TIL a cheap torque wrench can cost you a whole afternoon

I was doing head studs on a 6.7 Powerstroke and my bargain bin wrench clicked at 210 ft-lbs, but the gauge said 185. Had to back everything off and re-torque with a loaner, wasted about 4 hours. What's the most reliable brand you guys actually trust for this kind of work?

2 comments

2 Comments

julia_burns91mo ago

Bargain bin wrench" is why I only use Snap-on for critical stuff.

jake_walker1mo ago

Man, 25 foot pounds off on head studs is a nightmare. Julia_burns9 has the right idea with Snap-on for that kind of work, even if my wallet cries a little. I keep a cheap one for lug nuts and non-critical stuff, but anything inside an engine gets the good tools. That re-torque process is pure misery, and it always happens when you're already six hours into the job.