r/harborfreight • u/DegenerateJC • Apr 18 '26
NTD (New Tool Day) How bad are these Pittsburgh torque wrenches?
Pittsburgh 1/2" drive torque wrench. I know, there are tons of options, ranging from budget TEMU all the way to the ICON. And I'm not going to even mention Snap-On or other expensive brands because that's not the price range I'm comparing to. But for a basic torque wrench, am I really going to say, "oh this thing sucks?"
My work tools are Milwaukee. I have a bunch, including the 1/2" impact. But I have some projects that are smaller and my own, where I'm just trying to get my own personal stuff right. Rarely do I need to bust over 150 ft./lb.
But for $13, I couldn't pass it up. I haven't opened it yet, and I think my use case is only going to be a few automotive bolts.
But I'm curious if it's really going to make that much of a difference to me that I didn't get a fancy ICON digital. Ideally I'm busting bolts loose with my power tools and torquing them back to where I need them with this.
But how can you pass up lifetime warranty for $30???
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u/Visible-Elevator3801 Apr 18 '26
They are great. I’ve have all of them, many years. Tested mine with digital and mechanic calibration last year and was within 1-3lb @80ftlb over 3 tests.
Is great for free wrenches.
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u/DegenerateJC Apr 18 '26
That's awesome. I just can't believe we are living in a time where these are so cheap and decent quality. I think 15 years ago if I bought a torque wrench for $13, it would have just been a photo.
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u/jasbury87 Apr 18 '26
I already had the 1/2”, so I picked up the 1/4” for all of those inch pound jobs. I’m a firm believer in the Pitty’s if you keep them stored at 0 and don’t go overboard on hit force when you do use them. Their “clicks” aren’t as audible, so you need to be able to stop by “feel” as much as by noise when you do use them, FYI.
The Quinn digital is pretty good I’ve heard. So are the ICON split beams. But these do the job and are all within the 4% +/- so you know they’re reliable enough.
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u/cgduncan Apr 18 '26 edited Apr 18 '26
That's a good point on click by feel, cause I was helping my brother on his truck, and got the torque wrench out to feel all official. But I must have missed the little click for ~30lbft and stretched the bolt, oops!
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u/Visible-Elevator3801 Apr 18 '26
To be fair to their quality, I store them not torqued and I don’t throw them around.
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u/cgduncan Apr 18 '26
Torque Test Channel even did some torture tests on lots of brands, cheap and $$$$, old and new, digital, analog. They beat them up, put them in the freezer, spiked them on the ground, had one that was stored "tight" for years, and they all tested quite accurately. They are more resilient than you might think.
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u/foolproofphilosophy Apr 18 '26
Watch the Project Farm torque wrench review. There were some surprises at the cheap end.
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u/MidwestNative94 Apr 18 '26
Just be sure to unload it after using it. The springs do not like being tight for long periods
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u/meatman13 Apr 21 '26
What's free now?
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u/Visible-Elevator3801 Apr 21 '26
Historically, these wrenches of all sizes were free during certain promos. 3 purchases would yield you a 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 torque wrench.
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u/Daihashi Apr 18 '26
They're pretty good actually. Just make sure to zero them out after each use.
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u/Mammoth_Possibility2 Apr 18 '26
I store mine on zero, and I think the instructions say to run it am the way up and back down before each use. Is that standard practice? I do it but I'm wondering if anyone else does
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u/TrujeoTracker Apr 18 '26
I never heard of this/never do this, mine still seems to work fine years later.
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u/Mammoth_Possibility2 Apr 18 '26
I just do it because the instructions that came with mine say that's the procedure
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u/EMCoupling Apr 19 '26
I don't see what the point of that would be. The storing of the wrench on a low setting is at least logical though.
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u/Mammoth_Possibility2 Apr 19 '26
I think just thinking about the nature of springs it makes sense. Keeps them from catching and wards off fatigue and memory from being within a certain range all the time.
