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Lowest Profile 1/4 and 3/8 inch Torque Wrenches?

YoshiMoshi3

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What are the lowest profile 1/4 and 3/8 inch Torque Wrenches? Please include measurements if possible. Overall head height, and not width, I'm worried about to get into some tight areas perpendicular to the head.
 
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KnurledNut

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ICON has a sweet 3/8 in 1/4 body:
54216038174_98b82cd9d4_b-jpg.2241680
 

mikey03

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You could take a snap on tech angle 1/4 and put a 3/8 head on it, one of the special heads snap on makes to put 3/8 head in a 1/4 body.
 

AEAdam

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With ratchets, putting a 3/8” anvil in a 1/4” body gives you a really small ratchet which can handle low torque applications of large bolt heads.

For example. I want a low back drag ratchet for installing fasteners with 17mm heads. Or I want to use a 1/4 drive ratchet on a 8mm triple square I only have in 3/8” drive and I don’t wish to use an adapter.

Torque wrenches are different. You likely won’t have the range to torque fasteners whose heads are too big for 1/4” drive. Maybe some. But if you follow me, bit sockets aside, what would be the scenario where you would be choosing a 3/8” socket over a 1/4” socket for use on a torque wrench?

I think this thread is another example of @YoshiMoshi3 looking for a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. My torque wrenches have the same size heads as my ratchets. I don’t need a torque wrench any thinner than my ratchets. Otherwise I’d use a crows foot, which I don’t own and have never used on personal vehicles.

@YoshiMoshi3 I think it’s very possible if you described the actual problem you are thinking about, we could share how we solve that without special tools. Flex head torque wrenches can be life savers. Beyond that, I’ve never needed anything special.

If you look at the chart I made for you guys you will see the torque reqts for bolts with a given head size. Most 1/4” drive torque wrenches top out at 200inlbs which is 16ftlbs. That’s roughly 10mm head territory. Most 13mm bolts are gonna require >16ftlbs, depending on the fastener type. My 1/4” sockets go to 15mm and 9/16”. Not sure why anyone would need a 3/8” drive socket (something bigger than 15mm) on a 1/4” drive torque wrench. Ratchets I understand. Only scenario I can dream up is some special socket, a swivel, bit socket etc.
 
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KnurledNut

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Some spark plugs including reinstallation of removed plugs for diagnostic purposes, valve covers, pan bolts, components that seal with o-rings like diesel fuel manifolds, etc.
Bicycles.
Small engines.
Machinery.
Aviation.

Good to have a variety of torque wrenches. When you need it, you really need it.
The OP didn’t state an intended application, but who am I to tell him he doesn’t need it?
 

KnurledNut

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@YoshiMoshi3

Check out Tohnichi. They are made in Japan and use a Koken-like head that is fairly low profile. I might be able to get a measurement later in the week when I have time. Here’s an old one, its 3/8 drive and its in Kg-cm.
 
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dnschmidt

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Precision Instruments makes a 3/8" clicker that's pretty small that I use to torque my oil filter to 17.5 N-m (155 in-lb) on my Toyota.
 

moemc

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Torque wrenches are different. You likely won’t have the range to torque fasteners whose heads are too big for 1/4” drive. Maybe some. But if you follow me, bit sockets aside, what would be the scenario where you would be choosing a 3/8” socket over a 1/4” socket for use on a torque wrench?
Think outside of steel fasteners.

I work with assemblies using lots of aluminum fasteners, and I feel that the selection of torque wrenches I have to choose from (without having to do anvil conversion etc) is pretty poor. Stepping down to 1/4 square drive could solve the poor torque wrench option issue, but then creates a socket selection problem (dont see a lot of 1/4 drive 3/4 hex sockets, for example).
 

moemc

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Astro should offer 11/17/22mm retaining drive torque wrenches for their nano sockets. I bet they would be a good seller. Non-reversible wouldn’t be a big deal since it’s mostly CW.

