Club 80-90 Forums

Have you got got a goodun? After my recent experience with a crap one I would like to get some good and bad experiences along with what you paid and where from for the wiki. ta.
Bob

I have one of these after snapping bolts when my clicky one failed to click...


Draper 34487 1/2-Inch Square Drive 0-21 kg/m A-Type Torque Wrench https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0001K9T24/ ... 6P?ie=UTF8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Why have complication when you can have simplicity?

Norbar are one of the best also sold as Halfords professional. Used mine for over 40 years and they are still accurate, bonus they are made in England. Britool classic are very good also.

Britool for me too. And again; had mine for about 40 years! How do you check/calibrate them? (Apart from feeling the threads go before you hear the 'click')

I used to repair and calibrate all makes. Go for Norbar or their wrenches branded with many other names. Its all about spares, Norbar spares are easily obtainable, some others are impossible. Dont bother with digital ones, and dont pay for designer makes. Look after it, unwind it when not in use and it will last for years.

Went for a teng one as I was over a barrel and needed one quick. It looks the part, and didn't snap the heads off which after the week I've had was well worth the extra! How do they get calibrated by the way? Is there any way to do it at home without a reference wrench?

Not properly. I used a Norbar Digital torque wrench analyser, which itself has to be calibrated annually to a BS standard. Its all "Balls" really. It was a good earner though. Often I would calibrate 50+ wrenches in a morning. Have s look to see how much some companies charge.

Had two Norbar wrenches for almost 40 years now.

To calibrate I suppose you could check by hanging a known weight at a set radius, foot/pounds, kilogram/meters etc.

Halfords pro stuff has a good name generally. Mine are cheaper stuff though, machine mart IIRC. I seem to remember researching this a while back (before I bought mine) and while some are inherently more accurate than others, the other variables such as surface finish, lubrication etc introduce a tolerance that is greater than that of the wrench. I also seem to remember that an experienced hand was surprisingly good at judging correct torque as well. Bri

Looking to get a torque wrench asap and this thread is very helpful re which makes to go for.

To help on my search, what is the required range needed?

I don't think one will cover everything. I've got a 1/2" one for hefty stuff and a small one (pretty sure it is 3/8, but could be 1/4) for lighter stuff. Not used the small one much on the van yet, I remember using it when building bikes, but there are sure to be some places on the van where a delicate touch is required (sump plug, spark plugs etc).