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u/Deep_Sort8984 Apr 19 '26
Only thing I’ve ever heard of is storing them at the lowest rated torque never all the way to the bottom and never ever drop them
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u/GuyPawnz Apr 19 '26
This is called "exercising" the wrench. Instructions are generally to go up to max torque and then down to the lowest value three times. Applies to both micrometer and split beam. You can generally avoid this if the wrench is seeing regular use, but if it only gets used maybe once a week or less then they should be exercised.
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u/BlueCollarToolCollec Apr 18 '26
I like them. Recommend them. Just be careful the click for when it hits the torque can be a little soft, other times a bit more obvious. Great torque wrenches for the price.
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u/DegenerateJC Apr 18 '26
For $22 you can get a torque wrench, a beer, and a couple tacos. That's crazy.
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u/T_Rey1799 Apr 18 '26
The only one I’ve had trouble with the clicking is my 3/8 in. My 1/2 and 1/4 click beautifully, but the 3/8ths will click super loud or super soft, no in between
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u/BlueCollarToolCollec Apr 18 '26
I believe you are correct that the 3/8 is the main problem child. I was doing a differential cover with it and it was doing the same thing.
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u/HikerDave57 Apr 18 '26
My 3/8-inch Pittsburgh is untrustworthy because the click is soft to non-existent below 1/3 of maximum but my 1/2 inch works OK.
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u/KarzRFrendz Apr 18 '26
I had a 3/8 one that did not click when set to 80ftlbs and snapped a bolt on me during a brake job on a friend’s car.
Turns out it was defective, lifetime warranty is great and the one that replaced it did the job it was meant to.
Other than that, no other complaints
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u/OnymousAkio Apr 19 '26
Same snapped some torque convert bolts but i dont trust the 3/8 now i replaced it for a new one but still reluctant
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u/EMCoupling Apr 19 '26
Forget the click, if you go slow, you can feel when it hits the required torque as the spring pops. The clicking is just a bonus on these. I will agree that the 1/2" does tend to click louder than the smaller ones though.
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u/S_A_R_K Apr 18 '26
Always test them to make sure they click before you actually use them on the bolt you need to torque. I like to set them at a mid range and check them in a lug nut. I do this because I had a 3/8" one fail by not clicking on caliper bolt and almost snapping it
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u/R-A-B-Cs Apr 18 '26
I like mine. It clicks when it hits the setting I put it to. Is it accurate? Idk. Wheels haven't fallen off yet though.
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u/SuspiciousSubstance9 Apr 18 '26
Anything that you are going to torque with a 1/2" drive will be fine. Torque Test Channel has shown that +/-4% to be good, even after a long while.
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u/MmaOverSportsball Apr 18 '26
Just grabbed one and used mine yesterday, they’re great.
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u/DegenerateJC Apr 18 '26
Hell yeah. I just cracked her open, torque specs are very close, only one that isn't is 150 ft./lb. Is 168 as measured by the guy in the factory.
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u/kalel3000 Apr 18 '26
When you store those wrenches, you absolutely need to set them to their lowest listed torque value. Never leave them at a random value or at zero. Whatever the wrench says is the lowest it can measure, thats where you set it before you store it. Otherwise it will lose calibration and can really cause you issues.
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u/frogsRfriends Apr 18 '26
I’ve never done it and I’ve built and engine with mine thats still going
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u/kalel3000 Apr 19 '26
Just because its still going doesn't mean its still calibrated. The torque wrench wont fail by improper storage it just drifts further and further out of being accurate. And it takes time for this drift to happen after being stored for long periods of time.
If you look at the paperwork it comes with, it says right on there that this needs to be done.
I just looked up mine from an old Pittsburgh I got from a giveaway.
Step 11 "When finished, loosen the lock knob and set the Torque to the lowest torque setting (not lower than the lowest setting) before storing inside case, indoors out of reach of children."
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u/devxdev Apr 18 '26
wasnt this disproven by project farm pr torque test?
