Best Budget Torque Wrench? 10 Tested, Pittsburgh, EPAuto, Capri, Tekton, Sunex, Lexivon
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ก.พ. 2022
- Only one survived, which one was it?
Links below
Hyper Tough
www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Toug...
PITTSBURGH
www.harborfreight.com/12-in-d...
EPAUTO
amzn.to/377rIai
Amazon Basic
amzn.to/3wSp2Z4
Performance Tool
amzn.to/3NFWV5e
Capri
amzn.to/3IZIBB5
Tekton
amzn.to/3tYBuo1
Sunex
www.walmart.com/ip/Sunex-9701...
Duralast
www.autozone.com/wrenches-pli...
Leixvon
amzn.to/3DvK7tz
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If anyone is interested the Pittsburg wrench is on sale at Harbor Freight (at least at our local store) until 2/4. It was $11.99 + tax.
Its on sale rn
I have been useing pittsburg pro ratchets and sockets in my shop for year's and have proven to other mechanics just how good they are,,anyone willing to give an honest review of harbor freight tools gets my subscription,,
Keep up the fair/honest reviews 👍
Subscribed!
Thanks! will do
@DENNIS SCOTT worry about yourself and not others
I've used a Pittsburgh 1/2 torque wrench on most stuff besides engine internals etc and ya can't beat the cheap Harbor freight ones if ya ask me.
@@tucoramirez9729 Did you just tell someone to worry about themselves and not others? Pot Meet Kettle.
I used my Pittsburgh for the first time today, and it seemed to work great.
I warmed it up by working the selector up and down the scale a few times. Then I put a flip socket on it and worked it up and down the scale on my lug nuts, with 4-6 clicks at 75 foot pounds.
I did the front brakes on a coworker’s car with it, and it clicked at 20 foot pounds on the caliper bolts and 83 foot pounds on the lug nuts per the vehicle specs.
Very useful. Thank you for taking the time and effort to put this together.
No problem!
Bought a Lexivon during prime day just cause I’ve been eying in getting a torque wrench for a while. Glad I found this video and gonna get the Pittsburg. Thanks!
No problem!
I'm happy to hear these Pittsburgh torque wrenches are more than worth what I paid for them. Awesome review. Happy new subscriber right here 👍
Yeah I was surprised how accurate they are.
Thanks for the SUB!
thanks for taking the time to do this
No problem!
That was a great, thorough review. Thank you.
Thanks!
That after audit blew my mind. Thanks for the hard work
Thank you for the comparisons.
No problem!
Thanks for putting in the time🛠
No problem!
I would have calibrated the ones that failed initially then do the 1000x load testing to see what the drift drift was. The OB calibration certs are not typically device specific even though the serial number is on it. They are really more of a certification of confidence for a sampling of x number average meeting design spec.
Thank you for this video. I have a hard time deciding which one to buy due to too many choices out there. Looks like I will buy the Hyper Tough since there is no Harbor Freight near my area and the shipping cost is ridiculous.
Subscribed ! Thanks again !
No problem! Glad it helped! Defiantly a lot of choices to chose from.
Thanks For The Sub!
Got my 3/8 for $16.99 this year with confidence from this video. Commenting for the algorithm otherwise.
Nice! Yeah both the 3/8 and 1/2 test well. Thanks!
@@Tools-Tested 😊
I got the Pittsburgh a few weeks ago for free with a $50 purchase. Haven’t used it yet, but now I’m confident it’ll do a pretty decent job. Thanks for a great review!
Glad you enjoy it! No problem!
Really interesting. Nicely done. Thanks.
Thanks! No problem!
Amazing video. Thank you. Would love to see a 3/8 drive video.
Thanks! Plan to do 3/8 in a few months, currently saving up for the 3/8 tester.
I wasn't sure if it was worth springing for the icon but you showed me the pittsburgh does just fine for itself. Thanks for the information.
No problem! I actually batched test 5 others and they all passed.
Great video. Thanks for taking the time. On going hitting the reset button. On going wrenching. Plus out of pocket. I really appreciate it.
No problem! I was shock by the results.
Great job, very scientific review, thanks.
Thanks!
Great information! Appreciate it!
