Why Aren't Split-Beam Torque Wrenches More Popular?

[The Critic]

All of the mechanics that I know use the click-type micrometer torque wrenches. None of them use the split-beam torque wrenches.

My Precision Instruments Split Beam Torque Wrench was cheaper than a comparable micrometer model. Plus it's supposedly more durable.

If that's the case, why aren't split-beam torque wrenches more popular?

[back2class]

I posted this same question. Never did get a decent answer onther than tight quarters. I think people just "think" the click ones are cooler or something. They are not as accurate and more expensive. Mostly I think it is just the "in" thing to have. Better to buy a good beam than a junk HF click one.

[J.A.F.E.]

Probably because the clicker can be used out of position - the operator doesn't have to see the scale so they might be tricky when working in/on car. Like any scale it also has the potential of parallax error. There are still some jobs where they are preferred. And they are still very popular.

[Charles (in GA)]

Probably because the clicker can be used out of position - the operator doesn't have to see the scale so they might be tricky when working in/on car. Like any scale it also has the potential of parallax error. There are still some jobs where they are preferred. And they are still very popular.

He is referring to to a SPLIT beam torque wrench made by Precision Instruments. It is a type of clicker that uses a dial and thumbwheel to set it and has a "split beam" mechanism inside of a housing. Very reliable.

He is not referring to the traditional bending beam and pointer type torque wrench.

Charles

[Merkava_4]

When I start buying torque wrenches, anything over inch pounds is gonna be split beam. :)

[rgates]

I think it is a personal preference thing. I have both types, 3/8",1/2",3/4" are split beam TQ series, 1/4" is the turn handle QD series (not available in SO split beam). I use a digital tech wrench,Tech series, when torque angles are involved. I definitely prefer the split beam.

[benjamming]

I don't understand either Mike. I have the 1/2" PI split beam. I guess it is all about marketing & getting your product in front of people. I don't know of any "household" names that sell a split beam. I can't think of any technical reason that they would be inferior.

When were they introduced by PI?

[-B-]

too bulky for my uses I am on small fasteners m5 most of the time with occasion to m6 and m10 4-20Nm

[benjamming]

I don't see how this wrench is any bulkier than a clicker.

[krusty the clown]

i decided on the PI split beams (labled snap on of course) because there isn't a need to dial them down after use.

[-B-]

I don't see how this wrench is any bulkier than a clicker.



length and weight most of the time I use a 1/4 drive Norbar now and have a 1/4 Mac for the travel box. I am using this on delicate fasteners and parts that are hex drive 3,4,5, 6mm heads once the wrench gets longer then a 1/2 ratchet it can be an issue on the interface of the head of the bolt.

this one may even prove to be a bit of an issue by for the price I can keep it http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28952&page=30

[Treeman]

BITOG members taking over here, are they???????

PI introduced their split beam wrench in 1974. Someone correct me, but I think the VERY highly regarded Stahlwille torque wrenches are also split beam construction, so I assume it is an excellent design.

It was a mechanic at my workplace service garage that introduced me to the "wonderful" split beam torque wrench. Then, I had to do lots of internet research to convince me that it was "as good" as the traditional micrometer wrench.

Micrometers torque wrenches have been around longer and are what everyone equates to a high quality torque wrench (right or wrong). When I was young and used deflecting beam wrenches, I can remember working with a mechanic and seeing a "higher quality" micrometer clicker in action for the first time. My mind was set on what a high quality torque wrench should be.

It's all about perception. Simply put, micrometer torque wrenches are the "standard" in most peoples minds and the PI beam wrenches are something new and different. It's hard for people to change a long standing mindset. I'm trying to think of a similar analogy, but my mind is drawing a blank...a growing occurance, lately.

[benjamming]

B,

I didn't think about the length issue. The 1/2" micrometer from PI is 24.75" while their split is 22". However, their 3/8" micrometer is shorter (15" vs split is 17-5/64").

I haven't seen a 1/4" split beam before. Does anyone make them?

[KLars1]

...I haven't seen a 1/4" split beam before. Does anyone make them?

I haven't seen one; I looked but couldn't find one so I settled on the PI Micrometer 3/8" drive 30in/lbs - 200in/lbs model.

[stock z/28]

Hello,


That style torque wrench is about all I use in FT/LB ranges, in in/lbs I generally use a meter style or possibly a "standard" click.


One issue on this type of wrench (split beam?) is I "think" it can only be used in a clockwise direction. If its used counter clockwise it will be damaged or suffer a loss of calibration.

I think the newer versions of this only have a ratchet that will allow torquing in one direction.


I have a torque wrench tester that I use quite a bit and I can say that I have seen quite a few of these wrenches damaged this way.

This may be a possible drawback to this wrench?


I use mine a lot and they stay well in calibration.


Jeff

[-B-]

B,

I didn't think about the length issue. The 1/2" micrometer from PI is 24.75" while their split is 22". However, their 3/8" micrometer is shorter (15" vs split is 17-5/64").

I haven't seen a 1/4" split beam before. Does anyone make them?


I have not found one and for now I will use micrometer adjust wrenches as that is what fill the bill for my use as specific as it is. Length can be a big issue when you are using a wrench one handed and reaching around something. These fasteners must be TQ'd correctly with out damage as it can be life or death situations.

[rodm1]

if you ever changed you transmission filter in the drive way you would now.

[BillK]

Critic,
I have had 2 Snap On split beam wrenches, one 3/8" and one 1/2" Both of them kept getting out of calibration, actually they would "stick" and not click. Got sick of it after having both of them sent back for calibration / repair 3 times. Sold them and got the traditional "micrometer" type Snap On wrenches.

Maybe I just had bad luck, but my tools are really baby'd and the shop is kept at a constant 75 degrees so I dont think the environment had anything to do with it. They get used fairly often, at least once or twice a day.

As far as accuracy goes, for the majority of automotive work 10% is probably plenty accurate anyway. Most new engines use the "torque plus angle" method of tightening anyway.

[Joe B.]

Split Beams are also hard to find. I have never seen one sold in a hardware or an automotive parts store. Unless you go looking for something different, most people would never know they exist.

[benjamming]

stock,

I don't know of any split beams that can be used in either direction. That would certainly be a drawback but I've never had to use a TW (yet) in the "wrong" direction. :LOL:

Joe,

Split beams are easy to find online but as you say they aren't in h/w or parts stores that I'm aware of at least. Heck, most good stuff can't be found there anymore, only online. More people shop online almost exclusively although there are many dyed in the wool.

Bill,

Interesting that you've had a few to fail. Was there a problem with the SO ratchet head mechanisms or were they fixed heads?

[Treeman]

Bill,

Interesting that you've had a few to fail. Was there a problem with the SO ratchet head mechanisms or were they fixed heads?

Benjamming,

Before I purchased my PI split beams 2 years ago, I spent a LOT of time researching torque wrenches on the net and observed the usual comments that need to be considered in context.

I don't doubt Bill's experience, but his experience might be 1 in 5,000. In my search there were people posting that supposedly worked for calibration labs, aircraft assembly plants, and on and on.

One guy said that Snap On wrenches were the worst for being out of calibration new, out of the box (not sure if this was pre or post CDI take over). Others posted that Protos were hard to calibrate and there were always conflicting reports on other brands. Seems that I could find few, if any complaints about Sturdevant and Stahlwille.

We probably over analyze the top tier brands, but, isn't that the fun in all this?

[benjamming]

Of course, you're probably not going to find as many users of Sturdevant & Stahlwille either so that should cut back on the # of defects reported. Yes, understood that it all has to be taken into context.