Question about cheap torque wrenches for engine mounts

I bought a $40 torque wrench online for a Cessna 172 engine mount job, and it was off by 15 foot-pounds when I checked it with a calibrated tool. That's a $200 re-inspection fee and half a day wasted. Anyone have a brand they trust for critical fasteners?

3 comments

3 Comments

jamiew835d ago

Buddy of mine bought a no-name clicker for his truck's control arms, torqued everything to spec, and two of the bolts backed out on the highway. It cost him a tow and a new hub assembly, pretty much matched what @jake_taylor was saying about cheap tools biting back. Now he uses a Tekton beam style for anything that keeps parts from flying off.

jake_taylor2mo ago

Used to cheap out until a similar thing happened to me.

clairefisher2mo ago

Switched to a used Snap-on from a pawn shop after my cheap one failed a calibration check. It was about a hundred bucks and holds its setting. I check it against a beam-type wrench before any critical job now, just for peace of mind.