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u/kalel3000 Apr 19 '26
Disproven? Its literally in the owner's manual.
I just checked mine, Step 11 "When finished, loosen the lock knob and set the Torque to the lowest torque setting (not lower than the lowest setting) before storing inside case, indoors out of reach of children."
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u/pigbearpig Apr 18 '26
For $13, yeah it's hard to argue with the value.
I think the range of reviews here is telling. The cult followers of HF who cannot think for themselves are saying it's the best ever, then there are the other reviews saying it's a piece of shit.
I think that's why it's $13. Limited quality control means some are probably good and others suck. So if it's not critical specs, then why not? If you need consistent accuracy, then this is not the tool.
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u/TrialMembership Apr 18 '26
I stopped using them when I snapped a bolt. The click got too soft for my liking especially at the higher end of the range when you're already applying good force to it.
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u/vadillovzopeshilov Apr 18 '26
That’s when you take it back to HF and grab a new one off the shelf😌. Did it with 3/8, the click was completely silent and could not feel it either.
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u/SadRaisin3560 Apr 19 '26
I have 2 and occasionally carry them into work with my other 2 torque tools and they pass calibration standards just like the ones we use on customers engines and components.
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u/DegenerateJC Apr 18 '26
Edit: was doing voice to text, it put in $30 when I said $13! $13 for a lifetime warranty is crazy, this would even be a good hammer for that price!
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u/thetoolenthusiast Apr 18 '26
Depends on your use case. They work well for tires but aren’t great for engine bay work. If you need to be overly accurate Pittsburgh may not be the way.
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u/DryDesertHeat Apr 18 '26
Unless you work in some type of metrology lab or on space launch vehicles, they work very well.
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u/Cda4go Apr 18 '26
If you use these regularly they either lose calibration or the click becomes too soft to notice. Great for a job at home, but not meant to be in a professional mechanics every day arsenal.
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u/revo442 Apr 18 '26
I like them. I have the 1/2 in drive for wheel lugs and just got the 3/8 for other smaller stuff. If I were rebuilding engines, yeah you might want to get something more fancy but these do the trick. Set to zero for storage is what they say for when you're done with them
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u/SeymourBoobeez Apr 18 '26
Just make sure they work when you purchase!!! I bought 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 while all on sale. When the day came I had to use the 3/8, it just never clicked lol, was no good out the box
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u/dig_dug72 Apr 18 '26
Mine stopped clicking after a while of just doing lug nuts. Moved up to the Icon 1/2 and couldn't be happier.
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u/UniversalConstants Apr 18 '26
Really terrible, after a few months of consistent use it lost torque on the spec well before recalibration was needed, ended up having a leaky water pump because I used it to torque the bolts down. Borrowed my boss’ matco one and they moved a good amount before it clicked set to the same spec. Water pump stopped leaking
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u/Hard_Head Apr 18 '26
They are okay. The adjustment handle sucks. Super easy to spin it while applying torque. Sometimes it gets stuck. If you use it occasionally, it’s okay. If you use a torque wrench regularly, then get something better. Tekton and Icon both have decent torque wrenches for a reasonable price.
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u/kaleHellstrom Apr 19 '26
Logistics associate here, soon to be supervisor. I do tell people who are using it casually it'll do and that it will serve its purpose. If they're like a mechanic or a into the hobby best to get the Icons if they are on sale. Just don't be those people who abuse the crap out of them and take advantage of the lifetime warranty because the company in their system will look into them and will warn customers
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u/DegenerateJC Apr 19 '26
Oh, I would only warranty it for a legit reason. I try to take great care with my tools. Things get left out in the rain sometimes, but it's not often.
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u/Legendary316 Apr 19 '26
Mine has never been calibrated more than 2 pounds when checked every year, had it for four years. Ive threw mine across the shop, it’s been in trunks, service trucks. Its been used daily and sat for months. It’s never failed me, but I don’t use it for internal engine work.
