Testing one sample of each wrench is not truly scientific, though it is quantitative. Multiple samples of each wench would be needed to account for manufacture variability. It is impossible to know if the single wrenches used here are truly representative of each brand's product (from manufacturing to customer delivery).
Robert, this guy does more to accurately review a product then 90% of others out there. If you needed the level of accuracy you're talking about, you wouldn't be buying a cheap wrench in the first place!
All you guys that are criticizing his testing please remember he buys and pays for the testing tools out of his own pocket. He rarely gets sponsored so his testing is accurate and he does not pick favorites. Sorry I can not remember your name. I trust his reviews and testing over most of the guys reviewing tools because they get sponsored. Keep up the great work.
I like his approach in the video, but i dont like his testing process. Im a metrologist. When testing a tool, standard NIST requirements state your Standard (his torque tester) needs to be 4 times more accurate then the tool being tested to ensure accurate measurements. Its what we call the TAR (test accuracy ratio) He stated he set the tester for a 4% accuracy......id bet money those wrenches have a 4% accuracy........ maybe 3% at best (not likely, yall can look that up though). That means his TAR isnt a 4 to 1....... Its a 1 to 1 or worse ( if the wrenches are at 3%)...........and honestly, thats crap. Calibration labs are using testers with 1%, 0.5%, or 0.25% accuracy to verify the measurements. So take what hes saying with a grain of salt if you read all the way to the end of this.
I have the Kobalt torque wrench. I work as a diesel mechanic and have had this torque wrench and have used for everything from wheel seals to engine rebuilds. Love the wrench and love the accuracy it gives.
I have a assortment of torque wrenches, all of them are Snap on. The oldest was purchased about 30 years ago now and has never given me any issues. I recently purchased the new digital wrenches because everything seems to have the angle torque step, I liked the 1/4" and 3/8" so much I bought the 1/2" version, and while I already had a 3/4" click type I got the 3/4" digital as well. And a 1/4" dial type to adjust fuel injectors on Cummins engines. I'm a level 4 technician for a International truck dealership currently, prior to that I worked heavy equipment for 10 years at a local landfill. Although I started out at 17 under a shade tree, today I do in frame overhauls and heavy line repairs on medium and heavy trucks. Proper use and care will give years of service, torque wrenches should be stored at the lowest setting and should never be used to break fasteners loose.
I have all three Husky torque wrenches and have been using them for 2 years now. Mine measure spot on during calibration still. I prefer the 20 steps in one revolution, especially because I have to change torques often during a project. The rubber handle has survived brake cleaner, chlorinated brake cleaner, acetone, and an array of many other solvents, so far it just stays clean.
Love how you actually measured the torque on each brand. Very helpful, I'm very proud that I've been using kobalt for the last year and I'm glad it looks like I made a good decision.
Yes, I realize this video is 3 years old. As of today (12/27/2020) I purchased the Husky for $49 plus tax. I checked Lowe’s and the kobalt is $89 plus tax. Thanks for the review.
Update: I ended up returning the Husky and purchasing the Kobalt. Reviews seemed to be slightly better on the Kobalt. I’ve only used it once this far and it performed exactly as expected.
@@highdesertexplorer123 reply to this 3 year old comment, I got a husky un opened from the flea market for 25$ and will not be taking it back. for the most part it is accurate enought for my needs.
Just picked up the Kobalt 1/2” torque wrench for $20 and the 3/8” Kobalt torque wrench for $10 on clearance at Lowe’s. Best score I have had in a long time.
For some reason I got a wild hair up my ass and watched a tools in action video. All I'm gonna say is thank you Daniel for your no nonsense approach. You will always be my #1 source for tool reviews.
I don't usually make comments. I recently had the Husky brand torque wrench. I used it to torque a ball hitch on my truck at 160 ft-lbs. The torque to me was questionable, since I torqued a lot of fasteners by feel and by torque settings for years. Not scientific, I know. After watching this video, I was sold into returning the Husky torque wrench and getting the Kobalt Torque Wrench instead not even 1 hour ago! Accuracy, not made in China, (had too many problems with Chinese quality control on several other items lately,) came in a box instead of the blister pack, the more precise increments, and the price! Taiwanese made products tend to be a bit higher quality in my experiences. Returned to break the ball hitch torque on the truck, and re-torqued it with the brand new Kobalt torque wrench. The feel was just spot on, and it proves the certificate of calibration that was included to be true too in my book. Glad I made my move. Thanks for making the video. It saved me some peace of mind and $5 too.
I've had the Kobalt 1/2" torque wrench for a couple of years. It's mostly used for lug nuts, but she' been used on some suspension work too. It's feels like a quality tool, plenty long enough and the metal handle reminds me of dumbbell knurling. I liked it so much I bought the 3/8" version too. If you wait until Black Friday or Father's Day sales, they can be found for cheaper. I picked the 1/2" up for $49.99. How about a review of the digital torque adapters some places carry?
I have an old Proto torque wrench that my grandfather got out of a naval ship yard. If you can get one then I highly recommend it. This one has accurately worked on tires, engines, and other odds and ends for over 30 years.
Thanks for finally doing a torque wrench review. Please do more models. HF, teckton, etc. Im in need and your reviews are helping. I'll wait for one more vid before deciding. thumbs up!
I have the Lowes Kobalt. It has never failed me and I think it's excellent value for the money. It's great to see that it's also very accurate. Thank you for this review and I highly recomend this tool.
That Husky is on sale during Black Friday 2019 for $50.00. I was just about to pull the trigger on it, but I buld engines and cannot afford to fool around with toys. Thanks for the video, you just saved me the headache of having to return it since I would have figured out I didnt like it as soon as I saw how its designed. I have a Proto with too many years since its last inspection, but cant find anyone to test it, so I'm having to buy a new one.
Charles Nicholson I’m going to buy the 1/2 Icon from HF. I knew it was top notch but when you see the Husky for that money, i was excited. I have never seen such a poorly executed torque wrench since the old needle pointer. This channel probably has a video on the Icon vs. Snap off. I know someone does.
@@wheelstandr I was going to buy the same one but I need one that goes down to 10 ft lb for some engine work I will be doing. Looking at the Tekton now. I do like the looks and reviews of the Icon though.
As an old tools department manager for Lowes, I can tell you that even if you brought in a torque wrench that was 10 years old, I'd give you a new one no questions asked.
ive used both and own the husky. 90 percent of my tools are husky so that is why i bought it. The kobalt does feel better when using because the extra length. I do plan on buying another for smaller stuff and may go with the kobalt for the 3/8 size. the husky one works great for wheels and suspension parts.