Glad it was helpful! No problem!
Great video with an intriguing set of results. I wonder how many of those are rebrands and are likely manufactured by the same company. For ones that failed consistently, you would like to think that they could be adjusted back into calibration, you might be able to do that on some of these. Lexivon wrench does sure look nice, Draper do a similar unit, but is black with white lettering.
Thanks! Some look almost identical except for the branding, I’m probably going to try and adjust them and see what happens. Yeah that Lexivon is so much easier to read. I’m definitely keeping that one, just hope I can get it within spec
@@Tools-Tested Good luck!
Great video-Any chance you can confirm if the Lexivon can be re-calibrated? Thanks!
Thank you for this video, appreciate you spending the money to save us money!
No problem! glad to hear it was helpful!
Great! I was hoping the Lexivon would come out on top. That black finish looks bad ass. Guess I'll be buying a Pittsburgh. I thought Duralast would do better. Great video👍
Thanks, glad to hear it helped! Yeah I was really pulling for the Lexivon as well. But I have been impressed with these Pittsburgh's.
TY very interesting. Would love a round 2 between lexivon, Pittsburgh and performance tools. I have a rew of concerns. 1 is the low sample rate. 2 is the real possible of human error. These analog settings are very easy to mess up. and 3 Testing at the extremes of a tools ability is prone to error. Would rather see 30, 90, 120. Also like to see you cycle through the tools settings between tests. Like test the Lexivon on 30, 90, 120 then test it again at 30,90,120 and repeat again. Would also like to see 3 test clicks per setting and average. Very useful video just concerns me we tested tools not the tool I might be buying.
@Tools Explained Almost bought Lexivon....but after reading ALL of the Amazon reviews, changed my mind...
Yep looks like a nice wrench and is easy to read, but yeah didn't test well...
Thank you for doing this video
No problem!
Bought all three 1/4”, 3/8”, and 1/3” Pittsburgh torque wrench, each on sale for $10, like how could I not??? Lifetime warranty for $10, and this sorta gave me hope that I made a good choice.
To be fair I’m a DIYer, but not very frequently. So I think they’ll serve me just right
Nice! Yeah I don't think you can go wrong for the money, I hope to test the 1/4 and 3/8 sooner then later, I just need to buy the testers for the lower torque.
Surprising - I found your video after watching Project Farm's Torque wrench tests, and I was wondering there how the PIttsburgh would rate (he didn't test it) I amd happily suprised how well it did! - I've got all 3 sizes, got them on sale for $9.99 each! LOL! looks like I got a deal!
Yeah I seen that video and wondered the same thing, so I tested it lol.
Nice! Yeah I don't think you can go wrong for the money.
I hope to test the 1/4 and 3/8 sooner then later, I just need to buy the testers for the lower torque.
Thank you! You’re awesome:)
You're so welcome!
Great test, but if you could do the same with high end tools, I think the results will be somewhat the same.
Thanks for work
No problem!
Really nice test.
Thank you!
Subbed, great videos man. Any chance you could test some of the 3/8 digital ones like Gearwrench vs Sata vs ACDelco vs Quinn. Been trying to decide on one. thanks
Thanks for the sub! I did test the Sata, Quinn and gearwrench in 1/2. I would buy the Quinn. Believe HF has a 20% coupon this month on torque wrench’s.
HB has good, cheap tools for the weekend mechanic/carpenters etc, I have several.
Appreciate the review! I have a question and was hoping you could help me out. I’m a newb with this, so excuse my ignorance, but I’m looking for a more compact 1/2” torque wrench that will only be used for the 30-80’LB range (firearm barrel nuts). This won’t be something that’s used a ton, so prefer the more budget side. I also would like it to have a quick-release due to an injury and barrel nut wrenches are a pain to get off at times with them being so flat. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you
I was looking at some torque wrenches on the internet, when one of my coworkers looked over my shoulder.
He said don’t spend that much, just get a Pittsburgh.
Apparently he rebuilt his engine with a Pittsburgh and didn’t have any problems.
I’ve also heard that higher tooth count versions don’t last as long.
@hellsfavoritesaltyberserke4724 Since HF doesn’t make their own tools, the Pittsburgh torque wrench is a rebranded tool.