You just made me think of something that would perhaps be a good solution for the OP.

Perhaps going the modular route with the insert style torque wrenches. You cant get much lower profile than a box end.

Of course, this can be used with those nano sockets too (if you can ignore the lack of a retaining ring for the nanos, or machine a snapring groove in if you happen to have machine shop access).

 
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YoshiMoshi3

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Body thickness including selector and any protruding portion of anvil base:
3/8 ICON compact (pictured): .56
3/8 old Snap-on flex clicker: .70
3/8 Tohnichi (pictured): .62
1/4 Precision Instruments (pictured): .58
Thanks would you happen to have the part numbers? I will measure mine and add to this thread so we can start a database.
 

AEAdam

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Thanks would you happen to have the part numbers? I will measure mine and add to this thread so we can start a database.
Can you please share with us the actual application for this data? There have been many such collections of this type of data, I believe, by people projecting this scenario. I myself have compared socket plus ratchet heights here before. Pretty sure I shared that with you.

The data we’ve already shared with you varies by only 1/8” which is probably insignificant.

“backside” access issues occur. I find them on transverse mounted engine vehicles, Honda being among the worst, although Volkswagens aren’t super fun. But the fastener lengths and other concerns usually drive the clearance such that virtually any reasonable make of sockets, ratchets, torque wrenches will fit. The worst case would never be torquing, it would be removing the fastener while it’s still held by the socket.

I bought low profile sockets, when, maybe like you, I thought they’d save my ***. I’ve never once used them. Unless you can share with us a specific situation, my advice is stop worrying.

If you are shopping for torque wrenches, flex heads are must haves for me and digital (electronic) is very nice.
 

AEAdam

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Hope this helps:

For access issues, I strongly recommend starting with good basics and steering clear of speciality stuff. I’ve never found low height anything particularly helpful.

For me ”good basics” include good quality shallow sockets. Snap On shallows are quite shallow and a good yardstick. Icon might be dimensionally similar. We know Williams are. Not sure about all other brands.

I favor Semi deep sockets over deeps and often over shallows as a “just right depth”, not easily attained with extensions

Wobble extensions and lots of different length extensions are very helpful. 3”, 6”, 12” really isn’t good enough. Again, look at Snap On‘s basic sets and make sure you have those bases covered.

Swivel sockets are must haves for me. I only have 3/8” drive and only 10-17 I think. I pretty much only use the 10 and 13mm, but when you need them you need them. I don’t think universals are good enough anymore and I don’t own any.

Different lengths of bit sockets can be game changers, depending on what you are working on. I have regular lengths, and stubbies of allen, torx and triple squares, and have some long allens and torx. I also have a 1/4” set of swivel torx that has come in handy doing interior and body work. You may not need all of these, but don’t take them for granted.

I prefer long combination wrenches, both leverage and access. I love my double box end wrenches. Buy quality wrenches.

Flex head ratchets and really long ratchets are must haves for me.

Said this before, worth repeating. I design products around the Snap On tools our manufacturing and maintenance facilities use. I am not alone. Rather than gathering dimensions from tons of manufacturers, I’d simply use Snap On as the bench mark. While I hate that HF is copying Snap On, their dimensional similarity is a big advantage for buyers.
 
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AEAdam

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Adding my data. Please add your data.

1747533837403.png
Am I correct that you are seeking to inform a decision about a tool where the variation between (Example) 1/2” torque wrenches is 1.2mm?

Not calling you dumb, but this thread is dumb. Please tell us what the application is for this data. Why should any of us read or respond to this thread?

If you asked us for the Pantone colors of our tools’ handles, I could see that being more helpful than this.
 
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YoshiMoshi3

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Body thickness including selector and any protruding portion of anvil base:
3/8 ICON compact (pictured): .56
3/8 old Snap-on flex clicker: .70
3/8 Tohnichi (pictured): .62
1/4 Precision Instruments (pictured): .58
@KnurledNut, do you have the part numbers for these torque wrenches and can you please include the square anvil?

