Best Torque Wrench? $450 Snap On vs Craftsman, ICON, Kobalt, DeWalt, SK Tools, Proto, Wera
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- čas přidán 14. 06. 2024
- 10 Wrenches Tested: Snap On, Wera, Craftsman, Kobalt, ICON, DeWalt SK Hand Tool, Proto Tools, Performance Tool, Lexivon, and a vintage Craftsman. Torque wrenches tested for initial accuracy when new at 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 foot pounds. Wrenches then tested at 50, 150, and 250 foot pounds in the counterclockwise direction. Subsequently, the wrenches were cycled 1,000 times at 100 foot pounds and then tested again for accuracy. My goal is to ALWAYS provide accurate and honest test results by avoiding outside pressure from manufacturers. To do this, I ALWAYS buy all of the products that I test along with the test equipment and supplies used for the testing. So, thank you very much for helping me achieve this goal by your support of the channel.
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This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC - Jak na to + styl
For those who don’t know. ALWAYS store your torque wrench on the lowest torque setting. It decompresses the spring so that it remains in spec for much longer.
Thanks for the feedback.
nope
Oh don’t worry I got the HF $20 pos one. It comes compressed and uncalibrated for you
@@Mike-we3rb LOL 😂
This is a myth.
As a auto technician that was required to torque every wheel that came in the shop, my Snap On torque wrench after over 42 years of service, was only .01 lbs off when I retired. (They checked calibration every month for the last 15 years)
Thanks for sharing.
I agree Bobby, my Snap-on TQ250 no letter on end is old and still accurate too 1% , I check every now and then on Snap-on truck , Snap-on for the win 🔧🔧🔧🔧🔧
They checked calibration each month but didn't have to recalibrate?
@@n3tfury That is correct
@@bobbyjohnston937so the wrench did not need recalibration after how many cycles?
You really tested multiple torque wrench's thousands of times just for us. Thank you for what you do. I come here every time I'm thinking about buying a new tool. I will definitely recommend your channel to friends.
Thanks so much!
Me To, 2023 Year Of Some New TooLs➕ KnowLedgeS✔️, Lol, + a WhoLe Lot Of PoLishing my Cook'n SkilLs.
Well said!
I retired as a mechanic. The difference between 50 and 52 ft lb is really insignificant in my opinion. Things like how clean the threads are, if anti-seize or Loctite is used, will have a greater impact. So one really is shopping for convenience of use, (arc swing, handle length, head size). Working with high torque items like crankshaft bolts would have me pick the longer handle over all other features.. For smaller bolts an inch lb wrench is typically used, (water pumps, valve covers etc). A test of these would be helpful. Accuracy here would be much more important. It is so much easier to strip out a 1/4" hole than a 1/2 "
Great review.
I second that request for a comparison of lb-in wrenches 👍 It would be a great companion video. I have a CDI 1/4" drive wrench and it would be interesting to see if it's accurate (it seems to be)
@@opieshomeshop
Did you not read OP’s entire post or did it really trigger you that someone other than yourself was a mechanic?
He said he was a mechanic, not a clean room scientist. The variance of the torque readings can be much, much greater when actual field conditions are taken into account. Therefore, when buying a tool, he prioritizes the factors that are actually significant to the work being performed. Sounds pretty intelligent to me.
If he were to assemble the occasional F1 engine in between brake jobs, he best not be reaching for Ole Trusty used every day on rusted lugs nuts. No, selecting the right tool for the application is definitely sound advice.
@@opieshomeshop the difference is insignificant if you torque all the bolts to the same value, so repeatibly torquing to 52 is better then some bolts getting 49 and some getting 51, but I would argue that even that is close enough
@@opieshomeshop
You can argue all you want, I am a certified airplane mechanic, and jet engine certified, and I have tools with much better tolerances, but your headbolts in your LS engine does not care about 2 ft lb as long as they all are the same torque.
@@someoneelse7629 @Opies Home Shop
Kids... stop fighting or you're both grounded. Nobody is questioning either of you on your knowledge, skill, experience, dick size, or 'back-in-my-day-things-were-tough" composite score. Now, say your sorry and go play nice or the next time I have to break you up it'll be discipline, understand? (sighs... -_-)
WHOO HOO! I was waiting for this one ! Thanks for all your effort... That many clicks in one day would make me crazy !!
Hi Warped Perception, thank you very much! By the way, your video on adding 3 jet engines to your Tesla--AMAZING!
@@ProjectFarm thanks!! not as amazing as this test tho, I am beyond ecstatic that you actually included Craftsman in this test, the whole reason I requested this one was because I had just bought two brand new craftsman torque wrenches from a sears store that was closing!
That's one way to get 11,000 more clicks in one day I guess.
Crazy or crazier?!?
But that the filming was likely done during NNN... Coincidence? I think not.
...got a good one brewing for xmas? Eh? Whatcha working on? Electric go-kart? Pulse-jet? Cold fission? 😁
I was a calibration technician [Instrumentman] for the US Navy and calibrated thousands of torque wrenches. When checking for accuracy, we never used the bottom or top 10% of the tools range. Calibration certification was for the median 80% and tools should be chosen appropriately for the torque you are seeking. Another observation I made in that job was that snap-action torque wrenches often needed an adjustment to bring within +/-4% tolerance of that 80% median. While deflecting beam torque wrenches, that many people consider the 'cheap junk' wrenches were nearly always accurately calibrated. While there is no adjustment if they are out, I think I may have failed and scrapped one in my time in service. Seeing how you are checking these torque wrenches at 50 ft/lbs, which is at the bottom of it's stated 50-250 ft/lbs, I suggest checking them in that median 80% range and comparing scores again. PS: later in the video you covered the other ranges you tested...What are the accuracy comparisons if you throw out the 50 & 250 ft/lb measurement results?
