CDI 1/2 Inch Drive Adjustable Click Torque Wrench, Range 30-250 Ft Lbs / 47-332 Nm (2503MFRMH)

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.

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.

Before writing my review about this torque wrench I'd start with advice.If you're ever buying precious tools such as measurement tools always ask for the quality that you can trust because miss measuring something would decently lead for failure.I did a lot of search for proper torque wrench to use in car repair and I've found a lot with different prices and different quality as it wasn't easy to come up with correct one.CDI seems to be specialized in torque wrenches and that was my first impression to buy this torque wrench because specialized companies focus on product quality pretty well, the price of this torque wrench wasn't the best and not the worst, $111 is reasonable for its quality.Upon unpacking the shipment I start feeling the great quality of it, the scale is pretty clear and easy to read, adjusting the torque very smooth and lock works very smooth too. The ratcheting mechanism works smooth with no looseness. easy to clean with mirror finish and metallic tough grip for proper handling.I had it on real work for about six months and it still looks like new and works like new, same smoothness of ratcheting mechanism same smoothness of adjusting torque setting and it just clicks where you want it to be.It's made in USA and some inner parts are imported, BUT who cares, the quality talks. and i also bought two different torque ranges.Bottom line; buy it with full confidence if you have cars to maintain 10-100 ft/lb is almost what you may need.