Pittsburgh 1/2 in Drive Click Type Torque Wrench - Accuracy Test and 2 Year Review (Harbor Freight)

[@andresaparicio3781]

The reason it was inconsistent a few times is you were holding it by the middle, it’s very important that you hold it by the handle for accurate measurements

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Yep. There is a ring around the nurling on the handle that you're supposed to pull it from. I recognized the same thing when I watched the video. Didn't notice it when making the video.

[@LaserGuy64]

Also your bench is moving in a non-linear way. This will also cause an inconsistent reading.

[@tonysvwaudiparts]

One thing I didn't see mentioned in the comments, you actually don't unscrew it until there's no tension on the spring. You always set it to its absolute lowest setting. Which is generally in the 5 to 20 foot pound range, depending on the torque wrench. Thank you so much for the review, and spending the time and money to show the accuracy. I personally have two of these, and I use them for Lugnuts exclusively. I did recently have to replace one though, it was about 15 years old and it was going significantly over the torque rating. Those several people have used it, I cannot guarantee it didn't get dropped or abused in someway when it wasn't in my care.

[@noimagination99]

I'm totally with you on doing my own tire rotations, same with oil changes. Saves me time, and I hate just sitting and waiting (even if they have good magazines < 20 years old).

[@hugoknight1]

Nice job on the review! I have the same one and always wondered about it's accuracy, so this was helpful. I pretty much use mine mostly for lug nuts, too. It's a hell of a lot more accurate than my old method of guessing, which resulted in more than a few warped brake rotors :-) SUBSCRIBED!

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Thank you! I didn’t know lug nuts not torqued property would result in brake rotors!? Learn something new every day.

[@anonymike8280]

I use 76 foot-pounds for all lug nuts. For some reason, I just like the number. You have a point. If you have enough torque, more is not better.

[@SlayerofFiction]

Brake rotors cannot warp however you will notice inconsistent and possible wobble since they are not identical torque. I just blew up my Pittsburg after doing struts/brakes on the wifes rig. The head plate and internals blew off while torquing the wheels. I justified it as I grew up with the old Wobble style and built a few engines, it seemed to work alright so a bit of a variance was ok in my mind. It's to note my craftsman I replaced with this had simply quit working. Thankfully still drivable, however this is my third one, the 1/4 inch never worked, 3/8ths lost a screw and this one of course blew up. Garbage. Thank you to the OP for giving this a go, I wish I had thought of looking at these type of video's before I wasted my money and did a few minor jobs with this wrench.

[@billyhighfill]

Plenty close by my standards. I’ve been wrenching for years with no torque wrench. So far. No issues. Ha ha. So with this in my Arsenal, ima be unstoppable!!!! Ha ha ha

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

A lot of my inaccurate tests had more to do with me than the wrench too. I plan to update this video. Thanks for watching!

[@FahimibnDawud]

@The BootyBandit I know how it's supposed to be done, but my grandpa's custom shop and now my van building shop, neither ever used torque settings on spark plugs. You get a feel for it if you do it enough.

[@Monkeybongoes]

Well done video, edited down to minimum length. Had me sold on it till I read the comments, in which one mentioned Lexivon. After a little reading, decided for the extra $ it was a better choice than HF.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Ya, I have no incentive to try and convince you otherwise haha. Whatever works for you and make sense is a good choice.

[@markbrown1609]

you do it yourself cause you wanna do it right. good review

[@craigmonteforte1478]

I’ve been using a Sears CraftsmanDigitourque wrench from the early 1970s without any major issues BTW I bought the extra blow molded case for mine when new and Have been very careful to store and use it properly it does have a 3/8” drive and I use adaptors for other size sockets

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Probably a really good quality product from that era.

[@countryhandyman1064]

$10 is a great deal on it. In my work truck we have a pittsburg turque wrench and I have a personal pittsburg turque wrench both work great as far as I know.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Yup, it just works, and I can't believe that they can make it for $10.

