Lidl powerfix profi torque wrench any good..

[Vince70]

I've just been and bought a new sealed torque wrench off eBay for £12.99 which I believe is sold in Lidl for around £16 normally so I know I can't expect much but its only going to be used for the odd plug change and I'm to tight to pay out £60 for something that I will only use very occasionally.

 

I just wondered if anyone has had any experience with using lidl tools.

[sierraman]

I've got one it's perfectly fine. It won't last 30 years like a Norbar would but then it's not £150 so...

[Station]

Lidl tools are pretty good from experience.

[omegod]

How low does it go Nm wise?

[trigger]

Funnily enough I've just bought a Sealey one of eBay brand new for £25.95 and I thought that was cheap.

[Vince70]

How low does it go Nm wise?

I'm not sure yet but this is the wrench..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/321984020934

And I think this is the spec for it..

Measuring range: 28-210Nm

12.5mm (1/2") drive

Measuring tolerance: +/- 4%

Includes 12.5mm (1/2") extension (length: 125mm) and 3 sockets (17-19-21mm)

Reversible ratchet for clockwise and anticlockwise use

5 piece set

[lisbon_road]

It will be +/- 4% of full scale.  That makes it useless at 28 Nm, which is no different to any other and I totally agree that Lidl tools are generally good value and not brilliant but not horrendous rubbish too.

 

I have a Laser up to 25Nm, another I think 40-100 and an up to 200 one.  Adequate but still no use for something between 25 and about 60!

[holbeck]

I've bought quite a bit of Lidl stuff over the years. For DIY, the tools represent great value for money. 

[auldford]

I've got the Powerfix torque wrench from Lidl. Seems to be pretty good quality although I don't have anything to compare it to. To echo what lisbon_road has already said, Lidl tools generally are decent value for what they are. Especially if you can't afford the more expensive brands.

[sierraman]

Purchased the Lidl equivalent of the Dremel a few weeks back, for £20 it's every bit as good as the Dremel. Time will tell if it lasts as long however.

[PiperCub]

Not sure I'd want a torque wrench from Lidl etc (my Norbar (x2) are about 30 years old and still accurate against a new Snap-On one) but as for their 'Powerfix' normal handtools - I have no problem at all with any that I've owned. They have the advantage that if you bugger them up (say by hitting spanners), need to modify/cut them about or you lose them then it's not a tragedy, just buy some more.

 

The same goes for Aldi's same stuff branded differently but probably comes from the same factory! Equally good VFM.

 

I know of a couple of professional mechanics who aren't shy to use Lidl/Aldi tools amongst their Snap-On stuff. 

 

Wouldn't go so far as to agree their Dremel-type tool is as good as a proper Dremel but it's certainly useful and good enough for most jobs even if it won't last forever. 

[Danblez]

I have torqued things with it that haven't exploded or come undone so I can give it the AS seal of approval!

[sierraman]

It's right tightened when it's just about to shear as you hang off the end of a 32" breaker.

[tooSavvy]

It's right tightened when it's just about to shear as you hang off the end of a 32" breaker.

..... Driveshaft nut, Hillman IMP

 

Aye!

 

TS

[PiperCub]

Well my lidl torque wrench has proved to be a lot more accurate than me just guessing how tight things should be.

 

Fair point, anything is better than guessing. I've still got my first torque wrench, a Draper old-fashioned 'bendy bar' type! (Does anyone still sell these?). Again, not that accurate but better than nothing.

[djimbob]

An old biker mate of mine many moons ago was of the opinion that one's right arm was the best torque wrench one could need when spannering, and I understand his point when you are experienced and confident, but I don't see many mechanics who don't own one and at least crack it out occasionally

 

At that price I think I might indulge myself

[tooSavvy]

Has anyone felt quietly reassured when, after 'rattle gunning' your wheels on @ 275Nm, the KwikFuk monkey checks the security/tightness with a 4 foot clikka.....

 

Dream on.....

 

 

TS

[conkerman]

I won't have a cheap torque wrench after one caused me no end of grief a few years back.

 

I would rather spend more on Halfords professional, they are pretty good.

[PiperCub]

Has anyone felt quietly reassured when, after 'rattle gunning' your wheels on @ 275Nm, the KwikFuk monkey checks the security/tightness with a 4 foot clikka.....

 

Dream on.....

 

 

TS

 

Another reason (as if ones needed) not to use KwikFit's cowboys. 

[lisbon_road]

Don't knock that Draper bendy bar thing too much.  I reckon they are much less likely to go out than a more sophisticated torque wrench, though I admit it can be very hard to judge the torque.  Bit of a two man job.  Used to help my father with that.

[tooSavvy]

I have two 'bendys'. One found @ scrapyard.

 

I did all my IMP heads with the bendy... NOT re-doing failures... but building a series of modded ones

 

 

TS

[trigger]

My Sealey one arrived yesterday.

 

 

I won't lie, I haven't got a clue how to use it! I've only ever used the ones with the end you twist and has a dial on the handle. That said for £26 delivered I'm sure it will be fine for doing the head bolts on my Dolomite.

[PiperCub]

It's a vernier type by the look of it. You twist the end and line up the top edge of the handle with the engraved markings which indicate the torque setting. 

[richardmorris]

I have the lidl one -it's good for the money. Only used it for tightening bicycle cassettes so far.