Totally agree with what you're saying, but to a normal consumer, if it's inaccurate in the upper and lower parts of its range, then why are those areas included in the advertised range? If it's advertised as having a range of 50-250 ft/lbs +/- 4%, it should be +/- 4% across the whole range. If not, it should be advertised as whatever range it is accurate for, otherwise it's a bit misleading. What you're basically saying is that if you need to torque something to 50 ft/lbs, you can't use a 50-250 ft/lbs wrench because it won't be accurate, which to me means the tool is labelled incorrectly.
@@Berkeloid0 I can't deny that logic. If I had not had the training I did from the Navy, I'd never have known of this issue either. Nor know to choose a torque wrench suitable for the range of the fastener I'm needing to torque.
@@72SeaHag I can't remember where I initially learned it but I've followed basically what you're saying for over 20 years. They are usually most accurate in the middle to upper end of their range in my experience.
Yeah, as an auto mechanic I learned a hard lesson about click style vs deflection style torque wrenches a while back. I had a clicker that had been lying to me for who knows how long. It was off by like 15ft-lbs! After that I bought a deflection type torque wrench and never looked back. From time to time I calibrate it using a vice, precisely measured amounts of water ( for exact weight ) and a pen to correct the label that the needle points at.
I worked in a place where torquing was sacred and as Clayton noted the usable range of the wrench was limited. The Cal Lab would put a sticker on each wrench stating its usable range. We were also required to return the wrench to the storage setting which was 10% of its range at the end of the day or when returning to the toolroom. A 50-250lb/ft wrench would be set to 70 for storage. This was to put a slight tension on the spring. We were required to test each wrench on a *calibrated* torque tester before and after use. If a wrench failed calibration all the previous jobs it was used on were suspect and subject to having the torque checked.
I think the deviation on your initial tests coming right out of the box would have been tighter if you had exercised each of those wrenches for say 50 cycles at various settings.
I like how the 1000 round test really shows that the expensive wrenches actually do deliver extra value. Snap-On and Wera may be way pricier than the rest, but they also last far longer.
Thanks for sharing.
Maybe.
Waste your money. Plus or minus 10% is still perfectly fine for any car. In fact, its ok even for a fukin airplane.
Snap on doesnt make their own torque wrenches though. All the big name tool truck brands have theirs made by precision torque
@@mg8718for wheels? Sure, but for small components or engines? 10% inconsistency can lead to multiple issues. Long term especially.
But yeah I wouldn’t care at all about my wheels being torqued 10% off, as long as it’s not cross threaded.
Thanks Todd, Project Farm dude! You help so many of us discern between quality and junk on tools, which seems harder to navigate on reviews these days. Always consistent and scientifically sensible. I personally appreciate it.
You are welcome! Thanks for supporting the channel! I realy appreciate it!
I'm always amazed, not only by the time and effort dispensed on these videos, but also the amount of money spent on these tests. Thank you so much for all the trouble you have to provide acurate and unbiased test to us for free. This is really one of the absolute best channels on youtube
Believe me he's making way, way more than he spends on the tests.
Thank you!
@@michaellinner7772 as he should for providing this valuable service for his viewers
@@michaellinner7772 I hope so, because the information is invaluable.
@@michaellinner7772....and your point is?
Funny how brand names using words like "Superior, Performance, or Excell", tend to underperform, but in this case it improved a little with use. LOL Fantastic testing as always! Thank you
Dude it kills me that I always catch you in the same channels. BigClive, EEVBlog, here and so on. So cool!
Great point! I now avoid brands that make reference to "performance".
There's a company that has the name "superior" in front of oxygen on their sign, so I couldn't help myself. I told them I was joking, and that I suppose they think they are breathing better stuff than anyone else.😜
@@ProjectFarm wouldve liked to see Precision Instruments included as theyre one of the affordable US Made units and make wrenches for the "big brands"
Could the movement / deflection of the wooden bench have affected results?
"Inspected by: DUNG" was a pleasant surprise lol!
Good job! The thoroughness of your testing never ceases to amaze. Although not a sufficient sample size to be representative of each product I have purchased many of the products you have tested with similar results.
Yes. :29 made me laugh too. I have no doubt DUNG did his best job.
Dung is DA MAN!
That's true Crampmanship right there!!! There in the middle of the lawn of documentation.... a big pile of "Crampmansh!t!"!
I as a child watched as a weed grown up around junk tools and know the differences.... I won't be needing to purchasing many more tools in my trade but when Dung is around the weeds will be growing. Soon they will be in my shop asking for me to fix their car because they did it with Dung tools. (I don't wanna say you did it wrong.... most torque wrench will do it right.... but a tow truck is pretty cheap in comparison).
Calibrated by DUNG is all you need to know about the $45 wrench…
😂😂😂😂😂
Saw that too 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
FYI - There are requirements in some industries (including aerospace) that the torque wrench must be cycled at least 6 times at maximum torque before use. Essentially, some of the variance you were seeing in your initial 6 tests could be due to internal resistance within the tool after sitting static in shipping. The following is an excerpt from TO 32B14-3-1-101, para 6.3 that we use:
" Prior to the use of any torque device that has a breakaway feature (includes torque screwdrivers which may
have multiple break points as the handle is rotated 360 degrees), the torque device to be used must be cycled
through the breakaway torque as recommended in the manufacturer’s brochure. If the manufacturer’s brochure
is not available, set the torque device at the maximum setting and cycle through the breakaway torque at least
six times. This can be accomplished by (typical example) securing the square tang of the wrench in a smooth
jawed vise. This breakaway exercise can be performed at the beginning of a work shift or any time subsequent,
however, it is not required more than once each shift (normally eight hours) on the specific torque wrench or
wrenches to be used. The purpose of the breakaway procedure permits special internal lubricant to recoat
internal working parts, eliminating internal resistance to give the most accurate reading possible."
We actually have different drive size sockets welded to a metal bench in order to complete this calibration every time we check one out from our tool crib.
