Flex-Head Torque Wrench

[The Critic]

I am in the market for a 3/8" drive clicker torque wrench and I plan to make my purchase this week. I think I've decided on the CDI metal-handle torque wrench, but I am undecided between the rigid-head and the flex-head.

The flex-head one flexes 15 degrees. It doesn't seem to be very much, so I was wondering if it'll be of any use to me. So far, I've never had any use for a flex-head torque wrench.

I personally prefer the rigid-head version as it covers 5-75 ft-lbs while the flex-head covers 10-80 ft-lbs, but if the flex-head will be useful I'll just purchase it.

What do you guys think?

http://cgi.ebay.com/CDI-TORQUE-WREN...34.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=|301:1|293:1|294:30
http://cgi.ebay.com/CDI-TORQUE-WREN...66:2|39:1|72:1205|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

 

[Merkava_4]

That flex-head CDI looks bad-*** Mike.

 

[Merkava_4]

Have you seen this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/3-8-CDI-10-75LB...s=65:10|66:2|39:1|240:1318|301:0|293:1|294:50

 

[The Critic]

Have you seen this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/3-8-CDI-10-75LB...s=65:10|66:2|39:1|240:1318|301:0|293:1|294:50

I'm not terribly fond of the plastic handles, but thanks for the suggestion.

I have to say that flex-heads really drive me nuts. Like the FLF80 that I have, I wish it wasn't a flex-head. Maybe I'll just buy one of each-- a rigid-head and flex-head torque wrench!

 

[Merkava_4]

Get this one!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Snap...Z110401585814QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

 

[Joelfke]

how well do those CDI wrenches hold up?? 49.95 isnt bad at all if its quality

 

[Merkava_4]

how well do those CDI wrenches hold up?? 49.95 isnt bad at all if its quality

That particular one there is real popular with the military. The whole handle pulls down to unlock it for making your setting - then you shove it straight up with your palm to lock it in place. It's pretty bad-***.

 

[Joelfke]

for that price i might have to try it out....as soon as my wallet heals from the last tool purchase(s) ive made recently

 

[M5 LiTE]

I got my CDI Torque 3/8 from eBay a little while ago. It was produced in 1991, never disclosed in the auction (govt surplus). Was $65 IIRC

It came in perfect condition though and appears to never have been used before.

There is practically no difference except for the JH Williams ratchet head vs. a SO one (and CDI Torque vs SO laser engraving).

I tested it against my SO TechWrench TECH3FR250 and it appears that my CDI TW is well within specs.

 

[Joelfke]

I got my CDI Torque 3/8 from eBay a little while ago. It was produced in 1991, never disclosed in the auction (govt surplus). Was $65 IIRC

It came in perfect condition though and appears to never have been used before.

There is practically no difference except for the JH Williams ratchet head vs. a SO one (and CDI Torque vs SO laser engraving).

I tested it against my SO TechWrench TECH3FR250 and it appears that my CDI TW is well within specs.

soooooooo in other words...its worth that price?

 

[rhp]

Hi. I just went through a similar experience, as my plethora of posts will attest. Everyone one the board was helpful in my quest.
I settled on flex head ratcheting torque wrenches over fixed ratcheting, and I am very well pleased with the decision.
Secondly, I went with Snap on for the 3/8" 15-75 ftlb model over the CDI for a simple reason - the change direction lever. The Snap-On is steel. The CDI is either plastic or a non-magnetic light-weight metal such as magnesium.
I had a CDI made torque wrench branded under a different name, and the lever broke the first day. No trouble from the dealer in replacing it with the newer model but that small lever is enough to sway me.
BTW, CDI makes TW's for a number of firms. You can do a search and it will pop up. MAC's TW may be the same a as SO but at a lower price point.

 

[Merkava_4]

soooooooo in other words...its worth that price?

Having used that torque wrench in the past, I was shocked to see it being sold for so cheap on ebay. It must've been part of a huge surplus sale is all I can figure.

 

[fotoflojoe]

Get this one!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Snap...Z110401585814QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

I have this wrench, as well as the 3/8 drive version. Bought them both 25 years ago. They're both bullet-proof.

 

[Merkava_4]

I have this wrench, as well as the 3/8 drive version. Bought them both 25 years ago. They're both bullet-proof.

Yeah - those Precision Instruments made split beams is what I'd get for anything over inch pounds.

