CDI Torque Wrench

CDI Torque wrenches are made by the CDI Torque Products Company. They are a specialty brand of Snap-on Tools, one of the largest manufacturers of hand and power tools in the automotive industry.

Because Snap-on saw such a need for quality, highly durable products, they started the CDI Company. Founded in 1968, they have grown into the leader in torque products across the country and the world.

While there are many different types and brands, for a quality product, backed by the Snap-on label, a CDI torque wrench is going to be your best bet for quality, price and value. They actually have many different products to choose from including CDI torque screwdriver, gauges, and multipliers. Because this article is about just wrenches, we will skip the other products for now.

With so many different products to choose from, you really have to think about your application, as well as your price range. One of the most basic designs they offer are their line of adjustable, micrometer, clicking wrenches. These look very similar to your standard long handled ratcheting driver, and are extremely simple to operate. The have precision laser etched scales that are easy to read. All of these wrenches are calibrated to be used in a clockwise direction. All you have to do is pull down the locking ring, turn the handle to the right setting, and the locking device automatically locks to that setting, no muss no fuss. When you hear the loud and audible 'click,' you have achieved the right torque setting. These ratcheting drivers feature a quick release button, allowing you to change sockets easy.

All of these precision instruments feature either standard, or Newton Meter settings, and are available in torques from just 10-50 inch pounds, all the way up to 2000 foot pounds, depending on your range needs. They also have ¼" to 1" drive heads. While each size is priced differently, one, the ½" drive dual scale ratcheting model with 300-2,500 inches pound adjustments is priced at $180. All of these wrenches have features like mentioned earlier, and each one has an individual serial number and corresponding calibration certificate, and can be traced back to their original settings. Their accuracy is 3%+/- and from 20-100% full scale.

Classic Dial Wrench

The Classic series of dial wrenches features a durable body design. It has a dual scale, which has a large, easy to see dial, and this dial is protected by a shock resistant casing as well as a metal guard. The needle even retains the highest applied torque reading. These units have both CW, (clockwise,) as well as CCW calibration. With ¼" to 1" drives, and capacities from fifteen inch pounds all the way up to 2,000 foot pounds, you are sure to find one that will fit your needs. Again, while you can find out exact prices from the company, the ½" drive, 0-100 foot pound model sells for $203.94.

The last series of CDI wrenches are the electronic torque wrenches. These are available in the computorq 2 and 3, as well as the regular electronic wrench styles. Each has digital accuracy as well as easy to program push button settings. They have comfort grip handles, and the most unique model in the series is the computorq II. This is able to store 4,000 precise measurement values in its memory, and any stored information can be downloaded into a computer with an included cable. There are different selection modes, from track to peak hold, and values can be easily read and programmed into the keypad. It is available in ranges from 5" lbs, to 1,000' pounds. It also includes a 9v battery to provide up to sixty hours of operation.