EDIT for comments - Please keep in mind that these results should still be representative of the tool's quality (in some ratio of the results published here). This information does not negate the results found (like some silver bullet as if this were an argument), it merely makes it more impressive that these manufacturer's torque wrenches can still be fairly precise, even when not internally lubricated. I would bet that the data curve would still reflect the results found in this video, even after performing this "warm-up procedure" (as Jake called it), just perhaps to a lesser degree of deviation.
Thanks for sharing.
Yeah but this is for normal'ish, everyday'ish, consumer... regular people'ish use though. Getting off track!!!
Incredible. I wonder if that "wrench warm-up proceedure" was mentioned in the instructions of any of these wrenches that were tested.
@@jake9705 right but from what I’ve seen of project farm he reads the information so I’d assume it doesn’t say it I could be wrong but what a awesome channel this is
Having worked in aerospace manufacturing I can assure you that it has always bothered me that some accept the idea of just picking up a torque tool and assuming it is good. We had requirements for tools used in manufacturing where the tools were set and only used at one setting with certification required every 90 days. On tools used for service the tools were only to be certified in 80% of the range with the bottom and top 10% excluded.
Some tools were required to be tested after use at the time Quality Assurance was signing off the operations, no mater what their calibration status.
If you are serious about torque, what ever tool you are using you need to have it tested periodically and certified. Also remember to zero the adjustment when you are done!
If highly accurate torque is required that anti-seize on the threads is required to insure that mechanical friction variations are minimized. remember the point of torquing is to apply compression to the item the fastener is being assembled with, not to twist the fastener. Anti-seize is for proper assembly and to protect the threads during torquing, not to aid disassembly as some people think.
The amount of dedication and time spent to measuring every detail of these tools is underappreciated. Every video this man makes impresses me.
This guy deserves every penny he's Making
Repent to Jesus Christ
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Proverbs 11:25 NIV
I don't think you realize what the word "underappreciated" means... This video has 1.35 million views, and he has 2.3 million subscribers BECAUSE he does these types of tests and dedication... He's clearly appreciated.
I believe this channel is how he makes his living. I don't think saving time is a priority.
Net worth of 2+ million. Yeah definitely not appreciated...
In the market for torque wrenches so I decided to look up reviews. No surprise, your channel has reviews!! Thank you for all your hard work!!
Awesome! Thank you
Wish you would consider doing a similar test with 1/4” drive torque drivers and wrenches for us DIY bike mechanics. Most of the fasteners are 6-14NM and easily stripped. Thanks for all your valuable time!
You are welcome!
Yes spot on.
Man I’d love to see a video of that too. Fellow bike mechanic here. Love his in-depth reviews.
Dang. That's hand tight
Before buying any tools these days I always look to see if Project Farm has done a comparison. Thank you for the time and effort you put in. By the way, my next purchases will be a die grinde and a cordless Jigsaw ;)
Thanks and you are welcome!
@@ProjectFarm ya dude, your work is useful to the consumer
I have the Dewalt cordless die its awesome
I do too!!!! Thank you project farm!!!
i do the same thing too
That was a good selection of wrenches that most of us never see. Good info. I calibrate and repair A LOT of wrenches every year (Air Force cal lab) and my best advice is to treat the wrench properly, whatever brand you have. They should only be used for final tightening, not as a breaker bar. Set to lowest setting after use, and I keep mine in the house so they don't get too cold or rusty. Rust is death to the internal pawl surfaces. We have to let them soak at 72 degrees for 8 hours, at the lowest setting before they are tested. If the handle is set below the lowest setting or the wrench is dropped, our customers are instructed to return them to the lab and we recalibrate them. My personal wrenches are Craftsman, mostly selected because of cost and availability versus the amount of use. Thanks for the test, good info.
I always see people putting them a few clicks below the lowest setting for storage and always wondered if it's a good idea,now I know (it's not)
Thanks.
Yeah lowest value after use is very important. and do not use first and last 5% of values at wrench. Those min max values are not accurate at click type of torque wrench.
Good info. Thanks!
When I was a mechanic repairing Mack trucks it was sad to see so many "mechanics" who didn't know these basic rules. This was something that my father taught me as a kid but it was also something you have to know to get your certs. I also used Craftsman for most things. It wasn't until I had to do all the DOT certifications that I had to use a Snap-on. That was because I needed to torque certain bolts to 600ftlbs and I had to have the wrench calibrated. That's a service the Snap-on dealer offered and he picked it up and dropped it off. My friend that did the engine repairs/rebuilds only used Snap-on but at home, he used a Craftsman. It depends on your needs and budget.
Our machine shop will tighten bolts to 150ftlbs and loose with the same wrench, haha
This kind of testing and information is avaiable only here and is of immense value to me as a home mechanic working on expensive motorcycles. Thank you so much!
You are welcome!
My son is looking for a torque wrench so immediately I think of my favorite U Tuber and all around honest guy! I’m sharing this video with him so he can make a wise decision. THANK YOU again for all your hard work!!!!!!!
Thanks and you are welcome!
When your wrench is calibrated by DUNG, you just know it's going to be the sh*t!
“50 foot pounds of Dung” is my new band’s name.
Very funny,i like it,mind you, Dung might be better than calibrated by Wong.
@@enoz.j3506 Do two Wongs make a right?
@@charlies418 LOL,in this case No.
D Letterman, before he went woke, had the owner of the best name in the NY phone book on his show, Harry Dong.
1000 cycles per wrench? Very impressive! Your dedication to testing and detail never ceases to amaze me.
Thanks!
That's what kids are for.
"Wanna make a quarter? Click this 1,000 times."
That trick only works once per kid...
BS! Test these wrenches in 5 and 10 years where they are used weekly and see how accurate and repeatable they are.
@@achristian7015 this is a CZcams channel, not a scientific study with a full staff to abuse a torque wrench for 5 years.
He did a *simple* test that was acceptable in both effort and outcome, he stressed the hardware *somewhat* and got different results from each tool, thus, a fair gauge of how they hold up. If this minor amount of wear affects their accuracy it's a fair bet they'd fail completely after 5 years in a shop.
