Torque Wrench Comparison
#1
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CDI Torque Products 2502MRMH (30-250 inch pounds)
![](http://www.bluetools.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/539_752MFMRMHSS.jpg)
Precision Instruments M2R200H (40-200 inch pounds)
![](http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/media/PRE-M2R200H.jpg)
Well I've narrowed it down to two different wrenches. Both are 3/8 drive and they are both high quality Made In USA. Both companies make the torque wrenches for Snap-on. The main difference between the two are the locking mechanisms.
The CDI uses a spring loaded pull down lock ring and the PI uses a locking collar that you twist.
The CDI has laser etched numbers and the PI has engraved numbers.
I'm concerned about the laser etched numbers eventually rubbing off; though I've never owned a tool with laser etched numbers. Those are the only main differences, what do you think?
![](http://www.bluetools.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/539_752MFMRMHSS.jpg)
Precision Instruments M2R200H (40-200 inch pounds)
![](http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/media/PRE-M2R200H.jpg)
Well I've narrowed it down to two different wrenches. Both are 3/8 drive and they are both high quality Made In USA. Both companies make the torque wrenches for Snap-on. The main difference between the two are the locking mechanisms.
The CDI uses a spring loaded pull down lock ring and the PI uses a locking collar that you twist.
The CDI has laser etched numbers and the PI has engraved numbers.
I'm concerned about the laser etched numbers eventually rubbing off; though I've never owned a tool with laser etched numbers. Those are the only main differences, what do you think?
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#2
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I can tell you from vast experience, the laser-etched numbers won't wear off. In fact, they'll be easier to read after a long time, as they have to put paint in the engraved numbers and marks.
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willwren & Logan,
Well thanks to your highly valued input, it looks like I'll be getting the CDI. Incidently, what Snap-on does is take the CDI wrench and put their ratchet head on it. Other than that, they are the exact same torque wrench. You can buy two CDI'* for the price of one Snap-on. By the way, Snap-on now ownes CDI.![Very Happy](https://www.gmforum.com/gm/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Snap-on QD2R200
Well thanks to your highly valued input, it looks like I'll be getting the CDI. Incidently, what Snap-on does is take the CDI wrench and put their ratchet head on it. Other than that, they are the exact same torque wrench. You can buy two CDI'* for the price of one Snap-on. By the way, Snap-on now ownes CDI.
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Snap-on QD2R200
#6
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Look at reviews on them if you can find them.
Also consider the fact that torque wrenches are most accurate in the middle of their range. The closer to the edge of adjustments you are, the less accurate they are. So find one with the majority of your work you plan on doing, closer to the middle of the range (if you can afford it).
Also remember to torque them down to about 30% to keep them as accurate as possible, so they don't loosen up under tension.
Also consider the fact that torque wrenches are most accurate in the middle of their range. The closer to the edge of adjustments you are, the less accurate they are. So find one with the majority of your work you plan on doing, closer to the middle of the range (if you can afford it).
Also remember to torque them down to about 30% to keep them as accurate as possible, so they don't loosen up under tension.
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Whatever happened to German torque and American torque?
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