CDI 2503MFRMH Dual Scale Micrometer Adjustable Click Style Torque Wrench with Metal Handle - 1/2-Inch Drive - 30 to 250 ft. lbs. Torque Range

CDI is an old and respected manufacturer of torque measurement products. The fact that Snap-On bought them only makes them better in my opinion. This wrench is an accurate and high quality tool - the build quality is obvious to anyone who has a clue about what a quality tool is. This one is a replacement for my previous one that somehow disappeared in my son's toolbox ;-) I reveived the wrench two days early from Amazon's supplier (BW Direct), it was in a solid plastic protective case and the instructions, warranty AND torque test results were all included. I'm writing this review to not only endorse the manufaturer and the tools they make but to give my opinion on the few negative comments I have read on this page. Here they are: 1. this review is about a 1/2" drive wrench, NOT a 3/8' drive. A 1/2" drive always makes a nice, solid click. A 3/8" does not - all 3/8" torque wrenches I have ever used make light, subtle clicks. If you don't pay attention, you miss it and inevitably over-torque. If you happen to see this complaint in negative reviews, make sure you are looking at the drive size of the wrench being reviewed. 2. the laser markings that indicate the torque setting are crisp, well defined and easy to see. Again, look at the wrench size - markings on 3/8" and 1/4" drives are harder to see simply because they are smaller. 3. the knurling of the handle is well machined and provides sufficient grip, even with greasy hands. At this price, this wrench is a steal and I would definitely recommend it to a friend.

First I want to say that I own several different makes of torque wrenches and this is the first CDI torque wrench that I have purchased. After using this torque wrench for several months I feel that I've used it enough to write an educated review. This review is for the 1 inch drive torque wrench and I use it for a specific job. It is used to torque bolts on a forklift attachment to a setting of 720 ft lbs. so it is a pretty hefty task and the torque is near the upper end of this wrenches scale. The wrench comes with a very sturdy (and heavy) metal carrying case which is a major plus. For a wrench of this magnitude and weight I was pleased to see it didn't come with the standard blow molded, and normally wimpy carrying case. It is a two piece torque wrench and once assembled it measures a whopping 70" and weighs around 25 lbs. The weight and length of this wrench make torquing bolts to over 700 lbs quite easy. I weigh in at 160 lbs so I figured I would be hanging on the end of this wrench to reach 720 lbs but with a medium effort two handed pull I can get the proper torque. However, it is quite a workout handling this wrench due to the weight. The torque wrench itself is of exceptional quality. Like I stated earlier I have several makes of torque wrenches and this one, by far, exceeds the rest with its quality and workmanship. The torque adjusting dial has a locking collar so once you select your specified torque you don't need to worry about the dial moving while handling the wrench. It locks in securely and is very easy to unlock and change your specs. Snap-On does it again with an exceptional tool that is aesthetically pleasing, ergonomic and extremely durable. And Amazon comes in with the best price on this product on the planet saving me several hundred dollars. I will never own another brand of torque wrench.

The immediately discernable difference between a hefty, high quality, pleasure to use, "comfortable in the hand", highly accurate (it comes with a certificate of accuracy), beautifully made tool such as this torque wrench and one made by a little known, offshore manufacturer is truly the difference between night and day. This CDI 1/2" drive torque wrench is quite likely more tool than I need to work on my car (a Porsche), simply snugging down the engine oil drain plug and re-attaching my road wheels. But that said, I wanted to be absolutely sure that the wrench I would be using to perform these simple but important tasks would be of the highest quality and accuracy while still being relatively affordable. This wrench most certainly meets all of those requirements and more. Yes, I could have purchased a less costly Asian made wrench, but truth-to-tell, I wanted the assurance inherent in using an American made tool from a well known and respected manufacturer. CDI, being a subsidiary of Snap-On (far too expensive for a shade tree mechanic such as myself) gives me that assurance. If I have a complaint, and I do, it is that the numbers embossed on the shank of the wrench are a little difficult to see and therefore to interpret unless the torque settings are adjusted directly under a strong light. Not a major hassle, but my (very) old Snap-On torque wrench was easier to set than this one. That minor inconvenience aside, this is a wonderful wrench. It is undoubtedly the best tool in my tool box now that my old Snap-On wrench has been sold. I fully expect it will serve me as well as that one did for many years to come.

I bought this torque wrench after breaking a small bolt while replacing a strut mount with a cheap, box store, torque wrench. Once you have to remove a bolt that you just broke the head off of, you quickly realize that you get what you pay for. The CDI torque wrench is a quality tool. It came with a calibration certificate and a nice plastic case. The tool itself feels solid and the markings are easy to read. The knurling on the handle gives plenty of grip, even when your hands are covered in grime. I have used it several times since I received it and it works flawlessly. It gives a nice audible and tactile click when you reach the set torque. This is a great tool and is very affordable for the home mechanic. I would highly recommend this product to anyone.

Very high quality, very accurate and made by a division of Snap-On, the best tools for automotive use. A lot of people think that you need a digital torque wrench. But if you're not going to spend over $1,000, you're not going to get an accurate digital wrench.