My old torque wrench gave out on me during a head gasket job last night

Lee Hernandez · 2026-04-04T01:45:07.26839+00:00

I was in the middle of torquing down the cylinder head on a 2015 Civic, following the pattern, when I felt the click just... stop. The handle felt loose, like the spring inside had let go. It's a Craftsman click-type wrench I've had since I started in my dad's shop, maybe 8 years ago. I had to stop everything, drive to the 24-hour parts store across town at 2 AM, and grab a new one just to finish the job. It threw my whole rhythm off and added an hour to the repair. Makes you think about how much we trust our tools until they fail. What's your go-to brand for a reliable torque wrench these days?

sanchez.lucas6mo ago

Honestly, a Craftsman wrench only lasted eight years? That's wild to me. My dad's old Craftsman stuff from the 90s is still kicking around the garage. Tbh it feels like the newer ones just aren't built the same at all.

6

nancyhernandez6mo ago

Eight years is actually a pretty good run for a tool.

3

adams.harper4mo ago

Yeah been there with a busted clicker at 2am it messes with your head AND your timeline. For head gasket work especially I'd say look at a digital torque wrench for the peace of mind. I picked up a Gearwrench electronic one a few years back after my old beam style got way too sloppy. It beeps and vibrates so you know exactly when you hit it plus you can switch between units fast. The Craftsman stuff now is fine for basic stuff but they cut corners on the internal parts. If you want something that lasts longer than your current one did, spend a little extra on something with a sealed head to keep garage grit out.

3