Can anyone else please submit data, and include the square anvil in your measurement?

I am doing an industry study at tool stores, most of which had torque wrenches in plastic cases, so unable to get a measurement, without buying the tool. The HF I went to had three torque wrenches on display that I was able to measure, so I was able to add three more data points to my list.
  • Walmart = Hypertough and Hart torque wrenches, all in plastic cases
  • Advance Auto Parts = Performance Tools torque wrenches, all in plastic cases
  • Home Depot = Husky torque wrenches, all in plastic cases
  • Tractor Supply = Jobsmart torque wrenches, all in plastic cases
  • O'Riley Auto Parts = Power Torque and Power Tools torque wrenches, all in plastic cases
  • Harbor Freight = Pittsburgh, Quinn, Icon, three on display wrenches, rest in plastic cases
I will drive by a Lowes and Ace Hardware later on for something else, might as well as stop by to see if I can get any measurements on torque wrenches

1766443845333.png

@AEAdam, there are low profile sockets and ratchets for a reason, but how to properly torque these fasteners without an appropriate low profile torque wrench? I know there are torque wrench adapters, but these don't always work in all situations. There's low profile sockets and ratchets for a reason, right?

Regardless, I think it would still be interesting to see what the lowest profile torque wrenches are.
 

AEAdam

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@AEAdam, there are low profile sockets and ratchets for a reason, but how to properly torque these fasteners without an appropriate low profile torque wrench? I know there are torque wrench adapters, but these don't always work in all situations. There's low profile sockets and ratchets for a reason, right?
Sorry to sound stubborn. I really am trying to help. I bought low profile ratchets and sockets and never ever use them. Your own data shows an insignificant difference in head height. Would you seriously choose a tool based on a millimeter or 2?

Edit: Typically missing from the low head height discussions is what happens when you loosen the fastener and back the ratchet into the obstruction you were just trying to avoid?

In the extreme, at some point you may need to switch from ratchet to wrench (preferably ratchet wrench maybe) just to get the fastener clear of the obstruction. Most times, all I need is to loosen the fastener, then spin the hardware out by hand.

Point is, the use case for low head height ratchets is extremely rare. There's almost always another method you can use. The point at which one goes looking for a low head height torque wrench is the point at which one is tooling up to work on unicorns. I'd have to see the specific application to understand the use case.
 
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YoshiMoshi3

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Sorry to sound stubborn. I really am trying to help. I bought low profile ratchets and sockets and never ever use them. Your own data shows an insignificant difference in head height. Would you seriously choose a tool based on a millimeter or 2?

Edit: Typically missing from the low head height discussions is what happens when you loosen the fastener and back the ratchet into the obstruction you were just trying to avoid?

In the extreme, at some point you may need to switch from ratchet to wrench (preferably ratchet wrench maybe) just to get the fastener clear of the obstruction. Most times, all I need is to loosen the fastener, then spin the hardware out by hand.

Point is, the use case for low head height ratchets is extremely rare. There's almost always another method you can use. The point at which one goes looking for a low head height torque wrench is the point at which one is tooling up to work on unicorns. I'd have to see the specific application to understand the use case.
No I wouldn't make a decision based on 2 mm difference, hoping to see if there's a manufacturer that makes a low profile one. Yes, I agree that the need for low profile ratchets and sockets is extremely rare. There may not be a low profile torque wrench, but it looks like the Tone ones might be a non-insignificant difference and lower in profile than most. Are you able to please add data for your torque wrenches?

