Had to choose between a new torque wrench or a used scan tool for my work truck

My old torque wrench was off by a good bit, and my cheap code reader couldn't talk to the newer rigs. I had about $400 saved up. I went with the new torque wrench, a 1/2-inch drive model from GearWrench, because I figured proper bolt tension is more basic and critical. It's been solid for head gasket jobs, but now I'm stuck when a 2020 Freightliner rolls in with a weird code. Anyone have a decent budget scan tool they'd suggest for under $300?

4 comments

4 Comments

avery_flores2mo ago

I used to always pick the scan tool first, but a snapped bolt on a wheel hub taught me a hard lesson. Your torque wrench call was smart. For a cheap scanner, check out the Autel AL319, it's basic but reads most stuff on those newer trucks.

julia_carter612mo ago

Snapped a caliper bolt once, same lesson.

karen_carter2mo ago

Ever try the Foxwell NT301, it's cheap and reads those Freightliner codes.

amyh121mo ago

The NT301 is okay for basics, but it really struggles with deeper Freightliner systems. You'll hit a wall fast if you need to look at transmission or ABS modules. For a few bucks more, something with better software coverage saves a ton of headache later. It's a false economy if it can't pull the codes you actually need.