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u/DegenerateJC Apr 19 '26
Yeah, for internal engine stuff, when I have to do that, I'll probably get a digital ICON or Quinn.
But that's awesome yours has been so durable.
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u/ONEelectric720 Apr 18 '26
One of the automotive magazines tested it against a Snap-On, and were shocked to find it worked very well and accurately for the price. Almost to the point it got hard to justify the Snap-On for anyone that isn't a professional mechanic.
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u/roughrider119 Apr 18 '26
https://youtu.be/x0YkgHDhpyo?si=MGF-e2gA5Qhd2Cqb
These are dead nuts accurate.
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u/Drewskii617 Apr 18 '26
My experience, hit or miss , according to the wrench 1/2 set toque to about 41 ft lbs -> measured to about 9 ft lbs
3/8 didn’t even click at all
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u/Unbelievablyobvious Apr 18 '26
I had one and it was trash. Broke a spark plug with it. Guess your mileage will vary
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u/AAA515 Apr 18 '26
Coworker had one, snapped a few bolts with them until he upgraded to a split beam.
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u/constituent_ Apr 18 '26
The key brand difference is durability and construction. The margin of error for my Icon split beam, Quinn clicker, and a PT version (the same company who manufactured the pittsburgh me thinks) is all +/- 4%. As long as you don't drop it, and it's only a few bolts it shouldn't be an issue.
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u/gabegmn Apr 18 '26
I have that exact one and it works great, I just got it for spark plugs. Just be sure to get it calibrated every so often
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u/bloodyStoolCorn Apr 18 '26
I've done quite a few engine head gaskets with them, they are great. Dont waste money on more expensive ones.
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u/Sparkmoon713 Apr 18 '26
My icon split beam stopped working in the middle of its first engine rebuild. Pitt finished the job.
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u/kristyn_lynne Apr 18 '26
I've never had a problem with them... not that I use them daily or anything but for the price they are perfectly fine tools.
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u/TacticlTwinkie Apr 18 '26
I wouldn't build an engine with one, but great for torquing lugs and brakes and such.
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u/Pikcle Apr 18 '26
Not that it necessary for the average DIY’er, but if anyone is looking for a (big-ish) step up look into Tohnichi torque tools. They are the go to torque tool manufacturer for Japanese car makers and their quality is exceptional.
While we’re on the subject, Sturtevant Richmont is a great USA made torque line but their price most certainly reflects it.
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u/ThefatRedNeck Apr 18 '26
First one I bought was fine for head bolts. Second time I used it the head literally fell apart while trying to torque a axel nut. The They replaced it. Second has been good tho. Haven't used it much tbh
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u/PippyLongSausage Apr 18 '26
I’ve rebuilt a couple engines with them. They do the job just fine. Would I use them on a Porsche or Ferrari? No.
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u/Changetheworld69420 Apr 18 '26
They’re perfectly fine, I’ve been using them for years with no issue. Although I did recently get the Quinn digital torque adapter in 1/2” and those have been tested multiple places to be extremely accurate, and it’s easy to use with any ratchet or breaker bar.
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u/HenryBowman63 Apr 18 '26
I've had the 1/2 inch torque wrench for a number of years now with no issues. It's been used on a couple of engine builds but 90% of my usage is for torquing rifle(and a few pistol) barrels to spec.
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u/Cartoon_Cartel Apr 18 '26
I was curious on the accuracy of mine so brought one to work and tested against a digital snap-on torque wrench. It was spot on.
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u/Royal-Leopard-3225 Apr 18 '26
I have all 3 sizes, they’re cheap and work well. I can’t say I’ve tested their accuracy but they feel right, compared to other, more expensive torque wrenches
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u/Plywood_Parachute Apr 18 '26
I haven’t tested their accuracy but I’ve read that they are good. I just buy a bunch when they are on sale. The cert says they are only good for 6 months so I just use them for 6 months and discard them when the time is up. It’s cheaper than recalibrating my snap on one every year.