Update
  • Walmart = Hypertough and Hart torque wrenches, all in plastic cases
  • Advance Auto Parts = Performance Tools torque wrenches, all in plastic cases
  • Home Depot = Husky torque wrenches, all in plastic cases
  • Tractor Supply = Jobsmart torque wrenches, all in plastic cases
  • O'Riley Auto Parts = Power Torque and Power Tools torque wrenches, all in plastic cases
  • Harbor Freight = Pittsburgh, Quinn, Icon, Floor model included torque wrenches, rest in plastic cases
  • Lowes = Craftsman torque wrenches, in plastic cases
  • Ace Hardware = Craftsman torque wrenches, in plastic cases
Might walk into NAPA the next time I drive by one.

Looking online at torque wrenches:
  • Snap-On - lists head depth, but this doesn't include the anvil (likely)
  • Koken - Doesn't make adjustable torque wrenches
  • Mac - Doesn't provide head depth on torque wrenches
  • Matco - Doesn't provide head depth on torque wrenches
  • Proto - Doesn't provide head depth on torque wrenches
  • Gear Wrench - lists head depth, but this doesn't include the anvil (likely)
  • Tone - lists head depth, including the anvil, and not the anvil
  • Tekton - Doesn't provide head depth on torque wrenches
  • Capri - Doesn't provide head depth on torque wrenches
I might add Tone to my database later. Might also include head depth (without anvil) into the database, so that way I can include Snap-On and Gear wrench into the database.

Need for low profile torque wrench:
2002-2006 Toyota Camry with the 4 cylinder, 2AZ-FE engine, power steering pump. I believe it was designed to be replaced with the engine out of the car. It can be replaced with it in the car though. There are two 14 mm head bolts that you have to go through the pulley to unfasten. You need a 14 mm socket that is at least 30 mm in overall length. A slightly longer one is possible but will require a thinner ratchet or breaker bar. Went through my 14 mm sockets and found that:
  • 3/8 " Drive Stubby = Top shallow
  • 3/8 " Drive Semi-Deep = Too Long
  • 3/8 " Drive Deep = Too long
  • 1/2 " Drive Stubby = Just Right
  • 1/2 " Drive Semi-Deep = Too Long
  • 1/2 " Drive Deep = Too long
A 14 mm socket that is 30 mm in overall length is very common for 1/2 stubby sockets, even no-name Chinese brands. 3/8 " stubby was too shallow, while all other sizes were too long. I know that Koken makes a 3/8 " drive 14 mm semi-deep z-series socket that would work, or some shallow sockets with Tekton mini extension, but I didn't have these on hand, and most semi-deep 14 mm 3/8 " are too long. So, I used my 1/2 " drive stubby 14 mm socket with a breaker bar. Very difficult to unthread was loosened through the pulley. My 1/2 " ratchet was to thick, so I got a Gear Wrench 1/2 " drive 90T ratchet from Home Depot that was much thinner than my other 1/2 " ratchet and was able to get the bolt out. The problem was that my 1/2 " torque wrench was too thick, and I wasn't able to use a torque wrench for the top bolt and just had to rely on my calibrated torque arm.

This is the only case I have ever came in, were a low profile 1/2 " drive torque wrench would have helped. But I also know had I had the right 3/8 " stubby socket with Tekton mini-extension, or a very uncommon semi-deep 3/8 " drive socket.
 

WhataTool

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Astro should offer 11/17/22mm retaining drive torque wrenches for their nano sockets. I bet they would be a good seller. Non-reversible wouldn’t be a big deal since it’s mostly CW.
They had something like this at SEMA
 

Hakeem

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. The problem was that my 1/2 " torque wrench was too thick, and I wasn't able to use a torque wrench for the top bolt and just had to rely on my calibrated torque arm.

All this over one fastener?? Sir, I can sympathize with your desire to have the perfect tool for the job but I think you’re going a wee bit overboard.
 

Nobody-named-Olli

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AEAdam

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I just looked this up on YouTube. Looks like a bad design, but you have a couple alternatives. It was exactly as I said. You can get a normal ratchet on it, but can't back the fastener all the way out or you hit the side frame.