@@glenwaldrop8166 So really, it is quite worthless like many of the tests. For that reason, I hardly watch the vast majoity of them. I worked in a government standards lab for over 20 years.
Been watching for awhile. I listen to a lot of videos at 1.25 or 1.5 speed. Can't do that with yours! Love the speed and clarity of speech. Finally need a torque wrench and knew where to look. Thanks!
Thank you for your fantastic no nonsense analysis. Incredibly informative, concise, and entertaining. Very impressive!
Thanks and you are welcome!
Two brands I'd want to see, although ridiculously expensive are from milwaukee and CAT. CAT is for insanely high torque specs you'd see on their engines and the milwaukee was supposed to be super accurate and have a digital readout.
I would have been interested how Stahlwille would have performed.
It has the best way of adjustment (not having to turn the handle) and has a swappable head
Almost everything CAT branded is Snap-on.
Milwaukee is crap as soon as you've used it once on anything higher than 150. The Cat is a pro tool (not prosumer like the Milwaukee and DeWalt) and they have all sizes so it's for any torque the model you buy is for.
If we're going to include Pro tools then Hilti will win every test ever made so what's the point, it also costs about twice as much as the Milwaukee and DeWalt.
@@size1985 Stahlwille sounds as if a Chinese Rammstein fan was tasked with finding a German sounding name.
@@size1985 Yes Stahlwille and Gedore should be tested to.
im glad you went through the difference just 10 ft/lbs makes. Many people know that is a massive difference in clamp load, but there are people that have no idea. explaining that it is 1500lb difference on a bolt really helps.
It kind of makes me want to never guess again. It’s too bad there isn’t a torque wrench the size of a standard ratchet for those difficult to access bolts under the hood or in the wheel well.
Thanks!
My shoulder is aching just thinking about 10,000+ cycles with the torque wrenches! Thanks for your efforts on this and all your tool testing videos. Extremely helpful and valuable when making tool purchases. Also very interesting just to see how the brands compare. My father’s old MAC torque wrench from the 1970s recently stripped a gear and unable to find a repair kit. Will use the information from your video to make a decision for the replacement. As always, great content, testing and editing!
Thanks!
This was an amazing test!
Thanks for helping us make wise buying decisions.
You are welcome! Thanks for supporting the channel! I really appreciate it!
Would love to see digital torque wrenches and adaptors as well as if dropping a torque wrench or adapter actually makes it less accurate.
Some digital adaptors and wrenches can also do angle measurements for torque to yield fasteners, that would be interesting to see how accurate thoes are as well.
Great video!
Definitely could've done a few more test like you mentioned with the drop test and digital and adapters. Also with the low budget wrenches and would've liked to see if storing at zero load vs storing at lowest setting has on accuracy.
@@voongnz sounds like good video ideas going forward, can only pack so much info into one video
That’s a great idea - would’ve been great to see digital vs mechanical as an extra comparison.
As well as drop testing etc another could be if/how very low or high temps affects the calibration.
Thanks as always @ProjectFarm 👍🏼
Would love to see a digital torque wrench showdown and a part 2 to this with all the other brands.
I second this. Been eyeing the ACDELCO digital torque wrench but curious to see how it fares against the Milwaukee
Yep the snap on digital is dang near 900
Thanks for the video idea.
@@ProjectFarm Digital wrenches should be very consistent performance all the time, so you may need to change the tests. Only extreme temperature variation or overstraining the tool are likely to significantly alter readings, since there are no moving mechanical parts to cause discrepancies. Digital wrenches are almost invariably a strain gauge kind of setup so there's not much to go wrong.
Agreed
You provide a valuable / indispensable service to the global professional back-yard engineering community! Thank you from Sydney Australia.
Thanks and you are welcome!
Thanks for another great video Todd. It only confirms my belief that my Snap On just keeps getting better with age. The flex head feature on mine keeps me from having to use extensions more often than not as well, which is another huge plus.
You are welcome!
Just last night I literally searched all of your videos for best Torque Wrench and couldn't find it. Seemed odd you haven't done a review on these already.
Thank you for the research that you do!
Perfect timing!! Thank you!
I literally did the exact same thing a week ago.
Project Farm.
Can you do a review of Pri - G Fuel Treatment? I've had tremendous success with it over the years restoring bad gasoline and making new gas way better almost instantly.
50 ish dollars to treat 512 gallons. It almost seems too good to be true.
It would be interesting to see a seasoned mechanic torquing according to “feel” to see how close they can get. Great work! Thank you 👍
Thank you!
Or, how many ugga duggas of an impact equals 50 ft lb? 😆
@@mattbauckman9907 4 on 3/8 air, 3 on millsquakee 3/8 electric, but it’s hard to count. Auto tires deserve a torque stick, ag and industrial wheels, heads and exhaust deserve a good wrench
These 10 mechanics claim to be able to torque by feel. In this video we're going to test that!
3 rata tats
Tried ten videos on torque wrenches, all just showing how to use it and the different form factors. Your video provides the info needed to actually choose one.
My hat is off to you sir on another well thought, planned and executed scientific test using real world parameters. Excellent job!
Thanks and you are welcome!
Getting ready to order more torque wrenches. Perfect timing.
Nice!!
Repent to Jesus Christ
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Proverbs 11:25 NIV
I
Really impressive work, thank you. Glad the test didn’t break the SnapOn reputation. Your 1000 cycle test was something I didn’t expect you would do…but again: you are beating all expectations. Merry Christmas and looking forward to your next video.
You are welcome! Merry Christmas!
I'll die on the hill of SnapOn being overpriced on *almost* tool they offer. If, however you work in a field where you need the repeatability within a tight range then the SnapOn is a good call. But for your average professional homeowner the Icon will be just wonderful. And I think an auto mechanic would be well served with the SK or the Proto.