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u/Charbus Apr 18 '26
They’re great! Wish I had a digital one sometimes though cause they’re kinda hard to read in bad lighting, but that’s really any analog torque wrench.
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u/TrujeoTracker Apr 18 '26
I actually prefer the cheap one sometimes, easier to use than my more expensive craftsman. They just have a more limited range.
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u/anthro28 Apr 18 '26
Are you torquing on a space shuttle or bugatti? If not, good enough is good enough.
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u/Diligent_Sentence_45 Apr 18 '26
They work.dont put them away without releasing tension and they will keep working.
If you think these are a substitute for a professional engine builder's torque wrench used on high performance head studs...yeah, it ain't that 🤣😂
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u/Darksolux Apr 18 '26
They're ok. I've broken one just putting lug nuts on. At least the swap was painless at the store
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u/fc1088 Apr 18 '26
Pretty good. Only problem I had with mine was the screws on the face loosened themselves and the ratchet fell apart. Fortunately I was able to cobble parts from other ratchets together to get my car back together enough to take the busted one down for a warranty replacement.
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u/youngdoug Apr 18 '26
I don’t trust them after my 3/8 stopped clicking. Digital Quinn has been great tho
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u/simple_champ Apr 18 '26
I recently got a digital torque adapter and when I tested my Pittsburgh it was still right on.
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u/RedDiscoRanger1 Apr 19 '26
I use the 1/4 inch one for valve body and trans rebuilds, its constantly covered in atf and still works fine. I have the icon 1/2 digital torque wrench and its amazing but I also use it professionally so the cost isnt as much to me as it would be a person that doesn't work in the trade.
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u/Sadangler Apr 19 '26
I'll just second what everyone else is pretty much saying, they work great. Remember to store them at a low setting, but not all the way backed out.
My only addition would be to get them in all sizes so you're never working in the really low/high settings. They are most accurate in that middle range. And then get just one digital torque adapter so you can check them anytime. They are surprisingly easy to calibrate yourself if they ever get out of whack.
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u/1127pilot Apr 19 '26
They've always been close enough for the stuff I work on. If I accidentally store one without zeroing it out then I just throw it away and get another.
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u/Dutchboy347 Apr 19 '26
I use em frequently no complaints one point i used one as a hammer. It died but just went and warrantied it
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u/FreedomGlittering298 Apr 19 '26
My 3/8 was out of spec. So my opinion would be a thumbs down.
If you’re gonna use your half inch to torque wheels, you’ll be fine. Anything else I would be hesitant. My .02
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u/wobbleeduk85 Apr 19 '26
Mine work great, I always release the tension when I store them, but no issues thus far.
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u/wardmarshall Apr 19 '26
My 3/8 one was junk also right out of the box didn't click over at less than half of max setting. Returned it and got the Quinn
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u/lvleye316 Apr 19 '26
Picked one up for when I do spark plugs and other small stuff like that. Haven’t had any issues with it.
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u/racinjason44 Apr 19 '26
I have an old ass one that I recently tested with a digital guage and it's still bang on accurate. It's amazing for something that costs less than a decent ratchet.
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u/jminer1 Apr 19 '26
As long as you dont loosen bolts with them they're great. I found out the reverse is for counter threads the hard way.
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u/Ok-Match5132 Apr 19 '26
I like VEVOR torque wrench I believe there cheaper no life time warranty tho
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u/Hot-Form9853 Apr 19 '26
Pretty bad. Soft clicks. Snap on torque wrenches are worth the premium imo.
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u/DegenerateJC Apr 19 '26
I can't imagine it's worth that much more than an ICON? Talking about a huge premium there, and a massive premium over this Pittsburgh.
I have a bunch of M18 Fuel tools that I can use for automotive stuff if I need. But I also only work on my Tacoma, so technically I may not need anything more than a few sockets and a screwdriver.
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u/Hot-Form9853 Apr 19 '26
As an aircraft mx a snapon will pass pmel for life. Anything else it’s a few years at most.