That means that HF teamed up with a good manufacturer.
Good video, well done, interesting how the Tekton has high praise on other sites and failed here. I'm on my third Pittsburg and not sure what direction I'm going now as I came from the craftsman end which simply stopped working.
Thanks! I personally would look at the Icon split beam.
@@Tools-Tested The AC Delco Digital is now on my radar as the size is just right for working in a wheel well, likely will be it once a good sale hits.
Gotta try it out while I go through my Sis 63 Catelina, again.
I have found that sometimes my Pittsburgh torque wrench doesn’t always click or clicks really softly, and that’s why I’m upgrading. Accuracy doesn’t seem too bad
Yeah I'm shocked by the accuracy for the price. If its 1/2 your upgrading I would suggest the Icon split beam, I don't think you can beat the quality for the price or even the Tekton split beam.
I had the Pittsburgh 1/2 and it didn't click at all. I got a craftsman. It's words better.
I have that blue power torque torque wrench from O'Reilly's I think I really got it cuz of the blue paint finish on it
Yep it can definitely make it a lot easier.
I knew I forgot a brand…..we just got a o reilly here.
Great job
Thanks!
Great video
Thanks!
Awesome video! what's your thoughts regarding Tacklife torque wrench?
Thanks! Just looked it up, looks similar in style but couldn't say without testing.
Really great. That Amazon basics would be shearing and stripping. 16lbs over at 150. I own all sizes Tekton 1/4” through 3/4”. Only a Diyer. I have recalibrated the 1/4” and 3/8” using digital torque adapter but don’t know if that’s accurate either. I always exercise the spring before using and first torque to 50% So far so good haven’t destroyed anything yet😂
Yeah I couldn't believe how cheap that Amazon basic was.
It won't be right on recalibrating them with a torque adapter but it should be within the 4% norm. Most torque adapters are around +-2%, while most calibration stands the factory's use are +-1%.
Hey good demonstration. The ones that failed all seem to be consistent in the numbers. So that would seem to be error in the dial setting mechanism, which is still a fail though.
Thanks! yep sadly.
Before I discovered torque wrenches: I cracked the converter housing on my transmission tightening the bolts too much, that attach it to the engine.
Thankfully the crack was only spread across the top of the transmission.
Yep definitely can be easily done for sure.
Great information! I was wondering if you could do the same test with quarter inch torque quenches, especially the harbor freight brand.
Hopefully soon, I have the tester for 1/4. Just need to find time and $ lol.
Probably next month
@@Tools-Tested I was wondering the same thing need to quarter inch torque wrenche and what to make sure I get something good that will last and will hopefully fit my budget
ive had to replace my Pittsburgh. used total of 2 times and the dial just locked up. wasnt gonna take it apart... Harbor Freight lifetime works at least .im gonna try a digital box next...
Damn man thanks for taking time for this. Needed one for my beadlocks and figured harbor freight would be junk. Now I'm buying that one lol
No problem, I also batch tested 5 of the HFs and they all passed accuracy testing, I was shocked.
See how long it last. I had one for a few years but gets extremely little use. It will fail to click . I put it on the axle nut on my motorcycle with the wrench set at 25 it would not click. The nut was torqued to 65.
Twas enough to get my wheels together. It'll be 4 years before I need it again probably
So good to finally see the cheapest pass.
Yeah I was surprised.
great video, could you also do a post calibration analysis, on how long the calibration lasts on each torque wrench post calibration and after repeated use. Also what is your recommendation on after how many uses should any torque wrench be re calibrated ??
Sadly I cant do a long term test, after each video I sell the wrenches so I can buy more to test.
I will say my old craftsman (18 years old) has never been calibrated and is still accurate to this day. It probably has 2k cycles on it.
I think most wrenches should be tested @ 5000 or every 3 years.
@@Tools-Tested thanks, I also got information that if by accident the wrench is dropped on ground or mishandled, then calibration is a must
Wow!!! Those are some awful and potentially dangerous torque wrenches. I was thinking about buying one of these, but heck no! Thank you sir for saving me money and more. 🇺🇸😎🇺🇸
No problem Thanks!
