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2/4/2015 10:29:38 AM EDT
Harbor Freight has their 1/4",3/8",& 1/2" torque wrenches on sale for $11.  Check their in-store coupons or the Internet for the coupon that is needed.
2/4/2015 11:06:43 AM EDT
[#1]
Understand that HF "torque wrenches" are marginal when new, and very quickly become "torque approximators", especially if left tensioned for any amount of time.

Generally, I tell people that if they use a tool infrequently, or if it's hefty enough that the lower quality don't much matter (like those 4' pipe wrenches), HF is fine.  I make an exception for torque wrenches, though, if you need any semblance of accuracy.   Yeah, for cranking down lug nuts, I see no problem with using a cheapie and bumping it 10-20% over spec just in case.  But when the difference between 15 and 18 ft/lbs is a properly torqued fastener and pulling threads out of a hole, accuracy matters.

Spend a little more for peace of mind:

3/8:10-100 ft.lb.:

http://www.amazon.com/CDI-1002MFRMH-8-Inch-Handle-Torque/dp/B002LA19P2/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1423062150&sr=8-7&keywords=3%2F8+torque+wrench



2/4/2015 11:43:46 AM EDT
[#2]
Craftsman has a nice one on sale for $40 bux.
2/4/2015 11:48:00 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Quoted:
Understand that HF "torque wrenches" are marginal when new, and very quickly become "torque approximators", especially if left tensioned for any amount of time.

Generally, I tell people that if they use a tool infrequently, or if it's hefty enough that the lower quality don't much matter (like those 4' pipe wrenches), HF is fine.  I make an exception for torque wrenches, though, if you need any semblance of accuracy.   Yeah, for cranking down lug nuts, I see no problem with using a cheapie and bumping it 10-20% over spec just in case.  But when the difference between 15 and 18 ft/lbs is a properly torqued fastener and pulling threads out of a hole, accuracy matters.

Spend a little more for peace of mind:

3/8:10-100 ft.lb.:

http://www.amazon.com/CDI-1002MFRMH-8-Inch-Handle-Torque/dp/B002LA19P2/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1423062150&sr=8-7&keywords=3%2F8+torque+wrench



View Quote

I think the HF one is just fine for building AR-15s, a range of 30-80ft/lbs basically means you don't even need a torque wrench as long as it's over 30 and the gas tube is lined up
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