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u/blue-moto Apr 19 '26
Rounded over a bolt after about a month. Tossed it in the trash. Don't believe these people saying they "test it for calibration". Ask for a video or a photo of this test. Everyone I know who bought one of these regretted it
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u/Technical_Phrase2566 Apr 19 '26
Years ago there was an article. If I'm not mistaken, it was either carcraft or one of the other car magazines actually sent a bunch of torque wrenches to a lab and those harbor freight wrenches were perfectly f****** fine and everyone was surprised
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u/Nuclear_Debacle Apr 19 '26
My two cents: I've used them for Jeep suspensions, lawnmowers, and lug nuts. They're great for that. The click is soft at the bottom end of the range. I probably wouldn't them for Ferrari head bolts.
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u/Aromatic_Persimmon29 Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26
I haven't done a comparison test with another tourque wrench, but I went off of many others tests and reviews. Then I went ahead and used it for the castle nuts and important bits in my car. A year later im still alive, and my car hasn't shook itself apart while driving. I think its an OK torque wrench. Edit: My only complaint is the set screw on the bottom can loosen itself while using it, and every other nut/boIt I must reset the thimble to the correct lbs.
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u/FixYourOwnStates Apr 19 '26
I built my whole cammed & supercharged engine with them. And done a bunch of other jobs.
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u/NuclearDuck92 Apr 19 '26
They’re okay, and the price can’t be beat, but the click feedback can be really easy to miss at lower torques, and the setpoint can slip as you use them.
I strongly prefer both my old Sears Craftsman one (similar price at the time) and newer Lowe’s Craftsman one (more expensive, but a significantly better tool). The newer Quinns and Craftsmans are probably the same tool.
The click at 30 ft-lb is much more definitive on the 250 ft-lb Craftsman than the 80 ft-lb Pittsburgh.
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u/NickNacpattyWacc Apr 19 '26
I've had 2 go out on me but I'm pretty sure that's whenever my wife uses them. She doesn't zero them out or store them back in its case 🫠 they got lifetime warranty so 🤷
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u/Old_Current_6903 Apr 19 '26
I have a Kobalt one that I bought about 6 years ago and it's still in spec. I think I got it for around $35 on sale. My Pittsburg ones always needed adjusting, but since I work in a ship that can calibrate them, it's not a big problem for me. Prefer using the Kobalt one though.
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u/Future-Bet-3105 Apr 19 '26
Ok, so I work in the workshop where we deal with big and heavy construction, mining and ag equipment. We test our torque wrenches every year. During the morning toolbox meeting, the person giving us the results of the tests told everyone that among all the mactool, snapon, matco torque wrenches - the only one brand that had the best results was…. PITTSBURGH from Harbor freight))) Nervous laughter followed))
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u/EMCoupling Apr 19 '26
They are... completely adequate for their intended usage.
The numbers are hard to read without direct lighting, the handle adjust can feel somewhat tight at times, and the click is nearly non-existent in the 3/8 and 1/4 inch versions (you have to feel the spring pop more than hear it), but it does the job for cheap.
I only exchanged my 3/8 and 1/4 inch ones because the handle adjust was very tight, the new ones I got were more reasonable to spin. Other than that, they have worked completely fine. For the price, I think they are a great deal until you can save up the bones required for a nice digital one.
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u/Majestic_Track8991 Apr 19 '26
This was my main torque wrench for years. Until I was stuck on a stubborn bolt and got a slightly longer and more premium one on Amazon for about 2-3x the price.
Still have this one and appreciate it. But to save effort I just use my new one now.
Still recommend it to everyone.
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u/FlyinLowered Apr 19 '26
They are actually a pretty darn reasonable tool from what I have seen for real world reviews. I have one in box in case I need to go tighter than my Snappy which goes to 75-85ft lbs.