I bought that kobalt torque wrench a while ago, surpassed the toqrue ratting by a mile and ended up breaking it(used it for something I shouldn't have). Had the tool well over a year, walked into lowes and they handed me a new one. Manual may say different but from my experience you can get them replaced anytime just like the other hand tools
if I buy a 1/2 inch Drive torque wrench it's going to be for anything over 50 foot pounds anyway...( probably anything over what my 3/8 drive torque wrench will do reliably) considering the price difference and the Cobalt looks more durable because of the solid handle it. would certainly be a clear choice between these two. Thanks for sharing your results...
hands down you are the best tool reviewer on youtube!! Thanks for all the good content. I would like to see the snap on digital torque wrench go at it to see if it is worth all the money.
David Mcnerney is the Carlyle guaranteed for CW & CCW? As RealToolReview pointed out, the Kobalt is CW only. Granted could still be the same, just additional testing & calibrating on the Carlyle.
I'm currently using a stanley fatmax torque wrench, can't say too much about the accuracy but it's comfortable to use and the 60 tooth head is nicer than most in its price range. I would love to see a video on its accuracy. great video as always
You want split beam torque wrenches. Precision Instrument makes them for Snap-On and costs 1/2 as much as Snap-On. They are within 1% accuracy after 10 years of use through out the entire usable range. No battery to worry about like the electronic version. And you don't have to back them off to 0 after use like these clickers type.
Qiong Jia yep; the only downside to split-beam (to most people, it's not even an issue) is they aren't reversible. In addition to the split-beam, I like those old school beam style torque wrenches for low torque applications like engine work.
i have the kobalt torque wrench and have owned it for a few years and its been great! glad to see the accuracy with this one being used. i always put the wrench at 50ftlbs before i store it and alway put it in its case when im not using it. id suggest it to anybody wanting a low buck torque wrench
I own 8 torque wrenches of various styles, sizes, & manufactures. The Harbor freight versions I used to owed proved to me not to trust their precision. I have had very good luck of course with the name brand professional versions (Matco & Cornwell); but, on the other end the KD tool, Gear Wrench, & Carlyle versions have been very reliable for the price comparison. When it comes to suspension, steering, and wheel component I use the less expensive brands. On all precision engine, transmission, and drivetrain components that cost $$$$ I use the professional branded tools.
From a heavy duty diesel equipment mechanic in the coal field, I love my kobalt stuff! We do very heavy duty nasty work and I love my gearwrench,tekton and kobalt stuff, I use my 24 inch kobalt 1/2 ratchet all day and there impact sockets and absolutely use the shit out of them, I use Milwaukee and DeWalt power tools not so much on kobalt there but there hand tools are very solid and reliable and comfortable, I put them up there with gearwrench and tekton and Carlyle all day every day
Excellent comparison. Wish I had seen it last month, before I bought the Husky. I will say, though, that despite the fact that the Husky wrench is marked for 30ftlbs, I believe it says it is accurate in only the upper 80% of it's range, as are most click torque wrenches.
I have a 3/8 inch kobalt tq wrench. Its exactly like the model you used in 1/2. I love the wrench and have used it several times to work on heads on a LS motor.
I'm a mold technician at a plastic injection factory and I use the kobalt every single day for setting molds in the presses. I have only had the kobalt fail once and that was due to lack of proper maintenance on the wrench (my stupidity). I've also used a snap-on wrench and I prefer the kobalt over it any day. Unfortunately I have dropped mine several times from the top of a press, however it is still chugging along just fine. My opinion is it is a fantastic wrench and I don't see myself changing it out any time soon.
Hello sir, great video, very scientific way to test both tools. Now I know which one is better and why, not to mention that the tool you use to test is accurate, also the same socket was used, very precise test, thank you very much! cheers.
It's not a big deal to have only even numbered detents. Standard error on most wrenches is ±2.5% only after you are out of the bottom 20% of the range or so, and that's on top of the standard torque/tension variation of ± 30%! Bottom line, there's no need to sweat hyper-accuracy in a torque wrench (a tiny source of variation) if you haven't already done the work to minimize bolt torque/tension variance (burnish threads, lube, use torque + angle, etc). For critical applications, a torque wrench is only used as a field expedient. Manufacturers in a production environment use more precise tools like multi-spindle DC drives. Great video, like always!
I have all 4 Kobalt and love them. I have the click 3/8 and 1/2 and the digital 3/8 and 1/2. I have used them for a year and took them in to get calibrated and they were still spot on. I highly recommend these wrenches. My buddy has 3 snap-on wrenches and loves my line-up! Cant say enough about Kobalt Torque wrenches.
The HUSKY handle for the torque wrench is very cheap. I bought a 3/8" HUSKY torque wrench and within my first hour of using it the handle was flaking off small bits of rubber. Also to note, the click is barely audible compared to my 1/2 snap-on. I highly recommend HUSKY's ratchets, extensions, and impact guns but NOT the torque wrench. Just go with snap-on This is coming from a Toyota quick lube tech that uses these tools every day on many cars
I have become a huge Kobalt fan recently but I use Craftsman torque wrenches. Got them both on sale for $49.99 a piece - can't beat that! I would be interested in getting Kobalt torque wrenches down the road but the Craftsman wrenches do the job well!
if they are the same as mine (black plastic case, torque wrench is all stainless with a locking screw on the bottom) they are absolute garbage. maybe ok for torquing lugnuts, but useless for anything requiring actual precision.
Rocky X TV I'm very curious too. I doubt they're within the 4% range. Without having a quality wrench to test it against it's hard to say. I hope he does a test with them.
Yep, same ones. So far I've only used the 1/2" drive for lug like you said. I did try the 1/4" for something that only needed like 10ft/lbs and it didn't click. It was set for 10 and I bet it tightened that bolt to 30 and still didn't click.
I picked up the 1/4" for intake bolts, most modern intake manifolds are plastic so you have to be really careful with those. I still haven't trusted it enough to actually use it for that purpose. I use the 1/2" drive all the time for lug nuts on my channels project Jeeps.
yeah, when i picked mine up i figured something was too good to be true, think they were something like $12 a piece after coupon. get what you pay for. don't get me wrong you don't need a $600 snapon but the 80-120 for a husky/craftsman/kobalt is worth it all day.
As a mechanic on CH-47's for the past 9 years and with virtually everything needing to be torqued I would say Proto or Snapon as being the best Torque wrenches I have used. If the U.S. Military trusts them to be used on their Helicopters I would say they are pretty reputable.
The comparison is between Husky and Kobalt, not Snap-On that is 5 times the price. Most of us are not working on CH47's in the backyard. Quick wheel bearings on an old Corolla. I am sure 99% of us here already know this, but thank you for your infinite RUclips wisdom and service.