But SnapOn power or air tools? No thanks look elsewhere for essentially anything. You can find so much better impacts and drills both air and battery for 1/3-1/2 the price
Another awesome comparison, this was my first stop before buying a torque wrench for changing my CV axle on my truck. Thanks for your hard work!
Thanks and you are welcome!
Another great test! Summary: Snap-on for the professional mechanic, including anyone who rebuilds racing or high powered, precision engines; Icon for the DIYer, with similarly performing DIY brands being perfectly adequate depending on your needs, current price and availability. Many people use impact wrenches to remove nuts and bolts, particularly the lug nuts on trucks and SUVs with high torque requirements- when replacing these items, which usually need to be tightened in a certain sequence and to specific high torque values, be sure to use one of these higher rated torque wrenches, of your choice, for the final tightening to factory specs. Under-tightened lug nuts can result in wheels falling off while you're driving; under-tightened cylinder head bolts can result in blown head gaskets and warped heads, depending to a certain extent on what the head is made of and whether or not it is a high performance engine.
Thanks to Todd for making this excellent video.
Thanks and you are welcome! Thanks for the feedback.
No. Snap on is JUNK
Easily the most intense testing you've done to date. Your dedication to providing us with concrete performance of products is mind blowing!
As a Professional Calibrator Technician for over 45 years, you did a pretty good job. There are some areas you can improve this comparison. First, you load cell needs to be better anchored. The excessive flex on that table will cause inconsistency in your readings. Second, You need to build a jig that keeps the handle exactly level 90° to the load cell. Any human inserted angle will again induce error. There's a big difference between Calibration and Use of a Torque Wrench. Professionals should have their Torque Wrench Calibrated by a Certified Lab once a year or if the wrench is dropped. Always store your Torque Wrench at Zero or the Lowest Indicated Value. Otherwise, you will induce a memory on the torque spring and it will no longer produce the correct Torque. IMHO, My all time favorite was Stuart Richmond, they may been bought by another company now.
You make some excellent points, but I think the way the testing was done mimics how the wrenches would actually be used and thus shows how they perform when used. Maybe a follow up video where the results using your feedback are compared to these would show the difference between how a tool performs when used vs how it is tested in a calibration setup.
@Charles Larkin Unless calibration is relatively cheap compared to the cost of the tool then I would either not do it or just buy a second tool to compare against.
I do our shop wrench calibrations. VERY VALID points, error can easily be introduced. Example is when Snap On first came out with their digital wrench if you were NOT in the CENTER of the GRIP area you could easily miss target torque. I personally was able to get over 4% error out of mine sent it back to them under warranty and was told it was in calibration. The new ones seam to work good better than 1%.
Valid points for sure, however, at least for testing purposes all these wrenches were used on the same test plane.
I looked up Sturtevant Richmond calibration tools, they claim +\- 1% on many models, they have neat industrial options like radios inside I assume to transmit torque figures and calibration on equipment to a database. A mere 900$ USD for their DTC-15, but sounds about right for industrial\engineering applications. Great video though, I didn't know they could deviat that much, I've done lots of cylinder heads over the years!
Thanks for the video PF as always very informative and just well put together 👍👍👍
Thank you very much!
Man, I love your channel. Helps me make the right choices in buying good tools w/o wasting my hard earned money.
Thanks!
Being an auto mechanic for over 20yrs, I'm glad to see the Snap-On torque wrenches I paid so much money for came on top. I also really liked to see the long term performance after all the cycling. Since professional mechanics use their tools far more often that the average home mechanic. I see the Icon as a really good value after all that testing. It's 25% of the cost of the Snap-On but it performed near the top overall. Plus you can usually find a 20% off coupon from the Harbor Freight email deals.
Thanks for the feedback.
and if after 5 years you need to buy another, you can have 4 or 5 new ones in the same time frame for the same price as that snap on, that is probably proof snap on is just over priced as shit. especially these days. Maybe back in the day, but the cost to value ratio on them now is basically nonexistent with so many other even mechanic grade options for a fraction of the cost.
@skutch Blobaum You still at Jiffy Lube?
As someone who sells Snap-on tools this also made me glad!
Tools especially fall under the American rule-you get what you pay for
Been subscribed for around 3 years maybe more and it still blows my mind the amount if effort you put into every video! I know we all really appreciate it!
Well done! I appreciate your dedication to quality control! Cheers to you
Thanks and you are welcome!
Thanks for the awesome video! I just picked up the ICON torque wrench based on your recommendation.
You are welcome! Thanks for the feedback.
In my automotive experience turque wrenches operating at their minimum torque value are most prone to being inaccurate. In you need to torque fasteners to 50 ft-lb you are probably better off with a 3/8" drive torque wrench with lower torque range. Nevertheless the results for your tests to 50 ft-lb are pretty good.
I've heard that that's especially important with motorcycles and other things that drop down into the 20s-10s or single digit newton meters, that with a cheapo torque wrench it's easy to strip things out while attempting to put down the correct torque figure.
@@lolatmyage Correct, I've had this happen on a spark plug. I carry two torque wrenches now. One from say 5-40 ft lb the other from 50 - 200
@@lolatmyage That's especially true with the Pittsburgh torque wrenches. I have a Pittsburgh "in/lb" torque wrench that I bought for working on a small Honda scooter. Fortunately, I never got a chance to use it for that particular application. I have since found out that it's so far out of calibration that it's going to destroy pretty much anything it's used on.... I mean, we're talking calibration being off by ft/lbs....on an in/lb torque wrench.... Basically, the lower the torque range, the more important accuracy becomes. When torqueing down lug nuts, 1-2ft/lb variance isn't an issue. When torqueing say, bearing retainer plates in a Ford DPS6 transmission, 1-2ft/lbs of variance is disastrous....
you want to use a torque wrench ideally within its 40-65% range. say your torquing a fastener to 80 ft lbs; a torque wrench spanning from 40-110 would be ideal.