[@jbboozer6726]

Thanks for the test video, theres so many folks who talk bad about these, and other folks who say its close enough for most stuff. I got all 3 for $5 each Use for lug nuts and brake caliper bracket bolts, and I set it 3%-5% higher than spec, and I make it click ~3 times, so apparently that method is perfect per your test results. Maybe not for Engine work, main bearings, head bolts etc. But for example the caliper bracket bolts, like 75ftlbs while stuffed in a cramped wheel well, yeah turns out thats alot more ugga duggas than I can sense on my own, they wound up getting loose so I had to go back in with this and wow it surprised me how hard I had to crank it for the click. All good now. 👍

[@Scifi_cowboy]

Do you have a review on that quinn digital wrench? I have one and I wonder about it's accuracy a lot lol

[@samidpersia9832]

boss what adapters set u use with the torque wrench ? I just got the Pittsburgh 1/2 inch cluick type torque wrench

[@johnbrizendine4425]

About 10 years ago Harbor Freight sold the Pittsburgh Pro line, and that brand was actually better than craftsman, I broke a few craftsman sockets when torqueing down the engine head bolts on my DSM 4G64 engine(99 eclipse GS convertible), and I used the Pittsburgh Pro 1/2 inch torque wrench on the engine head and the Pittsburgh (not Pro) 3/8 and 1/4 inch torque wrenches on the rest of the engine and that engine lasted another 200,000 miles and I drove it from MO to IL and OK and IA for my job.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Nice! So this is even a testament to how well this thing works even on critical parts. 200,000 more is hard to argue with!

[@johnbrizendine4425]

@@DereksWorkshopAndProjects what finally killed it was my water pump belt slipped and overheated the engine and warped the head. It still ran, but not well, Bar's leak seemed to fix it, but by then the body/frame was starting to rust out and I knew the engine and head would need to be decked to make it reliable, so I ended up selling it. Apparently it ran like that for a long time after I sold it.

[@404notfound.....]

You were correct in ALMOST everything you say except, you should never back it off till the Spring has no tension. You actually lose accuracy that way. Instead back the tool off to its lowest possible setting and leave it there.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Thanks for watching. I set it at 0. Lock it. And put it away.

[@404notfound.....]

@@DereksWorkshopAndProjects 🤣

[@luckyduckydrivingschool3615]

So like, set it to 5 or 10 ft/lbs before putting it away?

[@brandonglosson1628]

Thanks for this. I have a need for a torque wrench to get within "spitting distance" on a project or two, but really didn't want to pay the going rate for a "good one" since I don't see myself using it more than a few times. It looks like this one will do the job. Hopefully Harbor Freight still sells them.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

They did last I checked and they are typically fairly accurate, despite what a lot of guys say about them.

[@lilianawells9328]

I have a Pittsburgh click type torque wrench that belonged to my husband. How do I determine what size it is? On one side it has in and lb. On the other it has kilos and cm. Thanks

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

It's the drive size. It's the thickness of the cubed steel that your sockets attach to.

[@0Happīkā0]

I recently had gone through two of these pieces of trash before giving up. The issue is lower values not torqing out, not higher values. That's with all sizes of these tools. They will turn and turn till you snap something. My last one (3/8) won't click at anything under 15 foot lbs. It hardly even bend at the head under 10. It might be only 10-20 bucks but how expensive is that part you're gunna snap? How important is that leaking gasket?

[@alejandrolozano8573]

So to get the right amount of torque you just gotta make it click 3-5 times! Not a bad thing really, I’m sure everyone likes hearing that thing click!!

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

The inaccuracy was more of a testing error... The work bench moved to much.

[@jimeagle1155]

I had mine from us two years then it just fell apart one day while talking lug nuts, looks like the little black screws fell out. One is totally gone and the other one was on the ground. Make sure you check those screws periodically make sure they're not getting loose

[@rfcasey]

The accuracy of a torque wrench should be measured in + or - by %. If you are performing a 20 lb test and the torque wrench reads 19, you are off by -5% . Where as if you are doing a 100 lbs foot pound test and the torque wrench reads 95 lbs you are also off by -5%. There is and average + or - in tolorence which we should be made aware of. For most automotive applications the HF click torque wrench should be just fine as long as you store it and use it correctly. Obviously there is a price to pay for precision and accuracy. But that goes for just about anything in life. Thanks for the video

[@mrsemifixit]

Sorry if I missed it in the video, but what’s that tester called?