My Matco digital torque wrench was advertised at 2% accuracy. When I actually bought it they are all individually tested on all settings at 5 different torque levels or angles at the Manufacture before quality control puts them in a box and ships them with a printout of the specs from the test. The spec sheet from the test had a handwritten note on the back stating that mine was the most accurate he has ever tested. the furthest off on the ft lb reading was the 250ft lb test and it was within 0.850% over 5 tests forwards and backwards.
Very interesting test. I think that the kobalt would make a fine diy torque wrench. I personally own a 3/8" drive CDI made by Snap On, and it's just as good. I got it off amazon and it came with a certificate stating what it was tested to. Very pleased with it and have used it many times on the farm. I bought it when I put a new engine in my truck, and it was flawless. I plan on buying the 1/2" drive in the future when the need for one arises.
I got the Kobalt on sale years ago for around $50, as you said about the warranty though, I've just kept the packaging and if they say something I'll whip out the box and show what they are advertising them as. Outside of the pure length of the Kobalt I haven't had any issues with it.
Thank you for your channel, I really appreciate what you're doing. I'd like to see a comparison of the Northern Tool welding cabinet #48299 and the Harbor Freight welding cabinet #63179. They are the two largest cabinets I have found for Welding equipment.
Very interesting test. The Kobalt is the clear winner. I currently use both a 3/8" and 1/2" Craftsman click-type mechanical digital torque wrench. On these you pull-out slightly and turn the handle to change the torque and the setting is displayed as easy to read digits in two little windows, one for Ft-Lb and one for Nm. These are USA made units and are probably at least 30 years old. They've never been calibrated but I've checked them on a similar digital torque wrench tester and they are both right on at various torque settings. The key to maintaining accuracy with these types of wrenches is to always store them set to the minimum torque setting.
I've got the same type from Craftsman though a bit newer. Maybe 15 years old. It's seen a lot of service. When ever I had it checked it was dead on. Like you said. Store it at minimal setting. Also helps to just treat it as the precision instrument it is.
Well Lowes is getting Craftsman now that Stanley Black and Decker has purchased Craftsman and they will be made in America again ...will be in Lowes stores late 2018 .
I have an older 1/2" husky and a couple smaller craftsman. all are good enough for my garage uses. I just had a technician in at work extolling the benefits of a well calibrated torque wrench (conveniently sold by his company for $500) then found him tightening fittings with torque specs freehand. good enough in my book.
I use CDI torque wrenches for my garage, and they are great. I buy CDI because they are known to be extremely accurate and each comes with a calibration certificate. I would be very interested to see what you review their torque wrenches.
An interesting test would be the Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro digital torque adapter; i.e. the adapter that turns any ratchet or breaker bar into a torque wrench :)
Landing on an odd number is inconsequential if the accuracy isn’t 100% dead on. So being off plus or minus 4 points would trump the concern of not being able to torque to an odd number. But I’m just nitpicking, great vid!
That Kobalt brand baby! Was going to get a tool set from Home Depot craftsman or Husky then I went to Lowe’s and saw their better deal tool set and knew it was the one I wanted
I got the 1/2" and 3/8" Kobalt and a mini 1/4" Pittsburg for weird, random little things like the end torque on my front axle nuts with the old style tapered bearings in the rotors lol...pretty sure I got one mini from Home Depot the 1st time and had to return it, cause it didn't click. Dunno if it was a Husky or not. Its suprisingly hard to find delicate torque wrenches that do really small torques like 15-20 inch lbs. I wish Kobalt made them, because I'm in love with Kobalt torque wrenches. So much so that it started me off on a Kobalt tool kick that prolly wasn't entirely the best idea. I'm sure Harbor Freight was hit or miss but I just happened to get a good one. Pretty cool too, cause they all have the exact same style case, so they look like a 3 set. But yeah, I would happily own 2 or 3 of each Kobalt torque wrench I have, and then some.
I've had Husky 3/8" drive torque wrench (10-100) for about 20 years or so and it's been great. It's still dead on. It looks like at the time it was made for Husky by SK tools. A couple years later I bought a 1/2" drive Husky torque wrench (50-250) and I don't like it. The graduations on the handle don't line up correctly and it makes me nuts. My go to choice now is CDI. The quality is outstanding! I bought a CDI dial-type torque wrench (0-25) for my rear diff and I was hooked. I've since bought a CDI 3/8" drive (10-100) for track duty, a CDI 3/4" drive (80-400) and have a CDI 1/2" drive (30-250) on the way. They can be had for a great price new on ebay. Especially if they are outgoing or display models.
I have a 1/2 old Craftsman, 1/2 Snap, 1/2 Matco, 3/8 Snap, 3/8 Kobalt. They are spread over work and home. I use the new Matco on race car stuff and got burned by dead batteries at 2 am..... Have not used the Kobalt yet, but soon. The Craftsman has been the oldest one I have and I do not use it anymore (not well cared for). Both Snaps are work only stuff. the 1/2 snappy had to get the head rebuilt but I have had it since 97 and it has torqued a LOT of wheels over the years
I had a Kobalt break in two days on me. They replaced it but I never gave it a big job again. I just use it to torque wheels to 100lbs in steps. That is all I trust it for. This video makes me more confident but I still have a feeling it could just snap again.
I was tightening a wheel to 100lb/s going up from 60. I bought it to tighten my wheels since it was such a large bar and really wouldn't fit anywhere else. Where the bar connects to the "head" it snapped like it was cheap metal.
I own the husky 1/2" torque wrench and love it. Also got it on sale which helped. Adjusting by 2ft lbs of torque doesn't bother me on the bigger jobs(wheels, brakes, etc etc) as a ft lbs over isn't really a big deal. I also only use it CW for putting things on( torque wrenches shouldn't be going ccw in my opinion) and a breaker bar for anything CCW that needs to come off. As for smaller more precise measurements a 3/8" would be more appropriate instead of the larger 1/2" designed for bigger applications considering realistically you would not be using a 1/2" for 6ft lbs up to maybe 40-50ft lbs torque. I do like the grip on the husky as well. It is nice to see the inaccuracy of the wrench though compared to Kobalt. To be fair I think multiples of both should be tested since another husky could be more or less accurate than the one tested. But that would also be pricey. Just like a second Kobalt could be less or more accurate than the one tested in this video. Quality Control doesn't catch everything. Lol I would have to say for this video though is that the Kobalt did perform better than the Husky and now i wonder if mine is off that much or if QC was on my side with the one I purchased. Great video keep up the reviews!