@@lolatmyage I can confirm, I stripped a sump bolt using a cheap wrench with too wide of a range. I've never stripped a bolt with the pricier wrenches with smaller ranges after.
Would love to see more torque wrench tests including: Digital style, as well as dial indicator styles wrenches. The Dial Indicator wrenches tend to be more accurate, at least they’re usually advertised with tighter accuracy, typically 3% clockwise (or less).
I’d also like to see different size wrenches from the popular brands, so like the 100 Ft Lb max range, as well as Inch/Pound wrenches. Wondering if they’re any more accurate as they get smaller. The typical torque range for most things I work on, which is mostly cars and firearms don’t exceed 100 Ft-Lbs, and are often listed in the Inch-Lbs range.
I ONLY use the dial indicator type in all my Harley engine builds, never had any issues. Used it on a couple 302'a as well, no issues.
I would also like to see digital torque adapters and wrenchs. 👍
No one born in the last 50 years uses a beam torque wrench. And anything rated in inch pounds is “snug” and not worth using a torque wrench.
@@someusername121 Snug is way too relative to the person tightening it. I've seen so many burned up electrical connections because that person's version of snug was insufficient. Also electrical lugs in the US are almost always rated in inch pounds even though the values can be very high. A typical 200 amp main breaker is 250 inch pounds. That's more than snug. Anyways So I appreciate it when torque wrenches have the inch pound scale on them
@@someusername121 some of us younger military mechanics still use beams.
Another purchasing decision I needed to make, another Project Farms video consulted. Thank you, sir.
I have the icon and it’s been perfect for me. The case is great and it’s actually a nice looking tool and very comfortable to use
Thanks for the feedback.
00:28 I love how the Lexivon was calibrated by “DUNG.” 🤣
Several years ago I was doing some torque work that required some pretty exact torque. I was using my Craftsman TW which I had purchased in the 80s. I wanted to get it calibrated so I went to a local machine shop, famously known for building high performance engines. I asked if they would please test my 30 YO TW. They looked at me as if I had lobsters crawling out of my ears! They had no way of testing TWs! I was shocked. My 22 years in the U.S.A.F. mostly as an aircraft mech, we tested and calibrated TWs at a very strict intervals and ALWAYS after one was dropped or suspected of being dropped. I guess that I expect too much.
I have only met one mechanic that insisted that all his torque wrenches were calibrated every quarter, funny thing is he was apprenticed to one of the older coach companies in my area, and their stock was antique !
military tends to have a huge budget and everything in one place. machine shop has no space for a calibrating machine but chances are they farm it out to a specialized tool shop.
@@ysesq Big shop and they acted like it was a new thing.
I’ve never met a tech that cares about torque values enough to get a wrench calibrated. Most buy a $30 wrench from harbor freight and use it until it breaks, me included. I’ve built hundreds of engines without issue. If you’re within a few pounds it’s fine.
Interesting. I was told to take my TW to aircraft maintenance facilities to get them calibrated.
thanks so much for doing this video I'm in the market for a torque wrench but wasn't sure which one to get so you helped me out a lot there.
You're welcome. Thank you
Had to pause at 47 seconds to say this. Holyy cow the amount of information is exactly what i want in product reviews. Very well done man I'll continue to watch as i eat my popcorn chicken and SUBSCRIBED
Thanks! Thanks for watching and subscribing.
Morning everyone
You’re first! Hope you enjoy the video!
Hi
I'd definitely like to see CDI tested against a Snap-On. They're an OEM for Snap-On but a lot cheaper and I'm curious about the difference in accuracy. I'd imagine they're pretty close.
So would I. My CDI torque wrench was 1/2 the price of a Snap-On brand. I purchased the CDI for home use after my HF wrench vibrated apart in my truck.
Agreed. They are very competitively priced. I would at least expect similar performance to Proto being that it’s a brand that associates itself with industrial tooling(whatever that may mean in the context of tools).
I believe CDI Torque Products manufactures Snap On Tool torque wrenches.
Same here. I have that “vintage” Craftsman, that’s been recalibrated once since new, and a newer CDI for my beadlock bolts, which I figured was a critical application 👍🏼
@@mhs0407 like Dil mentioned, they are OEM for Snap-On. Or at least under the "Snap-On" umbrella. They don't have the "tool truck" warranty or the overhead.
This guy is just the best. I always know these tests are going to be great. Keep it up
Thanks, will do!
You deserve the success you enjoy. Your channel is sooooooo good. Thank you for everything you do!
Thanks and you are welcome!
Very thorough and unbiased testing, as usual. (I caught the Synthetic oil, then the filter tests & have been a subscriber ever since). Depending upon one's needs, this is most valuable information. Nobody wants to throw money away, as a proper mechanic requires so many these days. Great job! Thank-you!
Thanks and you are welcome!
Its too bad you did not try. The mack tool wrenck
Please do more! I wanna know how in accurate they get after forgetting to take the torque off of them for some time and how much they’re off after being dropped. This was an awesome video and it looked like a ton of work. Thank you so much! We really do appreciate the time and money you put into these!
Thanks for spending the time, l'm looking for a new touque wrench. After your review, my me, Dewalt fits into my my budget and use.
You are welcome!
YOU ARE THE BEST AT THESE REVIEWS!!! Keep up the great work sir!
Thanks and you are welcome!
I’d love to see a digital torque wrench test. I know even brands like craftsman now have digital variants, but how would they compare to the ~$700 snap on one? I can’t imagine that would be a cheap video though…
I bought the Snap Off 15-300ftlb flex head plus angle. I broke bolts in a Harley case with a cheap HF once, never again….I have experience with Proto and CDI too. The Snap On is so freakin nice. I want the (or a) smaller one for tight spaces. But now don’t want to pay. Indeed a digital shootout would be great. But maybe only 5,000 clicks for that video?
