Recommend 1/4" torque wrench

[RooflessVW]

Oh, I agree completely. If I saw something like, say a 5-50 inch-lb torque wrench I'd buy it as fast as I could pull out my CC. I'm sure such a tool exists, I've just never seen one.

Similar situation exists here at work. A common apparatus we use measures soil strength from 0 to 9000 PSF..... But on the occasions where we need it the most - when marginal (soft) soils are encountered - are at the extreme low range of the scale where it is the least accurate and the most likely to suffer calibration variables from instrument to instrument. I'd like to have a more-accurate instrument that only measures 0 to maybe 3000 or so.

I have a Proto 10-50 clicker, a CDI 5-40 screwdriver, and a Proto 0-35 dial.

 

[JWC86]

I see a lot of guys recommending the Tekton 1/4 and I just want to give a warning, I had 3 of them, all of them I had to get warrantied, the ratchet mech failed on all of them, I can assure you I wasn’t abusing them, I think they have a poor design or something. I’m not a Tekton hater, I have lots of Tekton stuff and in general I’m a fan but I would stay away from the 1/4 torque wrench.

After the 3rd failure I found a used tech angle and never looked back.

 

[Trav]

the typical user for SO stuff is a professional tech that can deduct tool cost on taxes. Accordingly, they can greatly reduce their cost and get great/best tools. And SO pockets the huge profits.

That is not quite accurate info. I spent a lot one year on equipment, it didn't save me that much on taxes. It is best to consult a CPA before counting on savings from deductions. You can deduct any tool purchases not just Snap on.

Is it worth claiming tools on taxes?


You can fully deduct small tools with a useful life of less than one year. Deduct them the year you buy them. However, if the tools have a useful life of more than one year, you must depreciate them. You can usually depreciate tools over a seven-year recovery period or use the Section 179 expense deduction

 

[willbur]

That is not quite accurate info. I spent a lot one year on equipment, it didn't save me that much on taxes. It is best to consult a CPA before counting on savings from deductions. You can deduct any tool purchases not just Snap on.

You know tools- Thank you. In general the tax reduction applies to most and the benefits are substantial, according to CPAs I consult. Regarding it applies to all tools, that is true but why get a reduction on easily bought inexpensive tools rather on very expensive and best(IMO) like SO. It has great resale benefits, too, last forever and just work better, esp in tight places. If I can get them at great prices, why bother with something else
Depreciation is another way to cut tool costs and works for all your equipment, like trucks

 

[Nessism1]

I'm a big fan of Precision Instruments torque wrenches. They used to make many different torque wrenches for Snap-On, and most of mine are so labeled. I've got a couple different split-beam type larger wrenches, and two smaller dial type. These are real deal industrial tools, and you can send them back for calibration and/or repair as needed.

For lower torque ranges, they steer you to a dial unit. These are very accurate, but require you to watch the dial during use. They are also not tolerant of sticky fasteners. I once broke a small internal part while torquing a motorcycle cylinder head, when the nut "snapped" while loosening. Lesson learned. Good news, they fixed and calibrated for a reasonable price, so I'm good again.

 

[The_Eric]

I see a lot of guys recommending the Tekton 1/4 and I just want to give a warning, I had 3 of them, all of them I had to get warrantied, the ratchet mech failed on all of them, I can assure you I wasn’t abusing them, I think they have a poor design or something. I’m not a Tekton hater, I have lots of Tekton stuff and in general I’m a fan but I would stay away from the 1/4 torque wrench.

After the 3rd failure I found a used tech angle and never looked back.

How did they fail? Did they strip out or stop ratcheting? Many are shipped virtually dry.. I know I've had several ratchets that only needed a little lube to make them run again.

 

[crashz]

I really like the 1/4" and the 3/8" from eTork as recommended by Trav. Thanks for the recommendations. Actually I bought the 1/4" one on Slamazon just now and was very tempted to buy the 3/8" digital wrench as well. Had to get coffee first though!

 

[JWC86]

How did they fail? Did they strip out or stop ratcheting? Many are shipped virtually dry.. I know I've had several ratchets that only needed a little lube to make them run again.

Stripped out. Wouldn’t hold when tightening. Happened at less than half the top rated value.

 

[crashz]

Quick update: In my head cold haze I didn't realize that I ordered the 1/4" click style and 3/8" digital directly from eTork. They came in yesterday. I opened them up and am quite impressed by the initial look. So if my father wants the other 1/4" wrench that I ordered from Slamazon, I'll give it to him. Can't wait to try them out.