Great comparison video! Liked how you tested both on exact calibration machine with same settings. I've had a HF 1/2 mostly for lug nuts and questioned its specs recently so was looking for a new one. Any chance you will test same way say a 3/8 and 1/4 one? Would LOVE to see how they compare before buying. Thanks again and keep up the great work!
love my PI split beam torque wrench. I have an older husky torque wrench where you have to twist a ring to lock it. Ring would always come loose. The PI Torque Wrench is much faster to set desired torque, and dont have to reset to zero to store. It's also a lot lighter.
i own the older USA kobalt 3/8 drive torque wrench. never had an issue with it and checks out good on the snap on torque meter. At my local lowes they have never questioned me on any tool returned damaged. I returned a 3/8 drive kobalt air impact that was over 5 years old no questions asked. it looked like it was used in a shop for years also and it didnt even match the new one.
Your reviews are mighty damn valuable. Thank you. I have a feeling you are going to get many letters from tool companies. Please read letters on air if they start mailing you concerns.
I have the Kobalt. I used it daily as an automotive technician. It always worked well until one day the head just fell apart. I never trusted it after that. Since it was just beyond the ACTUAL one year warranty I replaced it with the Snap On Tech Angle. I think it served its purpose and was at a reasonable price point for as long as it lasted but I didn't think it was worth paying to repair.
Fantastic review! When there's a choice between Taiwan and China. Always choose Taiwan, it "can" make a big difference. Taiwan can crank out seriously good tools now. I have a CDI that looks identical to the Kobalt.
I have a husky 1/2" which is probably 6-8 years old. I broke my old 3/8" husky torque wrench and went into home Depot with my receipt or warranty car and exchanged it for the 1/2" version and paid the difference. mine goes down to at least 20 ft lbs though.
Nice write up and thanks for all you do. One thing to keep in mind is the repeatability of the gage (i.e. the torque wrench). Repeatabiity is the variation of the measurement when performed by same person. By limiting your trials to one, we don't get any insight as to the repeatability of the wrench. I'm guessing if you performed a study you might see the variation of the repeated measurements to be as much as 4%
I know you mentioned it twice, all torque wrenches have a desired accuracy range. Those inaccuracies at a lower range is expected, since its NOT within the desired range of the manufacturer.
I have 2 Tekton torque wrenches. One ft-lb and one in-lb. Both will do Newton meters. Both adjust quickly and are smooth. Both come with hard cases I have had great success with both.
I've been using the husky torque wrench for 5 years in the industry I currently work in people laugh when you say calibration but I will say I've never had an issue with any repairs I have had to use my just torque wrench on but after seeing this video I think I'm gonna be getting me a kobalt
I would also recommend to anyone new to torque wrenches if it has a reverse option never use it it can jack up your calibration springs aren't designed to go both ways get you a breaker bar to back things off with
I set it to match the specs in the manual for the Kobalt.....it was 4% max & the Husky was 3% max. And it IS a big deal....just because a torque wrench manufacturer is ok with their specs being off, it doesnt mean that the repair should be off.
Real Tool Reviews Thanks for the reply but it still wouldn't concern me that much if it were accurate in the first place, which you proved the husky really isn't. Being able to dial it in to 153 ftlbs isn't going to make a difference when the tool itself could be off by 5%. If this was a $300 snap-on where I'm paying for accuracy, then I would complain. If you're working on a metric car you're going to be rounding torque values regardless. After you factor in other variables like temperature, bolt materials and rust, if there's any grime/loctite/anti seize on them, it's just really out of the scope for a home gamer tool.
Even ppl don't have these tools, or don't buy them...They will definitely learn something from them. I have one from PepBoys I think...I have no idea how accurate it is...Would love see a comparison of that husky against an electronic Tq wrench to see which is more accurate
Every aspect of the Kobalt looks to be exactly like my Armstrong torque wrench. Shape of the head, handle & reverse lever as well as the molded case. I'd guess they're simply private labeling their own wrench for them. To me that makes it the better tool. I've had mine for years it's quite nice. Sure wasn't $80 though!
also have to say absolutely love the scientific and non biased nature of your videos, keep up the fantastic work!
Testing one sample of each wrench is not truly scientific, though it is quantitative. Multiple samples of each wench would be needed to account for manufacture variability. It is impossible to know if the single wrenches used here are truly representative of each brand's product (from manufacturing to customer delivery).
You're being a bit pedantic.
Robert, this guy does more to accurately review a product then 90% of others out there. If you needed the level of accuracy you're talking about, you wouldn't be buying a cheap wrench in the first place!
I agree. Robert Rescot is being shallow and pedantic.
Lois, your meatloaf is shallow and pedantic.
All you guys that are criticizing his testing please remember he buys and pays for the testing tools out of his own pocket. He rarely gets sponsored so his testing is accurate and he does not pick favorites. Sorry I can not remember your name. I trust his reviews and testing over most of the guys reviewing tools because they get sponsored. Keep up the great work.
I agree
he work for kobalt
ambivertaed your a dumb ass
Word!
I like his approach in the video, but i dont like his testing process.
Im a metrologist.
When testing a tool, standard NIST requirements state your Standard (his torque tester) needs to be 4 times more accurate then the tool being tested to ensure accurate measurements. Its what we call the TAR (test accuracy ratio)
He stated he set the tester for a 4% accuracy......id bet money those wrenches have a 4% accuracy........ maybe 3% at best (not likely, yall can look that up though).
That means his TAR isnt a 4 to 1....... Its a 1 to 1 or worse ( if the wrenches are at 3%)...........and honestly, thats crap. Calibration labs are using testers with 1%, 0.5%, or 0.25% accuracy to verify the measurements.
So take what hes saying with a grain of salt if you read all the way to the end of this.
I appreciate people like you, no politics, no preference, just science and facts, thank you very much.
I have the Kobalt torque wrench. I work as a diesel mechanic and have had this torque wrench and have used for everything from wheel seals to engine rebuilds. Love the wrench and love the accuracy it gives.
I have a assortment of torque wrenches, all of them are Snap on. The oldest was purchased about 30 years ago now and has never given me any issues. I recently purchased the new digital wrenches because everything seems to have the angle torque step, I liked the 1/4" and 3/8" so much I bought the 1/2" version, and while I already had a 3/4" click type I got the 3/4" digital as well. And a 1/4" dial type to adjust fuel injectors on Cummins engines.
I'm a level 4 technician for a International truck dealership currently, prior to that I worked heavy equipment for 10 years at a local landfill. Although I started out at 17 under a shade tree, today I do in frame overhauls and heavy line repairs on medium and heavy trucks.
Proper use and care will give years of service, torque wrenches should be stored at the lowest setting and should never be used to break fasteners loose.
