it.
That's why I'd never buy a used one.
I bought a Husky but this Kobalt is the same thing

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-3-8-in-Drive-Click-Torque-Wrench-20-ft-lb-to-100-ft-lb/5001994699

 

[Shovelrick]

The 3/8" torque wrench will do 95% of an engine build. It stops at 100 ft-lbs and the mains are 110 on a BBC.
I bought a 3/8 click type from Home Depot.
The click types will lose their calibration unless you back the spring off completely when you store it.
That's why I'd never buy a used one.
I bought a Husky but this Kobalt is the same thing

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-3-8-in-Drive-Click-Torque-Wrench-20-ft-lb-to-100-ft-lb/5001994699

I used the HF 1/2” TW when I put the Brodix heads on and Melling oil pump but had the engine builder check the heads for torque and he assembled the rotating assb, checked my cam install for end play and button it up, I’m going to shop around for a good used 3/8” TW

 

[Shaner]

Most snap on trucks have a tw tester. If you're good with the snap on guy you may be able to have any torque wrench checked.

Pay attention to auctions, yard sales. I just bought two snap on tw at an auction for $10 each.

I also heard a rumor that the snap on digital tw are always off a couple pounds but idk how true that is.

All tw, imo, should be backed down to zero while stored.

 

[Alwhite00]

I have used these with good results.

3/8 in. Drive 5.9-59 ft. lb. Digital Torque Adapter

Amazing deals on this 3/8In Drive Digital Torque Adapter at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Nashville Cat]

The spring-type "click" torque wrenches are accurate and cheap. But I would NEVER buy a used one.
You must back the spring tension off all the way after using them or they lose their calibration.
Buy a new one and take care of it; always store it in it's container.

 

[JohnC]

I used to be active on GarageJournal. As far as I know they are the world’s foremost authorities on tool polishing.
There used to be people on there who claimed to have had HF torque wrenches tested and they were more accurate than Snap On. That claim should be taken with a grain of salt.

HF tools is a great topic in general. I used to be half amazing that they weren’t sued into non existence because their tools were so crude that there was an extra level of danger in using them.

They are vastly improved however and I give them a look frequently. With that improved quality however, they are often no longer a bargain.

For example their Cen-Tech battery maintainer is like $29, but the Schumacher version is $31.
I bought their Haul Master 2 inch drop hitch rated for 4000#, but later took it back because another local store had a Curt rated at 5000# for essentially the same price.

 

[Shovelrick]

In the mid 2000's I carried some Pittsburg wrenches in the saddlebags of my Harley thinking if someone reached into them in a parking lot and stole them I'm not out much, I was adjusting the chain in my garage 1 day and kneeling on the floor so instead of getting up, going to the toolbox for a good wrench I reached into the saddlebag and got a PB 9/16th open/boxed end wrench, while getting the chain where I wanted I was just snugging down the adjuster nut then was going to flip it over and use the boxed end one jaw broke and whizzed by my head & eye area now I have US made from Flea Market/Garage Sale wrenches in the bags now, I have seen they're made better now than 20 yrs ago

 

[77cruiser]

The tools they used to sell reminded me of the tools you get to put kids toys together.

 

[Chevelle_Nut]

I buy cheap HoBo Freight tools for kits and to replace some tools. Auctions are a great place for tools, that is where I have been buying mine.

 

[Shovelrick]

They’ve closed down the 3 local Flea Markets we had here to build condos, Oldsmar (home of the guy that started Oldsmobile) Flea market is still around, I’m thinking I’ll hit some Yard/Garage sales this coming weekend and see what I can find

 

[SSuperDave]

If its a tool that I want but rarely use, I get it there. Like an impact screwdriver, the one you hit on the end with a hammer and it pivots, or a pitman arm puller. Regular use stuff is mostly Craftsman, but have some odds and ends from one of the tool trucks at thew dealership if they were there the day I needed something