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Digital torque meter?

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Correction - Digital Torque Adapter

[@stancetv2005]

It looks like it had to be “broken in” with a few first clicks. It got pretty accurate by the third click.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Yeah. It’s close enough for most jobs.

[@jmabs5096]

Not to mention these tire shops will round off your lug nuts/bolts in a heartbeat and torque them way over factory spec with their impacts. Also new to me factory rotation on my 2020 toyta corolla is different compared to the old x pattern foward. Mine calls for same side rotation from rear tires to be moved to the front vice versa. Stay away from tire shops, they won't torque properly and probably will damage your lug nuts. Not to mention the meat heads that put my tires on inflated all my tires 40+ Psi... Like driving on rocks!

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Ya, all that is good reason to just do your own work!

[@toma5153]

I've suffered all the same problems: 1) Once my car drove like a jumping bean with the new tires - the rears were inflated to 45 psi (should be 30) 2) Tire shop "mislaid' my center trim caps on my truck then claimed they were never on the truck when it came in. I suspect they get sold on eBay. That's where I went to buy replacements. 3) Once I went to change a flat tire and couldn't get the lug nuts to budge. I wound up shearing off one lug bolt. Just torqued way too much. Had to get towed to a shop to get it fixed. So yeah - tire shops 🤔

[@ea8454]

the table is moving along with the torque, i wonder if that changes anything?

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Probably doesn't help. I fully admit that the higher in torque it goes the more I am affecting it and making it inaccurate. It's an accurate torque wrench. I think it was my fault mostly.

[@Trump-The-GREATEST]

Torqued my bad ass BMW 5 series M-Sport valve cover bolts to 6.2 lbs with Pittsburgh 3/8" torque wrench and its been perfect ever since! Yes worth the $10 for the 3/8" & 1/2" torques. Just got a beautiful long handle Lexivon 250lbs max torque black wrench! The thing has been professionally factory calibrated and certified - worth the $50!

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Awesome! I have been thinking of getting a better quality wrench for more critical parts. Definitely worth $10!

[@MidnightMarrow]

Aside from the comment stating the importance of pulling from the right spot, I'd think the amount of movement from the bench could be throwing things off whether that be accuracy or simply the consistency of the readings.

[@50tap]

I've wondered if mine is accurate. I was going to use it on some spark plugs recently, but was a little nervous to use it... I did it by feel instead of using the torque wrench. It's good to know that it's reasonably close.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

It’s fairly accurate, you can test it on my digital torque meter if you want.

[@tadlandin2733]

With all the vibration of an engine, I'd be leery of doing it by feel.

[@stancetv2005]

“I picked up from Harbor Freight a couple of years ago” + this video being a couple of years ago. So they were only about $10 about four years ago, now almost double the price sitting at $18-20 depending when you purchase.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Well I was able to get coupons for it at $10. I think regular price was similar.

[@jangzo]

I was at harbor freight this morning and was looking at that. I’m like this may not work to well since it’s so damn cheap. I’m going to go and buy this tomorrow. Both the 3/8 and 1/2.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

I ended up getting the 3/8” and the 1/4” after making this video. I tested them and they are fairly close too. For what they are, I like them.

[@julyzerg1]

@@DereksWorkshopAndProjects What are differences b/w 3/8" and 1/2" and 1/4”, what the best for car's tire lug nuts

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Those are the different size drives. 1/2” is best for lug nuts.

[@timerickson7056]

your left hand is skewing the results torque wrenches are designed to be pulled from the grip only

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

I realized that was what I was doing when I watched the video myself. Didn’t realize it in the moment.

[@404notfound.....]

Correct!!

[@HondaFamily88]

Can you explain why? Torque is torque.