I have all three Husky torque wrenches and have been using them for 2 years now. Mine measure spot on during calibration still. I prefer the 20 steps in one revolution, especially because I have to change torques often during a project. The rubber handle has survived brake cleaner, chlorinated brake cleaner, acetone, and an array of many other solvents, so far it just stays clean.
Love how you actually measured the torque on each brand. Very helpful, I'm very proud that I've been using kobalt for the last year and I'm glad it looks like I made a good decision.
I literally just purchased a kobalt one. I was already leaning on this one and this video confirmed my decision.
Yes, I realize this video is 3 years old. As of today (12/27/2020) I purchased the Husky for $49 plus tax. I checked Lowe’s and the kobalt is $89 plus tax. Thanks for the review.
Update: I ended up returning the Husky and purchasing the Kobalt. Reviews seemed to be slightly better on the Kobalt. I’ve only used it once this far and it performed exactly as expected.
@@highdesertexplorer123 reply
to this 3 year old comment, I got a husky un opened from the flea market for 25$ and will not be taking it back. for the most part it is accurate enought for my needs.
I’m an up and coming diesel mechanic. I have a Kobalt and it works amazing!
Good luck with your new career! 👍
Thank you sir
I've had the Kobalt for a few years and love it. Seeing this makes me feel better than it's accurate.
I have a habit of reviewing after I buy something. I’m so happy I went for the Kobalt !!! Thx for all you do for us dude 👍🏻
Just picked up the Kobalt 1/2” torque wrench for $20 and the 3/8” Kobalt torque wrench for $10 on clearance at Lowe’s. Best score I have had in a long time.
You scored big time. Lucky
That's a pretty decent price!
That's really good
Lucky..........
I love your work, really helps me get good ideas on what tools will work better. None of my tools have failed me after I started watching you.
For some reason I got a wild hair up my ass and watched a tools in action video. All I'm gonna say is thank you Daniel for your no nonsense approach. You will always be my #1 source for tool reviews.
I don't usually make comments.
I recently had the Husky brand torque wrench. I used it to torque a ball hitch on my truck at 160 ft-lbs. The torque to me was questionable, since I torqued a lot of fasteners by feel and by torque settings for years. Not scientific, I know. After watching this video, I was sold into returning the Husky torque wrench and getting the Kobalt Torque Wrench instead not even 1 hour ago!
Accuracy, not made in China, (had too many problems with Chinese quality control on several other items lately,) came in a box instead of the blister pack, the more precise increments, and the price! Taiwanese made products tend to be a bit higher quality in my experiences.
Returned to break the ball hitch torque on the truck, and re-torqued it with the brand new Kobalt torque wrench. The feel was just spot on, and it proves the certificate of calibration that was included to be true too in my book.
Glad I made my move. Thanks for making the video. It saved me some peace of mind and $5 too.
Nice....smart move!
I own a Kobalt 3/8" drive. Serves me well and has never done me wrong. Awesome video btw
I've had the Kobalt 1/2" torque wrench for a couple of years. It's mostly used for lug nuts, but she' been used on some suspension work too. It's feels like a quality tool, plenty long enough and the metal handle reminds me of dumbbell knurling. I liked it so much I bought the 3/8" version too. If you wait until Black Friday or Father's Day sales, they can be found for cheaper. I picked the 1/2" up for $49.99.
How about a review of the digital torque adapters some places carry?
I wanna see a comparison to the digital craftsman torque wrench to the snap on digital torque wrench.
YES
about $450 :)
Tim
😉
I have a Harbor Freight torque wrench and it's dead on
Same here but I exchanged to for a new one.
I have an old Proto torque wrench that my grandfather got out of a naval ship yard. If you can get one then I highly recommend it. This one has accurately worked on tires, engines, and other odds and ends for over 30 years.
Thanks for finally doing a torque wrench review. Please do more models. HF, teckton, etc. Im in need and your reviews are helping. I'll wait for one more vid before deciding. thumbs up!
I have the Lowes Kobalt. It has never failed me and I think it's excellent value for the money. It's great to see that it's also very accurate. Thank you for this review and I highly recomend this tool.
That Husky is on sale during Black Friday 2019 for $50.00. I was just about to pull the trigger on it, but I buld engines and cannot afford to fool around with toys. Thanks for the video, you just saved me the headache of having to return it since I would have figured out I didnt like it as soon as I saw how its designed. I have a Proto with too many years since its last inspection, but cant find anyone to test it, so I'm having to buy a new one.
wheelstandr I was literally about to do the same thing and found this video. Saved me the hassle.
Charles Nicholson I’m going to buy the 1/2 Icon from HF. I knew it was top notch but when you see the Husky for that money, i was excited. I have never seen such a poorly executed torque wrench since the old needle pointer. This channel probably has a video on the Icon vs. Snap off. I know someone does.
@@wheelstandr I was going to buy the same one but I need one that goes down to 10 ft lb for some engine work I will be doing. Looking at the Tekton now. I do like the looks and reviews of the Icon though.
I was just getting ready to buy the Kobalt... will stick with my choice, thanks
As an old tools department manager for Lowes, I can tell you that even if you brought in a torque wrench that was 10 years old, I'd give you a new one no questions asked.
I got to tell you that by personal experience Lowes does not warranty their tools. Please do not feed the public lies.
I was undecided which one to buy... Thank You!!
ive used both and own the husky. 90 percent of my tools are husky so that is why i bought it. The kobalt does feel better when using because the extra length. I do plan on buying another for smaller stuff and may go with the kobalt for the 3/8 size. the husky one works great for wheels and suspension parts.
I bought that kobalt torque wrench a while ago, surpassed the toqrue ratting by a mile and ended up breaking it(used it for something I shouldn't have). Had the tool well over a year, walked into lowes and they handed me a new one. Manual may say different but from my experience you can get them replaced anytime just like the other hand tools
Would love more of these types of videos. Love the channel long time viewer.
if I buy a 1/2 inch Drive torque wrench it's going to be for anything over 50 foot pounds anyway...( probably anything over what my 3/8 drive torque wrench will do reliably) considering the price difference and the Cobalt looks more durable because of the solid handle it. would certainly be a clear choice between these two. Thanks for sharing your results...
I love videos like this and also the breaker bar comparison video last week. You should do more like this.
hands down you are the best tool reviewer on youtube!! Thanks for all the good content. I would like to see the snap on digital torque wrench go at it to see if it is worth all the money.
I own the Cobalt version. It seems to work good. I've had it for about 3 years
Awesome video Bro, getting a 1/2 Kobalt tomorrow. Keep up these awesome videos going Bro!!!!🤙🤙🤙
The Kobalt looks identical to Carlyle i have from Napa.I bought a precision Instruments flex head last year for engine work.Thanks for the test.
