Laser Torque Wrenches

[pfecteau]

A bit OT, but I was wondering if anybody could comment on quality of Laser brand torque wrenches? I am looking at one on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Laser-1-2-Drive-P

[sportsandclassic]

dont know much about them but a torque wrench is fairly important tool so invest wisley...

britool or norbar are very good.

[340ragtop]

not the most accurate / reliable brand - a bit cheap and cheerful.

I can strongly recommend Halfords professional wrenches - they even come with an individual calibration certificate. All I use on customer cars.

cheers

[DanH]

I've got a Teng one and build quality is very good. Good prices via these guys too :

www.toolshack.biz/

[pfecteau]

Thanks guys. I want to get a good quality one and I am determined to get one with proper calibration in Nm, even if it means shipping one from across the pond. Here I can only get one with conversion to Nm from calibration in lb-ft

[sportsandclassic]

NORBAR or Britool are in NM and very good avaiable in uk

[DanH]

pfecteau said:

Thanks guys. I want to get a good quality one and I am determined to get one with proper calibration in Nm, even if it means shipping one from across the pond. Here I can only get one with conversion to Nm from calibration in lb-ft

The Teng ones have Nm & lb-ft on them simultaneously. It is also callibrated with certificate etc.

[wildoliver]

What are you using it for?

[Spice_Weasel]

This looks similar to the one I got from Screwfix.com

www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?cId=102090&ts=53704&id=18289

[pfecteau]

wildoliver said:

What are you using it for?

General work... lug nuts, head bolts, suspension bits, chasing away burglers, etc.

[agent006]

That's identical to the Sealey one i got from justoffbase.co.uk. Cost me £30 all in, including VAT and packing.

[zcacogp]

Generally, Laser tools are like Gunson - cheap and cheery.

Would avoid, personally.


Oli.

[pfecteau]

Yes, I'd rather pay for quality. I'm looking at the Halfords, Norbar, Britool and Teng, as suggested.

[DanH]

pfecteau said:

Yes, I'd rather pay for quality. I'm looking at the Halfords, Norbar, Britool and Teng, as suggested.

Teng is up there on the quality, but not the cheapest. Think my wrench was >70 quid and thats discounted, but I went for the fancy model with reversal ratchet mechanism in case I ever need to torque up a reverse threaded bolt (probably never, but what the hell). Anyway its good kit, apparently pretty much on a par with snap-on.

[zcacogp]

DanH said:

pfecteau said: Yes, I'd rather pay for quality. I'm looking at the Halfords, Norbar, Britool and Teng, as suggested. Teng is up there on the quality, but not the cheapest. Think my wrench was >70 quid and thats discounted, but I went for the fancy model with reversal ratchet mechanism in case I ever need to torque up a reverse threaded bolt (probably never, but what the hell). Anyway its good kit, apparently pretty much on a par with snap-on.

I was given a Teng socket set by my folks as an 18th birthday present, rather more years ago now than I care to remember. (Ok, 13.)

I swear by them. End of story.


Oli.

P.S. Another ending to the story - on the one occasion that I broke a tool in the set, byt abusing it most horrendously, the local Teng dealer swapped it for a replacement part, then and there, no questions asked whatsoever. "Lifetime Power Garuntee", I think they call it.

[pfecteau]

Question on the Halford's wrenches:

Is the base calibration in Nm? How is the adjustment made? I can't see enough detail on the Halfords website picture. If anyone has a better picture I would appreciate it.

I am looking at getting the Halford's 8-60 Nm and Teng 40-200 Nm wrenches to cover the range I need in two wrenches. The Teng wrench has a nice angle measuring feature for doing stretch bolts.

cheers,
Paul

[DanH]

pfecteau said:

Question on the Halford's wrenches:

Is the base calibration in Nm? How is the adjustment made? I can't see enough detail on the Halfords website picture. If anyone has a better picture I would appreciate it.

I am looking at getting the Halford's 8-60 Nm and Teng 40-200 Nm wrenches to cover the range I need in two wrenches. The Teng wrench has a nice angle measuring feature for doing stretch bolts.

cheers,
Paul

Don't teng make a low range one too? Might be called a micro torque driver or something odd though...

p.s. found my invoice on my desk, the teng I have is the 1292AG-ER 1/2". 48 quid +vat.

[pfecteau]

Hi Dan,

Teng make 5-25 Nm, 20-100 Nm, and 40-200 Nm.
Halfords make 8-60 Nm, and 40-200 Nm.

I am pretty certain on getting the Teng 1292AG-EP 40-200 Nm (like your's but not reversible). Trying to decide if I shoul get the other lower range ones as well, or the smaller Halfords to complete the range, but I cannot get a good description or picture of it. Heck, I don't even know if it has a ratchet mechanism.

[pfecteau]

PS if $$ wasn't an issue I would just get all three Teng's, but, alas, $$ is an issue.

[DanH]

pfecteau said:

PS if $$ wasn't an issue I would just get all three Teng's, but, alas, $$ is an issue.

Not sure you need a torque wrench for <20Nm, that level of torque doesn't even merit a wrench, a screwdriver can apply it

FWIW I've not yet found something on my Porsche that I need a different range for. I know that if I was doing balljoints or something I need a massive one, but can't see any call for a lower range one. Even things like the seat mounting bolts are 60nm. I also got a decent teng socket set when I placed the order - bit of an idiot though as I got a metric/imperial set and I suspect I'll use the imperials about as often as I use the reverse on the torque wrench

Anyway, suggest you don't skimp on tools. Good ones will last a life time, and not damage the parts you are working on. Broke 3 cheap screwdrivers undoing some hats on my brake disks...