Limitations Of Snap On Tech Angle Torque Wrenches

[Art From De Leon]

I talked to my dealer about a partial trade of my unused 3/4" drive TQ series torque wrench on at least one new Snap on TechAngle 1/2" and 3/8" drive torque wrenches. I will see how he feels about taking my 3/8" and 1/2" TQ series wrenches in trade as well.

Tony said they can be had either in conventional or with the torque angle feature.

My question is, will the wrench be damaged if the final torque exceeds the wrench capacity?

For example, the rod bolts on JD 466 engines require an intial torque of 55 lb ft, followed by a 90 degree final tightening, and the head bolt torque on the JD 619 engines require an initial torque of 90 lb ft (IIRC), followed by a final degree reading of 270 degrees. Now I assume that the final torque reading would greatly exceed the 150 lb ft capacity of the 3/8" TechAngle wrench, or the 250 lb ft maximum of the 1/2" drive wrench.

Using the 1/2" angle gauge, I would use my Snap On 1/2" drive breaker bar, or my Snap On 24" ratchet, after using a torque wrench to get the initial torque reading.

[Skyline]

If you look at the data sheets for the TechAngle Wrenches available on the Snap-on web site, it lists an Overload Torque for both; 125Ft Lbs for the 3/8", and 312 Ft lbs for the 1/2". Seems to me that if the initial torque is 90 Ft Lbs, then you would not want to be using the 3/8". BTW, the TechAngle wrench will give you an audible warning, (constant beeps) when the overload torque is reached. Unless there is a new model not on the S-O web site, the maximum torque range for 3/8" Torque Angle wrench is 100 Ft Lbs, not 150.

[Art From De Leon]

If you look at the data sheets for the TechAngle Wrenches available on the Snap-on web site, it lists and Overload Torque for both; 125Ft Lbs for the 3/8", and 312 Ft lbs for the 1/2". Seems to me that if the initial torque is 90 Ft Lbs, then you would not want to be using the 3/8". BTW, the TechAngle wrench will give you an audible warning, (constant beeps) when the overload torque is reached. Unless there is a new model not on the S-O web site, the maximum torque range for 3/8" Torque Angle wrench is 100 Ft Lbs, not 150.

Thanks, I had not really looked into the specifications yet, but it sounds like the initial torque reading would have to be very low, so that the angular rotation stretch would not exceed the capability of the wrench.

I guess I will get the conventional electronic wrenches.

How long does the battery last, and how hard are they to replace, or remove for long periods of storage?

[Skyline]

Thanks, I had not really looked into the specifications yet, but it sounds like the initial torque reading would have to be very low, so that the angular rotation stretch would not exceed the capability of the wrench.

I guess I will get the conventional electronic wrenches.

How long does the battery last, and how hard are they to replace, or remove for long periods of storage?
I would think that for the examples you gave, the 1/2" TechAngle would do fine. 312lb Overload is a LOT of torque range to get that final angle.

I don't have a TechAngle, but I've got two of the regular Tech wrenches. Batteries last me about a year. Keep in mind that you can NOT leave it on by accident...it will shut down automatically; in fact this is the one feature that bothers me at times...the shut down is too quick. It remembers its settings though when you turn it back on. Battery change is just like on a flashlight.

These really are teriffic torque wrenches. Keep in mind that the OEM for these has been outed here somewhere before (was it Precision Instruments???) so if you want them for less...it's either that or eBay.