@@bvrgrn1038 I bought a harbor freight one for an emergency and never used it again. Went and got the professional grade click type from snap on for about $200, which I later traded in for $200 off my digital snap on. I agree, nothing is quite as nice, and I recently bought a 3/8 one to help me get some of the lower end stuff like cam caps on the Ford’s I work on (Ford tech).
I bought a 3/8 digital snap on torque wrench with a student discount. Still came out to like $300, but it’s so nice. I love having the sound, sight, and feel response when hitting your target torque.
I use the dewalt ones myself but it would be nice having a digital one for torque angle bolts/ studs. The dial meter that goes in-between a breaker bar and socket is kinda a pain in some spots.
I bought Harbor freight $10 torque wrench like 2 years ago. I'm using it for all of my car repair stuff. BUT sometimes I never hear click and I almost slipped 3 times.... Since then I just use it for lug nuts... 80ftlb.
I’ve always heard you should leave a torque wrench on the lowest setting when in storage. You should do a long term test to see if leaving it on the highest setting negatively affects accuracy.
Hmmmmm
Agree
No it won't affect anything. When you rotate the grip to adjust the torque, you turn a nut on a thread that either compresses or releases a big spring inside of the wrench. Springs don't lose their strength if they are stored for long periods of time while compressed.
@@rubiconnn They do actually. The effects vary depending on various factors, but they do.
@@rubiconnn Wrong. Springs can and do lose their properties if left under compression for an extended period of time.
I had to come back to this video for reference, I ended up getting an Icon torque wrench earlier today. It definitely gives a good overall first impression compared to many others I've used in the past.
I am an aircraft technician and glad to see snap on performed well, I also have two CDI torque wrenches so its basically the same production. Very informative!
Thanks!
Damn expensive wrenches!!
I have a wera torque wrench for over 9 years now and regularly clean and service it and then check the accuracy. I'm still amazed it's working as accurately as any in the field even though I've dropped it around it's great. I have a new one sitting in the box in the garage the past 2 years and haven't needed to change just yet. As always a great informative video 👍
Fantastic work on this video. As someone who works in a laboratory, I appreciate the detail that goes into your videos. I'm going to get the ICON or DeWalt after watching this and ditch my $25 Pittsburgh starter wrench. A couple of inches in length makes a big difference in the effort needed to get higher torque values.
Thank you!
Anyone watching for the first time: Todd is the man! Thank you for all of the help over the years!
You are welcome!
New Icon torque wrench purchased for setting the slip clutch on my bush hog...all because of this video. Thanks!
You are welcome!
I've always wondered how temperature affects torque wrenches. There's a big difference between a nice warm shop and a repair out in the field in the middle of winter.
I would imagine there is a small difference, but is it enough difference to make a difference? Particularly when they already have an expected up to 4% variability.
ISO 6789 specifies +/- 4% from -15°C to +40°C
I was also thinking this would be nice to see.
Great video; always appreciate your attention to detail. And your lawnmowers are breathing sighs of relief. ;)
While working for a major aerospace company, I got rotated through its calibration lab, and so appreciate the thoroughness of your testing. Micrometer style torque wrenches (like these tested) operate on steel balls swimming in cup grease or similar lubricant. Accuracy is therefore primarily dependent on the balls being true spheres, and to a smaller extent on the quality of the lubricant. These factors point to the need for recalibration after heavy use; a tiny flat spot can lead to uneven torquing of your workpiece. This is also why it is important to store the tool at its lowest torque setting, along with the spring losing is initial tensile qualities.
The steel balls and the flat rings they run on are also subject to almost imperceptible imperfections and variations that become more apparent with use. The tolerance range is there for a reason; as the testing illustrated, never assume that the measurements are spot on.
Thanks so much! Thanks for sharing.
I am not sure the actual schematic/function of the spring in this application, but springs lose tension with cycles not compression time. I saw a gun mag test one time as the debate was centered around leaving a mag loaded will damage the spring....it did not..... is the spring used in the same manner inside of the wrench....I do not know. I just wanted to throw out compressed springs VS non compressed springs over time is negligible to the spring....its cycles that wear down on tension.
@Shawn Cockrell , the stress of the cycles certainly points to the need for regular recalibration, particularly in professional applications, and would be more critical than compression status. However, it doesn't seem wise to discount compression time, and the standard recommendation is to always store a torque wrench at the lowest point on the range.
Something else to consider is the pressure the spring places on the steel balls and the plates they ride on. Why take a chance on some tiny bit of grit getting more chance than necessary to create imperfections?
Absolutely the best reviews on the market total nonbiased accurate reviews thank you
Thanks!
Coming back to this video to say thank you, Todd! I went with the ICON torque wrench, I was bleeding my mom's brake fluid, it was my first time using one of these wrenches, and the ICON's accuracy is pretty incredible when I was getting her wheels tightened down to spec, even when re tourqeing the lug nuts just in case everything on the rotors is balanced!
You are welcome! Thanks for sharing
I've had two Tekton torque wrenches for a few years now. Average basic use on some cars and a couple of Harley Davidsons. They've held up nicely. Calibration was recently checked and was still respectable. The 1/4" inch pound cost me about $45 and the 1/2" foot pound model cost me $75. Both come with nice, protective cases, calibration certs, instructions. I've been happy with my purchases and would recommend them. I'm only tightening critical fasteners, not reassembling engines, etc.
Thanks for sharing!
I was really sad to not see Tekton included here.
I'm glad you commented, I bought one for my brother-in-law a few years ago. He's been doing more of his own repairs and I know my Craftsman is a heap compared to my dad's old Craftsman and they seemed to have pretty solid reviews.
ive had one for 5 years, use it on my jeep wrangler and it is solid. Mine was only like 40 bucks tho!
Very glad that ICON and SK performed well in this test because I use these brands every day and my life depends on it. Proto performed well too and many of my co-workers use these. Thank you for this test.
Wow man really appreciate your work!
Thanks so much!
Awesome, can't imagine how long this took to make...