One person used 1/4" deep and was able to crack it free. Looked like he had a universal on the tail end of he deep socket.
Another person simply disconnected the engine mounts and jacked the end clear. That's probably what is in the workshop manual.

One idea I have is if you couldn't use a 14mm spark plug socket. These typically have external hex flats you can put a wrench on.

It still looks like you can squeeze a torque wrench in there. But to be honest, if you can't, I wouldn't worry about it. This is one of 2 anchor bolts, not particularly torque sensitive. Hate to see you buy a special torque wrench for this one job.
 
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YoshiMoshi3

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Yea there's always alternatives. I'm sure the situation exists, where you need a 3/8 drive socket to unfasten a fastener, but only a 1/4 drive torque wrench will fit in the space, or you need a 1/2 drive socket to unfasten a fastener, but only a 3/8 drive torque wrench will fit in the space. The situations are probably pretty rarer, but I'm sure they exist. Or can be used to save time. I know about those torque wrench extensions, I think most come in 12 points though. 6 point torque wrench extensions would be nice, then could use low profile sockets that have an external hex drive instead of internal square drive.

Those torque wrenches with those interchangeable heads, would be great for tie rod ends, could use an open-end wrench head on a torque wrench, to torque them to specification, which I'm sure nobody actually does, and has been fine.

Hope some people can add some data.
 

david3921

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I just looked this up on YouTube. Looks like a bad design, but you have a couple alternatives. It was exactly as I said. You can get a normal ratchet on it, but can't back the fastener all the way out or you hit the side frame.

One person used 1/4" deep and was able to crack it free. Looked like he had a universal on the tail end of he deep socket.
Another person simply disconnected the engine mounts and jacked the end clear. That's probably what is in the workshop manual.

One idea I have is if you couldn't use a 14mm spark plug socket. These typically have external hex flats you can put a wrench on.

It still looks like you can squeeze a torque wrench in there. But to be honest, if you can't, I wouldn't worry about it. This is one of 2 anchor bolts, not particularly torque sensitive. Hate to see you buy a special torque wrench for this one job.
Not sure why you keep bringing up backing out the fastener when the subject is torque wrenches. I use my torque wrenches to turn CW, not CCW.
 

AEAdam

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Not sure why you keep bringing up backing out the fastener when the subject is torque wrenches. I use my torque wrenches to turn CW, not CCW.
Exactly. For most instances, the reason you need low profile tools is to remove a fastener. In most instances, you don’t use a torque wrench to back out hardware so you SHOULDN’T need a low profile torque wrench. Yeah that was my point.

In this one instance, short of loosening the engine mounts and rocking the engine, you have to sneak a deep socket thru a pulley that’s behind a frame member. @YoshiMoshi3 may believe, and he may be right, you can’t get both the socket and ratchet thru that pulley. There’s not enough room between the frame and the pulley face. I think he can only fit the socket. So he wants to seat the socket, then sneak a low profile torque wrench in between the frame and the socket. That’s why he wants numbers for head height plus anvil.( that usually doesn’t matter).

To be honest, transverse mounted engine cars are not fun for me to work on. And the Japanese cars DO seem to be optimized for low cost of manufacture, not repair. German cars, Volvos and Saabs USED to be designed with maintenance in mind. I still prefer working on German (except BMW) cars over japanese.
 

richfinn

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NORBAR (British torque wrench manufacturer owned by Snap-On) sell a lot of fixed head/push through square drive/spigot style torque wrenches for different automotive/industrial use.

Ratchet heads by their very nature are always going to be a bit more bulky.
 
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YoshiMoshi3

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Everyone, please post on this thread your torqure wrenches measurements.

I have updated my database to incldue all GearWrench, Snap-On, and Tone torque wrenches. There are now 150 torque wrenches in the database that we have data for. As noted below, GearWrench and Snap-On list a "head depth", that persumably does not include the anvil. Tone provides head depth, with and without the anvil. If we make the assumption that head depths (without anvil) can be used to compare overall tool height between brands we can compare torque wrenches from the three companies. I've also included my torque wrenches into the database.

