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TLDR Review: Kobalt 81703 Torque Wrench

Item: Kobalt 81703 Torque Wrench
Author: ShopSavvy

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: April 7th, 2025

Pros

•Superior build quality with higuality chroming and smooth machined parts.
•Deeply stamped settings for enhanced visibility and ease of use.
•Comes with a calibration certification and matching serial number for quality assurance.
•Distinct audible click sound that provides accurate torque settings and feedback.
•Easy to read, set, and adjust with a sprinoaded setting lock collar.
•All metal construction, ensuring durability and longevity.
•Ideal for DIY enthusiasts with its useriendly design and functionality.
•Weluited for intermediate torque tasks, like vehicle maintenance.
•Provides a nice hard plastic case for protection and storage.
•Accurate measurements confirmed against two other torque wrenches.

Cons

•Internal screws known to come loose, leading to potential failure.
•Customer service and warranty claims have been disappointing for some users.
•Warranty documentation is inconsistent, claiming both lifetime and onear coverage.
•Only features fbs scale lacking metric units, necessitating conversion for metric tasks.
•Calibration can drift significantly over time, as experienced by some users.
•Not recommended for heavy or regular use, might not maintain specifications over time.
•Sprinoaded collar prone to accidental bumps, changing the torque setting unexpectedly.

Bottom Line

The Kobalt 3/8-in Drive Click Torque Wrench offers solid performance and build quality for light to intermediate use, particularly for DIY projects and vehicle maintenance. However, the inconsistent warranty terms and customer service challenges may deter some users. If heavy-duty use and long-term reliability are top priorities, consider higher-end brands like Snap On for peace of mind. Additionally, checking the calibration after purchase is advised to ensure accuracy.

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