I would love to see this test again with other brands. Husky, Pittsburg, Tekton, AC Delco Digital (they are supposed to be around (+/- 2%), Matco, Mac, & Milwaukee. I have head good things about the new ICON line really glad to see Harbor Freight stepping up they game. really impressed with the Dewalt. I rebuild Classic cars as a hobby and I torque a lot of bolts, so seeing the 1000 click torcher test was impressive. that takes dedication. thanks for all your work. Dewalt and Proto are both made by Stanley Black &Decker tools. so, it doesn't surprise me that they performed about the same. Proto is SBD industrial brand. I have a vintage set of Proto 3/8 Sockets from the 80's they are my go-to sockets when doing any work on old rusty bolts because they fit better than any other sockets i own, and i have less change of rounding off fasteners that sometimes can't be replaced. it is surprising how may specialty fasteners are on some old cars.
Add Gear Wrench to the list!
Yes, because whopping amount of people buy Pittsburgh
Definitely digital would be nice to see!
@@ikstrucking3289 You must be new to this channel...
The Icon tools are great for the price and quality. I buy them at Harbor Freight.
I will say a torque wrench is one if my favorite tools! I have always wanted to consider upgrading to a digital version and would love to see how they compare to the equivalent mechanical based wrench. At this rate with all the items you’ve tested, you’ll be able to open a Project Farm museum exhibit XD! Well done again!
Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.
I agree, I am a retired auto/marine tech and have 2 Snap-On digital wrenches in 3/8" and 1/2". over $1000 for both. I had them recertified twice over the past 12 years but I would like to see if they were worth the $$$$
I'll echo a want for this test as well. I've been considering upgrading to one for a while. Also awesome test and you're nuts for doing this test
Thank you for this! Headed to HF to get an Icon wrench now. Seems like a good blend of price / performance which equals value. NOICE!
You are welcome!
I wanted to see Tekton and Hyper tough for very budget friendly ppl. Ofc they should be tested for calibration only after like 200 uses. I'd also suggest changing the torque like using them at 150ft pressure then 50ft pressure then 25ft (or their lowest capacity), just to check how well they stay calibrated after being used at their maximum torque capacity and then going back to really low capacities
As always, great test. Some surprises for me in there. I had no idea DeWalt made a decent torque wrench. Good to know SK still makes good stuff.
Thanks!
As a mechanic I always love to see snap on compared to other brands. I know the price point is out of the question for many people. When you depend on your tools day in and day out. The longevity of them and consistency is key.
Thanks for the feedback.
Snap-On makes some good stuff but a lot of their tools are just overpriced.
I've got some Stanley screwdrivers that are every bit as strong and I got an entire set for the price of a single Snap-On, same with pry bars.
Honestly the Snap-On tools may be technically stronger but if the cheaper quality tool is still 4x stronger than the materials you're working with (cutting tools, snapping bolts, etc) what's the point?
Their ratchets, however, I'd probably pony up that $$ without a second though. They last. Not a fan of their air ratchets, at least not the 90s models.
I became a full time mechanic back in 1991 and my dealer sold me a 3/8 and 1/2 in torque wrenches with the new swivel heads. 2 years ago a Snap-on dealer tested them and we were both amazed, they were still spot on. Best $400 for both I ever spent on tools.
Once you use a snap-on ratchet, all other ratchets feel like toys in the hand, they're not cheap but when you use them 10 to 12 hours a day 6 days a week they're definitely worth it.
@@bradbeck2601 They're ok but not as good as a Matco ratchet.
Love this! Thanks! Just recently bought an IKON, but it was the next model up.. very pleased. My other torque wrench is SK, vintage 1972. 😁 Like my Rachet and wrench sets, from same timeframe. Survived generally intact after raising two boys..
Thanks! Thanks for sharing.
I tested a Kobalt to a SnapOn and the results were surprisingly close, so I've been using Kobalt torques only.
man this is amazing the attention to detail the COMPREHENSIVE TESTING wow just wow 👏 I'm so Glad you make this useful content you are helping so many people buy the right tool for them with no advertising bs !! thank you
Thank you very much!
Great video, as always! Every test is so well thought out and for the tools/measurement devices you have you gain so much information. I would love to see a comparison of oscillating multi-tools and/or the various blade brands that are available. It's a tool that I use so often!
Thanks for the suggestion.
@@ProjectFarm Oscillating tools would be good. Also, consider auto traction mats/boards. Been in the market for some and it's really tough to know what might really work and how much I need to pay. Reviews are all over the place and hard to trust.
Love this channel, keep up the great work!
Thanks, will do! Thanks for supporting the channel! I really appreciate it!
I am a work from home coder so I never use any of the tools you have on your show, but I still love watching these reviews.
Thanks for watching!
I’d like to see more budget tools from Harbor Freight in the comparisons but these tests are very well done. Entertaining and thorough every time.
I know that they strive to have the icon series try and match snap-on. I know they don't always beat them but it's nice to have tools that are actually reasonably priced.
He uses Harbor Freight tools in these comparisons quite frequently. Usually he uses their Pittsburgh brand, but their torque wrenches are notoriously inaccurate. In some instances, their inaccuracy exceeds their rated scale....
I would have liked the HF Pittsburgh in there.
I had one of these in my cart yesterday - so glad I waited!!! Fantastic content as always. The accuracy and deviation after many uses is most important for me, these are high-use in my aviation shop. I got the Wera
Thanks!
Thank you so much, very professional and helpful, you got a new fan🧑🔧
Thanks and you are welcome!
Excellent as usual! Thank you Todd
Thanks and you are welcome!
Really appreciate you doing all these tests. They help making my purchasing decisions way easier
Thanks! Glad to hear!
Great video, only thing I'd like to mention is the bench/table starts to give when you torque higher loads which can give greater uncertainty.
Thanks! Thanks for the constructive feedback.
Great experiment. helped me decide what I needed
Thanks! Glad to hear!
Amazing work! very informative and precise.
Thanks and you are welcome!