David Mcnerney Carlyle tools are 👍
David Mcnerney is the Carlyle guaranteed for CW & CCW? As RealToolReview pointed out, the Kobalt is CW only. Granted could still be the same, just additional testing & calibrating on the Carlyle.
As neither of them actually manufacture the tools, they probably come off the same line in China. You'll notice a lot of brands use the same guts.
Nicholas Smerk stanley manufactures husky
No, Apex manufactures Husky ratchets. New Britain used to make the old, old ones. I'm not sure who made them in between those two periods.
As always another great non biased video. Thanks!
I'm currently using a stanley fatmax torque wrench, can't say too much about the accuracy but it's comfortable to use and the 60 tooth head is nicer than most in its price range. I would love to see a video on its accuracy. great video as always
You have the perfect voice for tool reviews.
You want split beam torque wrenches. Precision Instrument makes them for Snap-On and costs 1/2 as much as Snap-On. They are within 1% accuracy after 10 years of use through out the entire usable range. No battery to worry about like the electronic version. And you don't have to back them off to 0 after use like these clickers type.
Qiong Jia yep; the only downside to split-beam (to most people, it's not even an issue) is they aren't reversible.
In addition to the split-beam, I like those old school beam style torque wrenches for low torque applications like engine work.
I have the 3/8 and 1/2 PI splits. Best thing ever invented. Haha
What's the use case for reverse on a torque wrench?
NeOnLaZeR they're about the same price as the micrometers too, depending on where/when you buy.
Matt Pratt (1) reverse threaded bolts and (2) being too lazy to use your ratchet when backing off :)
i have the kobalt torque wrench and have owned it for a few years and its been great! glad to see the accuracy with this one being used. i always put the wrench at 50ftlbs before i store it and alway put it in its case when im not using it. id suggest it to anybody wanting a low buck torque wrench
I own 8 torque wrenches of various styles, sizes, & manufactures. The Harbor freight versions I used to owed proved to me not to trust their precision. I have had very good luck of course with the name brand professional versions (Matco & Cornwell); but, on the other end the KD tool, Gear Wrench, & Carlyle versions have been very reliable for the price comparison. When it comes to suspension, steering, and wheel component I use the less expensive brands. On all precision engine, transmission, and drivetrain components that cost $$$$ I use the professional branded tools.
I'm returning my husky wrench before I take it out the packet now
Smart move.....
I can't return mine now... I shd've read this long ago.
Again.......4% accuracy tester and a 4% accuracy wrench means russian roulette accuracy with the measurements.
Thanks, I prefer Husky over Kobalt, but I think it is clear the Cobalt is the better choice for this product.
From a heavy duty diesel equipment mechanic in the coal field, I love my kobalt stuff! We do very heavy duty nasty work and I love my gearwrench,tekton and kobalt stuff, I use my 24 inch kobalt 1/2 ratchet all day and there impact sockets and absolutely use the shit out of them, I use Milwaukee and DeWalt power tools not so much on kobalt there but there hand tools are very solid and reliable and comfortable, I put them up there with gearwrench and tekton and Carlyle all day every day
Excellent comparison. Wish I had seen it last month, before I bought the Husky. I will say, though, that despite the fact that the Husky wrench is marked for 30ftlbs, I believe it says it is accurate in only the upper 80% of it's range, as are most click torque wrenches.
I have a 3/8 inch kobalt tq wrench. Its exactly like the model you used in 1/2. I love the wrench and have used it several times to work on heads on a LS motor.
I'm a mold technician at a plastic injection factory and I use the kobalt every single day for setting molds in the presses. I have only had the kobalt fail once and that was due to lack of proper maintenance on the wrench (my stupidity). I've also used a snap-on wrench and I prefer the kobalt over it any day. Unfortunately I have dropped mine several times from the top of a press, however it is still chugging along just fine. My opinion is it is a fantastic wrench and I don't see myself changing it out any time soon.
Hello sir, great video, very scientific way to test both tools. Now I know which one is better and why, not to mention that the tool you use to test is accurate, also the same socket was used, very precise test, thank you very much! cheers.
It's not a big deal to have only even numbered detents. Standard error on most wrenches is ±2.5% only after you are out of the bottom 20% of the range or so, and that's on top of the standard torque/tension variation of ± 30%!
Bottom line, there's no need to sweat hyper-accuracy in a torque wrench (a tiny source of variation) if you haven't already done the work to minimize bolt torque/tension variance (burnish threads, lube, use torque + angle, etc).
For critical applications, a torque wrench is only used as a field expedient. Manufacturers in a production environment use more precise tools like multi-spindle DC drives.
Great video, like always!
I have all 4 Kobalt and love them. I have the click 3/8 and 1/2 and the digital 3/8 and 1/2. I have used them for a year and took them in to get calibrated and they were still spot on. I highly recommend these wrenches. My buddy has 3 snap-on wrenches and loves my line-up! Cant say enough about Kobalt Torque wrenches.
I have the kobalt 3/8 torque wrench. have had it for Ankit 5 years now, no problems so far.
The HUSKY handle for the torque wrench is very cheap. I bought a 3/8" HUSKY torque wrench and within my first hour of using it the handle was flaking off small bits of rubber. Also to note, the click is barely audible compared to my 1/2 snap-on.
I highly recommend HUSKY's ratchets, extensions, and impact guns but NOT the torque wrench. Just go with snap-on
This is coming from a Toyota quick lube tech that uses these tools every day on many cars
I have become a huge Kobalt fan recently but I use Craftsman torque wrenches. Got them both on sale for $49.99 a piece - can't beat that! I would be interested in getting Kobalt torque wrenches down the road but the Craftsman wrenches do the job well!
Would love to see the accuracy of the Pittsburgh Pro, I have all three of them. The 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" are they remotely accurate?
if they are the same as mine (black plastic case, torque wrench is all stainless with a locking screw on the bottom) they are absolute garbage. maybe ok for torquing lugnuts, but useless for anything requiring actual precision.
Rocky X TV I'm very curious too. I doubt they're within the 4% range. Without having a quality wrench to test it against it's hard to say. I hope he does a test with them.
Yep, same ones. So far I've only used the 1/2" drive for lug like you said. I did try the 1/4" for something that only needed like 10ft/lbs and it didn't click. It was set for 10 and I bet it tightened that bolt to 30 and still didn't click.