Yeah didn’t expect those results.
Thank you to sir. I love your TH-cam channel and your awesome reviews that are very informative and let the public know about how these tools preform. GOD be with you always and bless you always sir. You are truly awesome. 🇺🇸😎🇺🇸
Wow harbor freight torque wrench works so good .
Yeah its crazy.
Thanks!
No problem!
If you are really interested in the lexivon doing better you could always get a new one and give it another shot but I think id choose the Pittsburgh one especially since I already have all three of them...
I wonder if it’s the brand or specific wrench. I’d like to see a test with 5 wrenches of the same brand.
Was surprised by the Capri results specially after so much hype
Yeah looked like it was going to be a good wrench, but ended up not testing well.
Nice video, thanks. I just returned an EPauto back to amazon. Is it normal for the locking mechanism to come loose after each nut you torque?
Thanks!, sounds like you made the right choice. No when it is locked it should stay locked not unlock when you are using it.
Interesting results. I was gonna grab a pittsburgh 1/4 and 3/8 for smaller jobs but I have a duralast 1/2, maybe I should upgrade
Clearly you're doing it wrong lol
I’d like to know which one came in second and in third position. Especially the Tekton.
Love all the data. I’d be curious to see if the same lineup in 3/8 and 1/4 are with the same levels of accuracy as the 1/2 drive
Hopefully in a few months.. I just bought the testers to do them.
Lexivon and Amazon look pretty much ok for me considering the size - these wrenches are for anything above 80Nm, lower torque applications chances are you have a smaller wrench.
It looks like I’m getting a Pittsburgh.
I purchased the Evercraft version of these click-type torque wrenches from NAPA two years ago and have mainly used it on lug nuts. I noticed every time I used it the adjustable scale would shift up from the setting I put it on, nothing drastic though. I would loosen the nut and dial the scale back to where the setting should be and then tightened the nut again. Is all that clear as mud? Did you experience that happening on any of the torque wrenches you tested?
I am probably going to try and catch up with the times and look into the purchase of a more affordable digital torque wrench, maybe the Quinn or Kobalt version, although my sporadic automotive repair and DIY work…nor the accountant (wife) would justify me buying the tool truck versions.
No I didn't seem to noticed that with these they seemed to stay locked in place. But to be fair they probably were only adjusted 20 times or so. Maybe its something with the locking mechanism.
Damn tekton good thing I seen this video before buying a 3/8 & 1/2
Yep, I would recommend the split beams if your looking at Tekton. Pricy but worth the money in my book.
@@Tools-Tested Im looking for a mid to low budget torque wrench I bought the icon 1/2 but it doesn’t seem worth the $ and thinking of returning and replacing with something priced right im still looking but tekton was at the top of list until i seen this video
@@arzaduzit I can understand, maybe check the husky or kobalt out. Both tested well.
not sure if you mentioned it but i hear the toruqe wrenches have a slight break in period and get better over time.
What is a warm up cycle?
The Lexivon was still within the manufactures tolerance. You did not say what each manufactures tolerances were so a .5 tolerance is usually for digital torque wrenches. Standard tolerances for a torque wrench is 4% to 6%. I am a Calibration Engineer.
I’ve had problems with the Pittsburgh before, hope the new husky $45 after military discount one works better. Had to get the 50-250ft lbs for the crank bolt on a ls
Yeah the Pittsburgh shocked me, maybe I just got lucky, I have heard other people having issues with them.
I’m sure that husky is way better quality.
People only have trouble with the Pittsburgh when they try to use it outside of it’s rated specs. The Pittsburgh tested is 0 to 150lbs
It won’t do things that are improperly torqued. That’s not Pittsburgh fault. A lot of mfg and shops over torque everything. I’m not sure why either. One should not need a 300ftlb impact wrench for bolts that are supposed to be 150.
Yep 100% over torque will kill a torque wrench quick.
Impact ratings are becoming insane.
3/8 is the new 1/2 rating wise.
It is not a "myth" instructions clearly say: AFTER EVERY USE: loosen the Lock Knob, set to the lowest torque setting, then tighten the Lock Knob.
