Help me pick a 3/8” torque wrench

[iCurious]

Mostly will be using it for torquing spark plugs, upper intake manifold bolts, valve cover and other low torque applications.

I am currently eyeing these:

• AC Delco Digital Torque Wrench
• eTORK Digital Torque Wrench
• eTORK Clicker Type Torque Wrench

Which should I get and why?

 

[Lubener]

I would get the AC Delco. Its calibration accuracy is certified.

 

[DemoFly]

Torque wrenches are accurate halfway between their torque range. They have acceptable tolerances at the low and high. For anything specced lower than 20ftlbs I’m using an inch-pound torque wrench. The delco you chose is what looks like an inch pound in disguise. It just does the simple conversion for you.

These are what I would buy
https://ebay.us/m/pY8ZPl
https://ebay.us/m/UlIurD

 

[RooflessVW]

Torque wrenches are accurate halfway between their torque range. They have acceptable tolerances at the low and high. For anything specced lower than 20ftlbs I’m using an inch-pound torque wrench. The delco you chose is what looks like an inch pound in disguise. It just does the simple conversion for you.

These are what I would buy
https://ebay.us/m/pY8ZPl
https://ebay.us/m/UlIurD

Agreed. I'd always rather have a used quality tool.

 

[jadmt]

I have had great luck with Tekton torque wrenches. always have been certified and they will recert them as well.
https://www.tekton.com/

 

[The Critic]

Mostly will be using it for torquing spark plugs, upper intake manifold bolts, valve cover and other low torque applications.

I am currently eyeing these:

• AC Delco Digital Torque Wrench
• eTORK Digital Torque Wrench
• eTORK Clicker Type Torque Wrench

Which should I get and why?

As the others have stated you need a torque wrench with an appropriate range for your application. Most torque wrenches are only accurate from 20 to 100% of their advertised range. The Precision Instruments 10-50 ft lb torque wrench is an excellent choice for someone wanting a 3/8" drive torque wrench and will be torquing a lot of fasteners in the 15-30 ft lb range.

https://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.c...I_dOCxEEs-mLlj6I_YpGB05G1k5h2syMXPznVgXB6I7Vl

 

[iCurious]

Thank you all for the responses. Now it's just a matter of choosing the right one.

 

[Nessism1]

As the others have stated you need a torque wrench with an appropriate range for your application. Most torque wrenches are only accurate from 20 to 100% of their advertised range. The Precision Instruments 10-50 ft lb torque wrench is an excellent choice for someone wanting a 3/8" drive torque wrench and will be torquing a lot of fasteners in the 15-30 ft lb range.

https://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.c...I_dOCxEEs-mLlj6I_YpGB05G1k5h2syMXPznVgXB6I7Vl

I have this unit.

 

[DCDG]

Are you only looking into digital? The Delco is nice..just throwing this out there

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in...fessional-split-beam-torque-wrench-59108.html

Recently got this off woot.

https://www.amazon.com/HERONIX-6-8-...78965421&sprefix=Heronix+,aps,701&sr=8-1&th=1

 

[iCurious]

Doesn't have to be digital but at least accurate for low torque applications.

 

[tblt44]

I think a harbor freight wrench is good enough

 

[Trav]

Look for one from Norbar, they cost a bit more but are accurate through the whole range and the only torque tools to use the UKAS certification which is a very strict standard.

​

 

[DCDG]

The Heronix brand came with a calibration certificate I compared both the 3/8 & 1/2" to the HF basic torque wrenches that are 10+ years old both brands back to back DOBA.

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

I've had great luck with Husky for home use. I wouldn't trust it in a shop with a plastic handle but it holds it's accuracy over the years.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

The Heronix brand came with a calibration certificate I compared both the 3/8 & 1/2" to the HF basic torque wrenches that are 10+ years old both brands back to back DOBA.

It's an industry term. Miss Mona Lisa Vito.

 

[doitmyself]

Choices! We have no idea what the OP wants to spend nor his spending tendencies. Frugal or "buy once, cry once"? Buying a used one requires the same diligence buying a used vehicle. Buyer beware.

Now a days, when I'm buying a tool for myself (vs. workplace) that won't be used often, I try to find the middle ground.

In this case, I would favor a tool that is at least sold by a tool company/manufacturer that has it's credibility on the line. The AC Delco wrench is probably analogous to a bicycle sold at Walmart with a Schwinn tag on it. The etork listed by the OP has an impressive pedigree (JS Technology), but little presence/support other than its website. IMO, Tekton would meet my definition: better than the no-name cheapies but not Snap On, Precision Instruments, Norbar level. Just my opinion.

Let us know what you choose ICurious. To torture yourself, study the Garage Journal forum, the OCD tool forum equivalent of BITOG. I have Precision Instruments Split Beams in my tool box (buy once, cry once) - great deals were available years ago.

 

[drtyler]

I have been using the eTork clicker that you have linked. It seems to be a good one. Just make sure the range works for your needs.

 

[jghall00]

I have Harbor Freight ones in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. Never had fasteners fail due to wrong torque yet. I think there's a reasonable error margin on many commonly used fasteners. If you're not doing precision work I'm sure many brands are good enough.

 

[odie]

Harbor Freight ICON TW2-100 Professional Split Beam . It's now $99.99 at Harbor Freight . Very easy to set and has loud click . May also have extra savings at their site .

 

[TimeFlies]

I know it's not on your list, but I have 6 Lexivon torque wrenches, and they are just as good as my Mac, and Snap On ones, at a fraction of the price. Buy a calibration meter to, and occasionally check all your torque wrenches.