Torque Wrench Manufaturers and if head thickness is specified:
  • Capri - No. Doesn't provide head depth on torque wrenches
  • Gear Wrench - Yes. lists head depth, but this doesn't include the anvil (likely)
  • Harbor Freight - No. Does not list torque wrench specificaitons on site
  • Koken - No. Doesn't make adjustable torque wrenches
  • Mac - No. Doesn't provide head depth on torque wrenches
  • Matco - No. Doesn't provide head depth on torque wrenches
  • Proto - No. Doesn't provide head depth on torque wrenches
  • Snap-On - Yes. lists head depth, but this doesn't include the anvil (likely)
  • Tone - Yes. lists head depth, including the anvil, and not the anvil
  • Tekton - No. Doesn't provide head depth on torque wrenches
Lowest Profile 1/4 " SQ Drive torque wrench is GearWrench 85194 at 10.16 mm in head height. Tone also has several that are 10.3 mm and 10.4 mm

Lowest Profile 3/8 " SQ Drive torque wrench is Tone T3MN25 at 10.4 mm in head height. Tone has several that are 10.4 mm in overall head height.

Lowest Profile 1/2 " SQ Drive torque wrench is GearWrench 85189 at 12.7 mm in head height. Tone has several that are 14.0 mm in overall head height.

Torque Wrench Thickness Database
 
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YoshiMoshi3

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Tekton does show their split beams on their website.

3/8
TRQ62103_spec.jpg

1/2
TRQ62203_spec.jpg
Thank you! I guess you have to scroll all the way down to the bottom of their website to see this infromation. It looks like it's for all of their torque wrenches and not just the beam. I added the 10 torque wrenches to the database in the link.

  • Capri - No. Doesn't provide head depth on torque wrenches
  • Gear Wrench - Yes. lists head depth, but this doesn't include the anvil (likely)
  • Harbor Freight - No. Does not list torque wrench specificaitons on site
  • Koken - No. Doesn't make adjustable torque wrenches
  • Mac - No. Doesn't provide head depth on torque wrenches
  • Matco - No. Doesn't provide head depth on torque wrenches
  • Proto - No. Doesn't provide head depth on torque wrenches
  • Snap-On - Yes. lists head depth, but this doesn't include the anvil (likely)
  • Tone - Yes. lists head depth, including the anvil, and not the anvil
  • Tekton - Yes. Have to scroll all the way to the bottom.
Please consider this contribution a Christmas/ New Years present. :ROFLMAO: ;)

IMG_9198.jpeg

IMG_9199.jpeg

IMG_9201.jpeg

Kind regards,
Olli
Thank you! It looks like that QD1RN6A Snap-On torque wrench is no longer being manufactured. Kind of neat. When I search their webiste, it doesn't even come up. But I found it on other websites using Google. Seems like it's kind of rare. Haven't heard of Wurth tools before as well. I will have to check them out.

Doesn't look like the additions changes any thing, but I did miss one of the smaller GW 1/4 " ones that is slightly smaller.

Lowest Profile 1/4 " SQ Drive torque wrench is GearWrench 85171 at 9.906 mm (0.39 " PUB) in head height. Tone also has several that are 10.3 mm and 10.4 mm

Lowest Profile 3/8 " SQ Drive torque wrench is Tone T3MN25 at 10.4 mm in head height. Tone has several that are 10.4 mm in overall head height.

Lowest Profile 1/2 " SQ Drive torque wrench is GearWrench 85189 at 12.7 mm in head height. Tone has several that are 14.0 mm in overall head height.

Now at 162 different torque wrenches in the database. Looks like Wera also publishes torque wrench head height specifications. I'll have to add those in at some point.
 
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