Nice video. Do you plan on doing some mid-grade wrenches in the future? I have a digital Gearwrench I'd like to see tested.
Thanks! Yeah I plan to, probably will be 1-2 months before I can get to it though.
@@Tools-Tested Thanks. You have a ton of tool videos on going through now. Are you a mechanic or something similar?
So I was a mechanic at a John Deere dealer for a few years, then field tested technician for John Deere basically ran and repaired test machines all over the US. Now I’m currently Engine support for Krone for the past 7 years. I still wrench for work from time to time but mostly currently call support/training now.
And a weekend Warrior! 😂
@@Tools-Tested That's awesome. It must pay very well as you have all the tools I want. 😁
Not bad, but I don’t have much for other expenses which helps a lot.
The cheapest torque wrench i would buy would be an Icon.
Videos like these is why I don’t have much trust in cheaper tools, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!
Yep I wouldn't be using one for anything important.
Ive also got the pittsburg ones, both 1/2 and 3/8... the 1/2 drive has worked only ok and i'd give it 5 outta 10 stars because its inconsistant in When it clicks.. sometimes, i'm tightening and waiting for the click, and I Know im applying alot of torque but no click..othertimes it clicks when expected... this inconsistancy in performance makes you leary to fully trust it..maybe I just need to lay into it more, but the risk of stripping always stops me... as far as the 3/8 one, ive had to return that one 3 times.. it often wouldnt click at all...ever.. and so was useless.. replacements sometimes worked outta box, but then refused to click after a few uses... as far as how accurate were they? no clue..i never tested them and dont see how to easily calibrate them either...I did compare them at equal settings with an autozone 1/2 drive rental to see where the harbor frieght one would click.. it was Not the same and was ofetn tighetning 10 or more ft lbs than the rental b4 clicking....maybe the newer batches are better, I bought these around 10-15 each a few yrs ago.
Interesting, I hope to buy a few when they go onsale again and do batch testing.
damn.... I'm a couple days late - just bought the lexivon
It was not fare out of the claimed accuracy, if I remember correctly the smaller 1/2 Lexivon (150ft) tested within spec. But I will say I do like that it's easy to read.
Wow, I expected more from you Capri tools 😂
Yeah didn’t expect that either…lol
Looks like I may need a calibration for my cheapo duralast 3/8 and 1/2 now. 🤦
The Capri calibrated would be a good unit
Yeah the quality looks very good.
i bought a hyper tough , and it didnt click at aall , i returned and ordered a Lexivon , it work
Thanks for the info!
I don't really have access to a Pittsburgh torque wrench. Would you recommend a tekton or lexivon for seasonal tire changes or should I look for something better
I would try better if you can, I normally recommend split beam wrench’s or craftsman, husky
JEEEEEZE, Did you calibrate your calibration machine???? Kidding kidding
I am having trouble finding a torque wrench I can trust for 13ft lbs for my spark plugs. Any budget friendly suggestions? Thanks. And great video. Very thorough.
Yeah thats a very tough range, I would look at the Ares amzn.to/3XbQiN4.
I tested 1/4 wrenches in this video th-cam.com/video/l27X2SI7h3E/w-d-xo.html
@Tools-Tested thanks for that. I will check it out now 👍
@@memyselfandI0123 no problem!
Lol at least they fail low rather than high. Just give it a few extra firm pulls and click it an extra 8 times and you’re there
Very true, low is defiantly battery than high.
Kobalt? nice wrench low cost.
What torque wrench you recommend? not just out of these.
In my book if you're looking at 1/2 I would go with the Icon 1/2 split beam or even the digital icon if your doing a lot of engine work.
Both tested really well and are at the lower end price wise.
I prefer a split beam style over any other type, easy to adjust and seem to keep there accuracy better.
Suppose you use a crowfoot on the wrench instead of a socket, does that affect the torque applied to the nut? I need a torque wrench for tightening flare nuts. Thanks.
Yes, normally there is a calculation provided in the owners manual that has to be taken into account. Adding extensions also affects the torque applied.
@@Tools-Tested Thanks.
Some of these seemed to be fairly consistant, though off.
So wouldn't it be just a matter of calibrating them properly ?
