401SM Micro Adjustable Torque Screwdriver; Range 5 to 40-Inch Pounds, 1/4-Inch

This CDI micro torque screwdriver is a product distributed through (besides Amazon) Snap-On. This is one of those tools that I don't use that often, but when its needed it is Really needed. Before I bought this item a little over a year ago I did quite a bit of on-line research and discovered that this CDI tool was literally the "only game in town" in terms of accuracy and reliability. The only other contender that even came close (but not very close) was a torque screwdriver sold by Brownells. Since I do not have a calibration lab I went by the accounts of multiple on line sources, and would suggest that you might do the same...things might have changed in the past year. Amazon had the best IN STOCK price I was able to find a year ago.I do my own gunsmithing and use this tool whenever a precise amount of torque is required per a manufacturers specifications. The torque settings are easy to see and adjust within one inch pound increments. The tool accepts regular screwdriver type bits, and therefore will accept just about anything used to tighten small machine parts. So whether you are tightening a screw or a nut (or something in between), and you have the bit to fit your application, this will do the job for you. The build quality on the tool is excellent. It has the heft of a solid little machine and the handle affords a positive grip that lets you apply the downward pressure necessary to keep your bit solidly on the screw and thus avoid any slippage that could mar your workpiece. As far as I can tell (without a calibration lab) this tool gives the proper, repeatable result. I have not stripped a screw or experienced a malfunction of any sort connected with the use of this item.I am very picky when it comes to tools and machines...I earned a living most of my life as a clockmaker specializing in the restoration of antique clocks. These days it is difficult/impossible to acquire high quality tools at a reasonable price. This CDI torque screwdriver is a rare exception in a world of shoddy tools that simply don't measure up to any standard of quality. I believe the reviewer that downgraded this $100+ tool should look toward the Much More Costly torque devices that are intended for 24/7 usage. Under "normal" use I would expect this tool to last the craftsman a lifetime.Kudos to Amazon for making this reliable, high quality tool available to the workman at a good price.

When considering this tool to purchase - it should be noted that when you are using a tool 24 hours on all shifts (sounds like 24x7) - you also are probably using it more than just once each hour.Once each hour would result in a 5,000 use cycle occurring every 208 days. However, in a busy industrial environment - using this tool just twice each hour - results in 5000 cycles every 104 days. Essentially - every 90 days. You also have the fact that using any torque wrench in the upper or lower ends - decreases the life of said wrench. All of this information is readily available from CDI. The following are quotes from them as to the care of their tools and torque wrenches in general:"To determine which torque wrench capacity is best suited for an application, many factors must be considered. However, as a recommendation, use a torque wrench in the middle 50% of the overall capacity of the tool. This will result in longer tool life, ease of use for the operator and increased accuracy from "clicker" type torque wrenchesTorque wrenches should be "exercised" a minimum of three times at 100% of full scale before useTorque wrenches will last longer if reasonable care is taken. Always unwind handle to the lowest setting after each use. Do not attempt to lubricate the internal torque mechanism. Clean torque wrench by wiping, do not immerse. The wrench should be sent to a qualified calibration lab once every year or every 5000 cycles for re-calibration"The instructions for this specific micro adjustable torque screwdriver (401sm) - state to have it calibrated and gone through every 5,000 cycles - or one year - whichever comes first. ALL torque wrenches have useful life cycles. CDI is at least being honest - and putting in print - the life cycle and service requirements.If you use this tool only 3 times each hour - at various settings - you should have it serviced every 69 days minimum. This is just part of the cost of doing business and quality work.I have owned this tool for quite a number of years (just purchasing another one); and find it extremely adequate for small screws, and misc. fasteners without a lot of mass - which require a torque value; etc. With a very long life span. Easy to grip, very visible (bright blue), and easy to use. An excellent tool with excellent cditorque com support.

Great product!!!!