ArchAudi

On the fancy end, how about FACOM @ Griots? They will even calibrate it for you for accuracy.

ColoradoMark

<center><img src="http://i17.ebayimg.com/01/i/07/5a/06/0b_2.JPG"></center><p>
The nice thing about a split beam TW is that you can leave it set without it losing it's calibration.

I had a Harbor Freight Tools TW - it was good for awhile and I had a friend tell me that it tested out better than the Sears when they tested it at the mechanical engineeering lab at HP - but I quit trusting it when I snapped off a bolt. I then bought the Sears - it's pretty good, but I really like the split beam type.

I just looked at Tire Rack's web site and it doesn't look like they sell them anymore. But it looks like the one above.<ul><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3-8-Drive-Split-Beam-Torque-Wrench-with-Flex-Head_W0QQitemZ330058155064QQcmdZViewItem">ebay torque wrench</a></li></ul>

allroadCole

2nd (I think the warranty is limited though)

BlueDog

if you'll be doing stuff where the tq on various nuts and bolts is critical, keeping it calibrated is a good thing. However, for wheel lugs and other big items I'd argue that its not as critical that its the EXACT tq, but that they are all equal.

The S

Hmm, I thought it was lifetime, I must be wrong, either way, no problems with it.

arnick'02-6spd

But craftsman does the job just as well. So does Husky.

Troy H

Sears

ar-Rings

head in mine is (at this moment) is striped. The liftime warranty does not apply. I need to replace it. For my particular usage I will not buy another Craftsman, I need one of higher quality.

It depends on your individual need,,,,,, now that I think about it. I used it to rebuild 6 different engines and many numerous other things and it was purchased by my dad in 1976.
That said 30 years is a very good run, maybe I will pick up another one. Thanks.

TurboBob

Gearhead that I am, and having worked as a mechanic, I have 3 Snap-ons TWs. #1 issue for pros that makes them choose Snap-on is that they probably won't need the warranty because the tools just plain do thier job, #2 is Snap-on comes to thier workplace during work hours, they don't have to take time to drive to a store to get a tool serviced. On the other hand, I and many mechanics I know, do own a lot of Craftsman tools because many of there tools get the job done just as well, for a bit lees money.
As for what you'll be doing with it, having read many of your posts, and seeing that you've had you're brakes done for you, would indicate to me that you're not going to delve into anything too technical. I think most mechanics will agree that a brakejob is a reasonably simple mechanical task. If what you'll be doing is, changing winter/summer wheels sets, retorqing loose bolts, oil changes and other reasonably simple tasks, on occasion, as opposed to daily use, a Craftsman will more than live up to your needs, and for a lot less money than a Snap-on.
Hope that doesn't sound like I'm putting you down for having work done, or a lack of knowledge, it's much safer to recognize ones limitations when it comes to automotive safety, and I respect it when someone does. Besides, we've all got to start somewhere. Good luck.

Sarge

Ditto. The plastic adjustment collar on mine broke. No warranty. Facom or Snap-On next time...