B&Q torque wrench - any good?

[joebloggsVR69 0]

Wondering if anyone here's bought one of these:

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?isSearch=true&fh_search=0000005268412&x=15&y=14

 

I don't fancy paying around 3x as much for one from Halfrauds..

[mr.ots 10]

It only covers a very small range (5-25nm). I think there are better ones available for less money.

 

I went for one of these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0001K9T2O/ref=mp_s_a_2?qid=1299885804&sr=8-2

 

and one of these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0001K9S52/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1299885804&sr=8-1

 

They have an accuracy of +-3%.

 

With these two you get 10-80nm and 30-210nm which will cover most applications.

[joebloggsVR69 0]

Ah, nice find :)

Yeah.. on second thoughts the B&Q one does look a bit puny

[blue95 0]

Not worth messing arround with a cheap torque wrench, as they are required for one purpose in mind and if they dont measure torque well you may as well put it in the bin.

 

I basically bought a set of cheap torque wrenches......they were so inaccurate it was a joke, after my initial error i invested in a set of torque wrenches from teng tools. The differnce on every level is unbelievable, the quality and build is superb and the wrench itself very accurate indeed. Granted the wrenches were twice as expensive, but when your using it to to torque bolts for subframes, rear axles, engine brackets, gearboxes and engine and mounts it really does give you peace of mind that the bolts are torque'd up to spec

 

FYI - even screwfix stock them now! http://www.screwfix.com/prods/22796/Van-Car-Accessories/Mechanics-Tools/Teng-Tools-Drive-Torque-Wrench

Edited March 16, 2011 by blue95

[aide 0]

/\ completely agree, a cheap torque wrench just leaves you questionning whether its accurate and your car is safe, one tool i wouldn't skimp on.

[mr.ots 10]

I think people get a little bit too swayed by brand and price. Most expensive isn't always best.

 

This review from Autoexpress (although a little old now) puts a Draper (a relatively cheap wrench) in first position over some more expensive competition and comment on it's "near perfect accuracy".

 

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/products/59647/torque_wrenches.html

 

I tested both of my Draper wrenches against my friend's very expensive calibrated Snap On and they were both spot on.

 

In this more recent Autoexpress review the Draper (4 stars) had a 2.29% average error against a 2.69% for the Teng (3 stars) costing over twice as much

 

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/products/233482/draper_30357.html

 

If you are only going to be using a torque wrench occasionally then I don't think there is a lot of point in speding more than necessary.

Edited March 16, 2011 by mr.ots

[blue95 0]

LOL intresting article...shame they didn't endurance test. I had one of the top 3 wrenches, worked great untill one day it decided to shoot its inards out!

 

Prices are also a little off key to, i paid no more than £50 for my teng.

[Bob 0]

I think digital type  can perform with more accuracy and though it's the most expensive, it's  more accurate and can combine the features of click and dial systems. You will be able to check the torque value via a digital LED display. Such tools have an alert system to let you know when the torque level is reached. I usually prefer inch pound torque wrench. May someone here find interesting.