I picked up the 1/4" for intake bolts, most modern intake manifolds are plastic so you have to be really careful with those. I still haven't trusted it enough to actually use it for that purpose. I use the 1/2" drive all the time for lug nuts on my channels project Jeeps.
yeah, when i picked mine up i figured something was too good to be true, think they were something like $12 a piece after coupon. get what you pay for. don't get me wrong you don't need a $600 snapon but the 80-120 for a husky/craftsman/kobalt is worth it all day.
I own this same Kobalt 1/2" torque wrench and use it frequently. It has performed well for me.
As a mechanic on CH-47's for the past 9 years and with virtually everything needing to be torqued I would say Proto or Snapon as being the best Torque wrenches I have used. If the U.S. Military trusts them to be used on their Helicopters I would say they are pretty reputable.
The comparison is between Husky and Kobalt, not Snap-On that is 5 times the price. Most of us are not working on CH47's in the backyard. Quick wheel bearings on an old Corolla. I am sure 99% of us here already know this, but thank you for your infinite RUclips wisdom and service.
@@ASEmastermechanic 😁😁😁😁
I own the Kobalt and I was actually going to get the husky instead but I'm glad I didn't
Love the videos ... I wish you'd test TORQUE STICKS like you tested these torque wrenches!
My Matco digital torque wrench was advertised at 2% accuracy. When I actually bought it they are all individually tested on all settings at 5 different torque levels or angles at the Manufacture before quality control puts them in a box and ships them with a printout of the specs from the test. The spec sheet from the test had a handwritten note on the back stating that mine was the most accurate he has ever tested. the furthest off on the ft lb reading was the 250ft lb test and it was within 0.850% over 5 tests forwards and backwards.
Another well thought out video. I would like to see more SK tool testing in the future if possible.
Thanks for the info. I think I will go and get a kobalt wrench.
Very interesting test. I think that the kobalt would make a fine diy torque wrench. I personally own a 3/8" drive CDI made by Snap On, and it's just as good. I got it off amazon and it came with a certificate stating what it was tested to. Very pleased with it and have used it many times on the farm. I bought it when I put a new engine in my truck, and it was flawless. I plan on buying the 1/2" drive in the future when the need for one arises.
fantastic review!! Helped me make a choice for an inexpensive torque wrench.
i own the big and small cobalt torque wrenches and enjoy both of them, happy to see there pretty dead on.
Please try out Tekton!
I have one of there torque wrenches and I love it.
I've never seen a review on the T-ton, but I own one and it gets the job done.
Tekton sucks. Not durable. We have over 30 torque wrenches in our shop and the Tektons are the worst.
@@JTMarlin8 whats the best one?
looking to get one soon
@@gonzalosaucedo5384 Neikos are the excellent bang for the buck.
I got the Kobalt on sale years ago for around $50, as you said about the warranty though, I've just kept the packaging and if they say something I'll whip out the box and show what they are advertising them as. Outside of the pure length of the Kobalt I haven't had any issues with it.
Thank you for your channel, I really appreciate what you're doing. I'd like to see a comparison of the Northern Tool welding cabinet #48299 and the Harbor Freight welding cabinet #63179. They are the two largest cabinets I have found for Welding equipment.
Very interesting test. The Kobalt is the clear winner. I currently use both a 3/8" and 1/2" Craftsman click-type mechanical digital torque wrench. On these you pull-out slightly and turn the handle to change the torque and the setting is displayed as easy to read digits in two little windows, one for Ft-Lb and one for Nm. These are USA made units and are probably at least 30 years old. They've never been calibrated but I've checked them on a similar digital torque wrench tester and they are both right on at various torque settings. The key to maintaining accuracy with these types of wrenches is to always store them set to the minimum torque setting.
I've got the same type from Craftsman though a bit newer. Maybe 15 years old. It's seen a lot of service. When ever I had it checked it was dead on. Like you said. Store it at minimal setting. Also helps to just treat it as the precision instrument it is.
Well Lowes is getting Craftsman now that Stanley Black and Decker has purchased Craftsman and they will be made in America again ...will be in Lowes stores late 2018 .
I have an older 1/2" husky and a couple smaller craftsman. all are good enough for my garage uses. I just had a technician in at work extolling the benefits of a well calibrated torque wrench (conveniently sold by his company for $500) then found him tightening fittings with torque specs freehand. good enough in my book.
I use CDI torque wrenches for my garage, and they are great. I buy CDI because they are known to be extremely accurate and each comes with a calibration certificate. I would be very interested to see what you review their torque wrenches.
An interesting test would be the Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro digital torque adapter; i.e. the adapter that turns any ratchet or breaker bar into a torque wrench :)
Landing on an odd number is inconsequential if the accuracy isn’t 100% dead on. So being off plus or minus 4 points would trump the concern of not being able to torque to an odd number. But I’m just nitpicking, great vid!
That Kobalt brand baby! Was going to get a tool set from Home Depot craftsman or Husky then I went to Lowe’s and saw their better deal tool set and knew it was the one I wanted
Nice review! Wish I had seen this before I purchased my last set of torque wrenches.
I got the 1/2" and 3/8" Kobalt and a mini 1/4" Pittsburg for weird, random little things like the end torque on my front axle nuts with the old style tapered bearings in the rotors lol...pretty sure I got one mini from Home Depot the 1st time and had to return it, cause it didn't click. Dunno if it was a Husky or not. Its suprisingly hard to find delicate torque wrenches that do really small torques like 15-20 inch lbs. I wish Kobalt made them, because I'm in love with Kobalt torque wrenches. So much so that it started me off on a Kobalt tool kick that prolly wasn't entirely the best idea. I'm sure Harbor Freight was hit or miss but I just happened to get a good one. Pretty cool too, cause they all have the exact same style case, so they look like a 3 set. But yeah, I would happily own 2 or 3 of each Kobalt torque wrench I have, and then some.
As usual....great review and VERY helpful
Gary Mercer Agreed.
I've had Husky 3/8" drive torque wrench (10-100) for about 20 years or so and it's been great. It's still dead on. It looks like at the time it was made for Husky by SK tools. A couple years later I bought a 1/2" drive Husky torque wrench (50-250) and I don't like it. The graduations on the handle don't line up correctly and it makes me nuts. My go to choice now is CDI. The quality is outstanding! I bought a CDI dial-type torque wrench (0-25) for my rear diff and I was hooked. I've since bought a CDI 3/8" drive (10-100) for track duty, a CDI 3/4" drive (80-400) and have a CDI 1/2" drive (30-250) on the way. They can be had for a great price new on ebay. Especially if they are outgoing or display models.
Oh nice, didn't notice this video when you released it. I like you new Proto kit.