[@timerickson7056]

@@HondaFamily88 a torque wrench measures the force applied at the handle end of a torque wrench place a hand at the socket end to steady it you are creating a folcrum . increasing the torque applied and decreasing the force needed at the handle . you can see this effect by using a beam scale torque wrench as you apply torque to a bolt grab the socket end and watch the torque beam drop.

[@jasonwood8023]

If someone rarely uses a torque wrench, this seems fine as long as they store it correctly.

[@Ty-sq7yi]

Having worked for a tire company, I don't personally trust the work they would do, even for a simple tire rotation.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Agree to disagree!

[@jeffpaxton9172]

How do you know the digital gauge is accurate? It came from Harbour Freight also.

[@jbboozer6726]

It's due to the internal design, inherently accurate...its measuring the distance between 2 sensors being pulled away from each other, there's not alot of variables or dependence on multiple mechanisms all working correctly Client Graphics took his Quinn digital to an actual certification place and it was dead on accurate. Assuming they test each one at the factory, when it passes that, it's design doesn't have anything that will drift out of spec.

[@TheChaz81]

Just bought 2 HF torque wrenches and all things considered well worth it.

[@NobodyUR]

Just got all 3 of their pro model for 5 each coupon applued for 5 dollar tool for each...still long term is to get the gearwrench electronic 3/8 driver torque

[@TheChaz81]

@@NobodyUR Sweeet!

[@NobodyUR]

@@TheChaz81 of course back ordered...lol but eventually I'll get them 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@18magicMARKer]

I think that Quinn torque meter isn’t accurate

[@pondacres]

What, 10 bux?!! Man I got robbed on Amazon paying 3x that. :(((

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

What did you end up getting?

[@pondacres]

EPAuto 1/2" drive.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Looks like a little nicer looking wrench than this one. I see it’s $25, not a bad deal I don’t think.

[@stevenh4970]

Lug nuts are pretty critical lol they hold on your wheels, but yeah I know what you mean

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Lol, its like if the torque specs are supposed to be 120 ft lbs, its probably not going to be the end of the world if they only torque to 110 ft lbs or 130 ft lbs. Thanks for watching.

[@kornyque8081]

I've never in my life torqued lug nuts lol I always just use a lug wrench and have never in 25 years of driving had a issue...I might start now though lol

[@1jantheman1]

Nicely done.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@comeandtakeit2887]

So is the torque wrench accurate ?

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

I would say so. The really off measurements were user error me and many others have decided.

[@ajkoontz]

Friend, you are making a torque wrench video standing in front of a bunch of open ended wrenches clearly in an impressive garage. You do not have to justify why you rotate your own tires.

[@TylerHankss]

I’m shocked. It’s actually accurate for $10. Wow

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Yup and honestly where it's off is probably my fault.

[@pueblorrado]

Great video, and fuck me im sold, buying one now! Was gonna go Amazon but can’t argue with an independent test.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Awesome man! Thank you!

[@JacobTJ1]

thanks good buddy

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

No problem 👍

[@Jo-nm1gu]

Mine was accurate but broke after 4 uses

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Lifetime warranty, just return it for a new one.

[@nelsonsiliezar3961]

Is $20 now. Still worth it tho.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

I’ve seen it recently go on sell for $10. Still worth it at $20.

[@thiaguinhooitodois2211]

I just got it for $13

[@Wowzersdude-k5c]

His voice sounds just like Joe Rogan. Anyone else hear it?

[@wiilkill4music]

Test is a fail dude, the vise and what its mounted to is moving,any is too much

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Ya I agree. Especially the 100ft lb test.

[@AmeriFanPicker]

Well…..this presupposes that your meter (also a harbor freight jobber???) is absolutely accurate.

[@rmatrix4777]

Okay, here I am to ruin the day. With that kind of inference you can see where I'm going with this.

[@TakashiAmanoOriginal]

3 yrs later they don’t polish it anymore it’s a dull club

[@ademkil9411]

It says on box it only measures 80foot pounds