Yep, problem is you would need to check them right out of the box and adjust which most people are not going to do.
What about Husky brand from Home Depot?
Please see video
th-cam.com/video/52iVvucl8rY/w-d-xo.html
I’m wondering if you got ahold of a bad Tekton because it is highly recommended by several videos I’ve seen.
Yeah its possible, Im hoping to test this style of Tekton in the 3/8 version next month.
I never expected it to be out of range from factory.
@@Tools-Tested I watched a couple of videos where people used the Harbor Freight torque adapter, and the Tekton did very well. It also seems to have a little better construction than the Pittsburgh.
@@Tools-Tested Have you ever tested the Dewalt?
@@Tools-Tested If I remember right, you got a bad Tekton split beam, and had to get a new one also.
Whats the opinion about a power torque 1/2 from oriellys
Hard to say without testing one.
I have an older 1990s Craftsman and the LOCK/UNLOCK dial is frozen so I bought a Pittsburgh. Doesn't seem to be a bad choice.
Curious if you ever test the beam style? I have an old Craftsman one of those too, but you have to be able to see the scale and the pointer from dead on - probably none too accurate or repeatable.
Yeah I tested the beam style, they seem very accurate but can be tricky to read.
Harbor Freight crushing the competition so hard. Hahahaha...
For the Sunex, did you only test at 30?
Hi, no it was tested @ 30 90 150
I got a whole set of the pittsburgh while on sale for $9.99 each
Nice! this one defiantly tested very well considering the price!
do you use them for engine work?if you do, could you let me know how it goes, if it over-tightens any bolts or if it works fine
@@brzo. Ive also got the pittsburg ones, both 1/2 and 3/8... the 1/2 drive has worked only ok and i'd give it 5 outta 10 stars because its inconsistant in When it clicks.. sometimes, i'm tightening and waiting for the click, and I Know im applying alot of torque but no click..othertimes it clicks when expected... this inconsistancy in performance makes you leary to fully trust it..maybe I just need to lay into it more, but the risk of stripping always stops me... as far as the 3/8 one, ive had to return that one 3 times.. it often wouldnt click at all...ever.. and so was useless.. replacements sometimes worked outta box, but then refused to click after a few uses... as far as how accurate were they? no clue..i never tested them and dont see how to easily calibrate them either...I did compare them at equal settings with an autozone 1/2 drive rental to see where the harbor frieght one would click.. it was Not the same and was ofetn tighetning 10 or more ft lbs than the rental b4 clicking....maybe the newer batches are better, I bought these around 10-15 each a few yrs ago.
When I click on the Pittsburgh link, it doesn’t show Pittsburgh Pro like the one you tested.
Did they stop making the 1/2” Pro?
I believe they are all Pittsburgh Pro, don't know why its not labeled that way on the website. When I picked up the 3/8 the other week they were all labeled Pro.
@@Tools-Tested Yeah, the website shows the 1/4 and 3/8 as Pro, but not the 1/2.
@@Tools-Tested The molded Case says Pro, but the sleeve doesn’t.
Can all of these be easily calibrated?
Yeah most you remove the handle and turn a nut as need to adjust pressure on the spring.
I’m glad Tekton passed I have there triple set of that TW i been happy with it.
Tekton Failed. You didn’t watch whole video
What model is the lexivon?
This is the LX-183
What exactly does the warm up cycle do that is important?
That I'm 100% not sure on, none of the manuals I have specify why exactly just to exercise he wrench before use.
Im guessing to get a few compressions on the coil spring and the torque block inside.
@@Tools-Tested I actually asked the question before I read the internet answer.
Apparently it helps work the lubricant through the torque wrench too. Looks like you’re also supposed to do it if the torque wrench has been stored inactive for awhile.
I’m leaning things that would’ve extended the life of my Great Neck. That thing was so nice when I got it for the price.
@@Tools-Tested Here’s what I found on the internet:
One other piece of advice is to warm up the wrenche with some clicks before you go to us it the first time. And to run it up through/down the range as well to just make sure all adjustments are working -- this helps with lubrication to even it out from sitting in place.
How about husky?
Probably in about a month, I plan on doing Husky, Kobalt, Craftsman, ICON and a few others.