I have a 1/2 old Craftsman, 1/2 Snap, 1/2 Matco, 3/8 Snap, 3/8 Kobalt. They are spread over work and home. I use the new Matco on race car stuff and got burned by dead batteries at 2 am..... Have not used the Kobalt yet, but soon. The Craftsman has been the oldest one I have and I do not use it anymore (not well cared for). Both Snaps are work only stuff. the 1/2 snappy had to get the head rebuilt but I have had it since 97 and it has torqued a LOT of wheels over the years
I had a Kobalt break in two days on me. They replaced it but I never gave it a big job again. I just use it to torque wheels to 100lbs in steps. That is all I trust it for. This video makes me more confident but I still have a feeling it could just snap again.
Weird....this is the 2nd Kobalt one I have had....never one issue out of them & they have worked great.
What kind of torque was the big job that you were applying that it snapped? Where did it break, did it shear off the drive or did the ratchet strip?
I was tightening a wheel to 100lb/s going up from 60. I bought it to tighten my wheels since it was such a large bar and really wouldn't fit anywhere else. Where the bar connects to the "head" it snapped like it was cheap metal.
I own the husky 1/2" torque wrench and love it. Also got it on sale which helped. Adjusting by 2ft lbs of torque doesn't bother me on the bigger jobs(wheels, brakes, etc etc) as a ft lbs over isn't really a big deal. I also only use it CW for putting things on( torque wrenches shouldn't be going ccw in my opinion) and a breaker bar for anything CCW that needs to come off. As for smaller more precise measurements a 3/8" would be more appropriate instead of the larger 1/2" designed for bigger applications considering realistically you would not be using a 1/2" for 6ft lbs up to maybe 40-50ft lbs torque. I do like the grip on the husky as well. It is nice to see the inaccuracy of the wrench though compared to Kobalt. To be fair I think multiples of both should be tested since another husky could be more or less accurate than the one tested. But that would also be pricey. Just like a second Kobalt could be less or more accurate than the one tested in this video. Quality Control doesn't catch everything. Lol I would have to say for this video though is that the Kobalt did perform better than the Husky and now i wonder if mine is off that much or if QC was on my side with the one I purchased. Great video keep up the reviews!
Great comparison video! Liked how you tested both on exact calibration machine with same settings. I've had a HF 1/2 mostly for lug nuts and questioned its specs recently so was looking for a new one. Any chance you will test same way say a 3/8 and 1/4 one? Would LOVE to see how they compare before buying. Thanks again and keep up the great work!
love my PI split beam torque wrench. I have an older husky torque wrench where you have to twist a ring to lock it. Ring would always come loose. The PI Torque Wrench is much faster to set desired torque, and dont have to reset to zero to store. It's also a lot lighter.
i own the older USA kobalt 3/8 drive torque wrench. never had an issue with it and checks out good on the snap on torque meter. At my local lowes they have never questioned me on any tool returned damaged. I returned a 3/8 drive kobalt air impact that was over 5 years old no questions asked. it looked like it was used in a shop for years also and it didnt even match the new one.
Your reviews are mighty damn valuable. Thank you. I have a feeling you are going to get many letters from tool companies. Please read letters on air if they start mailing you concerns.
Hahaha.....I have been upsetting them about torque specs on impact wrenches for quite a while...
I have the Kobalt. I used it daily as an automotive technician. It always worked well until one day the head just fell apart. I never trusted it after that. Since it was just beyond the ACTUAL one year warranty I replaced it with the Snap On Tech Angle. I think it served its purpose and was at a reasonable price point for as long as it lasted but I didn't think it was worth paying to repair.
Fantastic review! When there's a choice between Taiwan and China. Always choose Taiwan, it "can" make a big difference. Taiwan can crank out seriously good tools now.
I have a CDI that looks identical to the Kobalt.
I have a husky 1/2" which is probably 6-8 years old. I broke my old 3/8" husky torque wrench and went into home Depot with my receipt or warranty car and exchanged it for the 1/2" version and paid the difference. mine goes down to at least 20 ft lbs though.
I have the craftsman 1/2 digital torque wrench. It works very well. I purchased it in 2011 or 2012.
I have the older USA made husky. And its pretty nice. Believe Marco ones are the same. You can still find them in stores every so often
This was 5 years ago. I would like to see an updated video.
Nice write up and thanks for all you do. One thing to keep in mind is the repeatability of the gage (i.e. the torque wrench). Repeatabiity is the variation of the measurement when performed by same person. By limiting your trials to one, we don't get any insight as to the repeatability of the wrench. I'm guessing if you performed a study you might see the variation of the repeated measurements to be as much as 4%
I know you mentioned it twice, all torque wrenches have a desired accuracy range. Those inaccuracies at a lower range is expected, since its NOT within the desired range of the manufacturer.
I have 2 Tekton torque wrenches.
One ft-lb and one in-lb. Both will do Newton meters.
Both adjust quickly and are smooth.
Both come with hard cases
I have had great success with both.
I've been using the husky torque wrench for 5 years in the industry I currently work in people laugh when you say calibration but I will say I've never had an issue with any repairs I have had to use my just torque wrench on but after seeing this video I think I'm gonna be getting me a kobalt
I would also recommend to anyone new to torque wrenches if it has a reverse option never use it it can jack up your calibration springs aren't designed to go both ways get you a breaker bar to back things off with
If you're aiming for 4% accuracy, only landing on even numbers isn't really a big deal.
I set it to match the specs in the manual for the Kobalt.....it was 4% max & the Husky was 3% max. And it IS a big deal....just because a torque wrench manufacturer is ok with their specs being off, it doesnt mean that the repair should be off.
Real Tool Reviews
Thanks for the reply but it still wouldn't concern me that much if it were accurate in the first place, which you proved the husky really isn't. Being able to dial it in to 153 ftlbs isn't going to make a difference when the tool itself could be off by 5%. If this was a $300 snap-on where I'm paying for accuracy, then I would complain. If you're working on a metric car you're going to be rounding torque values regardless. After you factor in other variables like temperature, bolt materials and rust, if there's any grime/loctite/anti seize on them, it's just really out of the scope for a home gamer tool.
Real Tool Reviews that being said, neither one is accurate enough for precision work.
Thanks for the video. This is exactly what i'm looking for.
Even ppl don't have these tools, or don't buy them...They will definitely learn something from them.
I have one from PepBoys I think...I have no idea how accurate it is...Would love see a comparison of that husky against an electronic Tq wrench to see which is more accurate
Just what I was looking for. Thanks!
Every aspect of the Kobalt looks to be exactly like my Armstrong torque wrench. Shape of the head, handle & reverse lever as well as the molded case. I'd guess they're simply private labeling their own wrench for them. To me that makes it the better tool. I've had mine for years it's quite nice. Sure wasn't $80 though!