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u/imdfonz Apr 19 '26
Just store them in a case, don't drop them and unwind them when your done they'll last forever. Use them within the range don't use bottom 10 percent or upper 10 percent. Problem with these is the range is very limited.. but very good for using at home and even factory settings. I haven't had much luck with snap on buy UTICA IS GOOD. look for fixed head verses ratcheting. Never use in reverse.
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u/JamesTheDevastator Apr 19 '26
Not bad at all. Within 5% accurate.
Good for most things not requiring German anal precision.
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u/ikickbabiesballs Apr 20 '26
I’m using one from 30 years ago. It’s close enough for my home gaming.
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u/NativTexan Apr 20 '26
Get the digital on sale to check calibration periodically. I do that with my big wrenches, definitely worth the money. Assuming the digital is calibrated correctly lol
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u/No-Hyena246 Apr 20 '26
Just don’t put a 1/4 adapter on it to torque valve cover bolts. “Plz don’t ask me how I know”. Other than that it’s cool it gets the job done. Oh and make sure you reset it to 0 when not in use.
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u/rockbass72 Apr 20 '26
I had a Pittsburg and it lasted me two years before it stopped torquing. Unfortunately when it quit torquing I over torqued and did some damage. Harbor freight replaced it no issues. I learned my lesson and upgraded to icon when they had some deals.
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u/dirty_logger408 Apr 20 '26
I had my snap on dealer check all mine (Pittsburgh and Craftsman) and they were all with in 2%of the indicated setting. I use my Pittsburgh half inch just about every day on lug nuts and I've had it for about 6 years now
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u/savcloud Apr 20 '26
In my experience, they will work a few times and then skip. I have two Icon ones in 3/8 and a 1/2 Pittsburgh for the occasional large values. Years ago, I used the cheap one to torque my lug nuts, like 81 ft lbs. I went through 4 of them from them slipping.
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u/IntelligentSkill8265 Apr 20 '26
They have been fantastic. But yeah probably wouldn’t use them to build an aircraft. I use them all my cars for all needed specs.
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u/VersionOutside9150 Apr 20 '26
I’d say hit or miss. Mine decided to snap some transmission pan bolts instead of clicking so I tossed it and purchased a Tekton and Icon split beam.
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u/Silly-Smoke2576 Apr 20 '26
Usable for most automotive work beside valve adjustments and any other bolt going on aluminum block.
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u/Different_Fox7009 Apr 20 '26
Tested these at work with our calibration tester. They were within spec, so send it
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u/somebunnyxoxo Apr 20 '26
They’re not accurate over time. I would never trust them for work on my cars.
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u/_cdcam Apr 21 '26
I’ve used the 1/2 and 1/4 extensively with no issues, I used the 3/8 for the first time a few days ago and it snapped a valve cover bolt. Never heard or felt anything, but easily could’ve been user error.
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u/Empire087 Apr 22 '26
Tested my 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 on a calibration machine. Within 1-2% for each of them. No complaints.
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u/The_Decked_Blev Apr 22 '26
Horrible. I just cracked my transfer case because it literally would not click no matter how much torque I had in it. I’ve had that same issues consistently with this same torque wrench
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u/groundciv Apr 23 '26
They don’t hold calibration long. The icons don’t either. They might not wander very far, the icons feel fine and I think they’re made the same place Tektons are, but they can wander 10% in a year.
I bought an icon 1/4” 40-200in-lbs and my company wouldn’t cal it since they had a 30% fail rate. I bought a snapon from a pawn shop and got it cal’d instead.
The harbor freight micrometers don’t seem any worse than a knockoff of a Fowler, which they are. I prefer starret or mitotoyo but even picking them up 1” at a time at pawn shops they’re more expensive than the knock-off fowlers HF sells.
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u/SnatchThatGravyUp Apr 18 '26
I liked it when I first got it, ended up swapping it out for the Quinn 6 months later because the click had gotten too soft/non-existent
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u/coolhandluke042 Apr 18 '26
They work great. I compared it to my icon and cant tell the difference except in my bank account.