Originally Posted By: Rocko1
I need a inexpensive torque wrench for general auto repair. 3/8". I have heard Harbor Freights is not good and very inaccurate.
That is not what I have heard, nor is it my experience. I have a HF 1/2" drive torque wrench that as near as I can tell is every bit as accurate as a 1/2" drive CDI torque wrench I borrowed from work (at their rated ranges). Yet the HF one costs about 1/10th as the other. Other folks have reported the same, such as
here or
here. I'll gladly use the HF wrench for torquing wheel bolts or any other application where accuracy isn't critical. My 3/8" drive Craftsman still tests out reasonably accurate and it gets the most use. For anything requiring precision, I have a beam-type torque wrench.
The CDI one is much more expensive but exquisitely finished and almost certainly made out of far better materials in the United States. Last I checked, all of Craftsman torque wrenches are still made in the USA (but for how long?) however they do not appear to be any more accurate than the HF ones.
With a clicker version, technique and resetting to 0 is very important... brand doesn't seem to correlate as strongly. If supreme accuracy on a budget is what you're after, get a beam type.
I get to use a three-piece Snap-On torque wrench at work for the big stuff... its range is 200 to 800 ft-lbs and nicknamed "Excalibur" due to its extreme length once assembled.
Originally Posted By: Rocko1
I know Craftsman would be better
How do you know that, and "better" in what way?
IME, better fit & finish... yes. Better accuracy, repeatability or longevity... no.