 

[The Critic]

Hi. I just went through a similar experience, as my plethora of posts will attest. Everyone one the board was helpful in my quest.
I settled on flex head ratcheting torque wrenches over fixed ratcheting, and I am very well pleased with the decision.
Secondly, I went with Snap on for the 3/8" 15-75 ftlb model over the CDI for a simple reason - the change direction lever. The Snap-On is steel. The CDI is either plastic or a non-magnetic light-weight metal such as magnesium.
I had a CDI made torque wrench branded under a different name, and the lever broke the first day. No trouble from the dealer in replacing it with the newer model but that small lever is enough to sway me.
BTW, CDI makes TW's for a number of firms. You can do a search and it will pop up. MAC's TW may be the same a as SO but at a lower price point.

Thanks! I did not know that, that's something that I will have to keep in mind as well. Perhaps I'll keep my eyes open on eBay for a new Snap-On unit.

Merk-- I missed that auction. Too bad it isn't for a 3/8". Thanks anyway.

 

[GSteg]

I have a digital Cornwell flex-head torque wrench. It too has 15 degrees of movement. At first I thought it was worthless but when I went to torque my brake caliper bolt, that 15 degrees came in handy.

It's one of those things you don't really appreciate until you actually need it. I would get the flex head just because. If you dont like it..just straight it out

 

[The Critic]

I have a digital Cornwell flex-head torque wrench. It too has 15 degrees of movement. At first I thought it was worthless but when I went to torque my brake caliper bolt, that 15 degrees came in handy.

It's one of those things you don't really appreciate until you actually need it. I would get the flex head just because. If you dont like it..just straight it out

That's what I'm starting to think as well. Thanks.

I think I'll just go with the flex-head version. Merk, should I just go for the CDI one?

 

[Merkava_4]

I think I'll just go with the flex-head version. Merk, should I just go for the CDI one?

I'm thinking for $120 or there abouts, you'd be better off getting a Snap-on branded P.I. split beam. It'll be a Precision Instruments wrench with a Snap-on ratchet head. They're real easy to set the torque value by just turning the little knob and looking at the numbers in the window. They've got a real comfortable handle too.

Did you say you wanted a 3/8"Dr. with a 10-75 ft.lb. range?

 

[The Critic]

I'm thinking for $120 or there abouts, you'd be better off getting a Snap-on branded P.I. split beam. It'll be a Precision Instruments wrench with a Snap-on ratchet head. They're real easy to set the torque value by just turning the little knob and looking at the numbers in the window. They've got a real comfortable handle too.

Did you say you wanted a 3/8"Dr. with a 10-75 ft.lb. range?

Yes, a 5-75 ft-lbs range is preferred.

For now, I'd rather have a click-type. In the future, I'll also add a split beam type to my collection.

I need this before this weekend as I want to do some work on the car on Sunday.

Thanks!

 

[Merkava_4]

For now, I'd rather have a click-type.

The split beam is still a click type; the only difference between it and the micrometer type is the the way you set the torque.

 

[The Critic]

The split beam is still a click type; the only difference between it and the micrometer type is the the way you set the torque.

Will the split beam wrench work for torquing in counter clockwise?

 

[Diesel-Mech]

Will the split beam wrench work for torquing in counter clockwise?

No but that is a fairly rare situation especially in 3/8" drive.

 

[Tool Pants]

I also do not like plastic handle torque wrenches or ratchets, but I have a few not in the picture.

I had the CDI with the black plastic handle that you pulled out to change the setting, then pushed back in to lock the setting. I did not like it because when I was using it the handle would slide out sometimes. Gave it to a friend who did not have a troque wrench.

 

[M5 LiTE]

soooooooo in other words...its worth that price?

Absolutely - it's a sweet piece.

It's all metal, the well knurled handle is spring loaded, so when you pull it out to make an adjustment, it automatically snaps back into locked position. Very well made TW.

 

[The Critic]

Looks like I'll be getting the Precision Instruments 3/8" Split Beam.

With the price match, it should only be about $100.

Thanks everyone!

 

[The Critic]

Just received the PI Split Beam torque wrench today. It appears to be a well-built product.

I'll be using it tomorrow morning when I replace my spark plugs. Let's hope that it was worth the $106 that I paid for it.

Thanks again for all of the great advice.

 

[Flash21]

Looks like I'll be getting the Precision Instruments 3/8" Split Beam.

With the price match, it should only be about $100.

Thanks everyone!

How about some pics? And where did you pick it up, ebay?

 

[The Critic]

How about some pics? And where did you pick it up, ebay?

I'll take some pictures tomorrow.

I bought it from Toolwarehouse. They shipped it out of their Las Vegas warehouse and I received it in 2 days via free UPS Ground shipping. They also pricematched the sale price from Tooltopia, which is why I only paid $106.

 

[The Critic]

How about some pics? And where did you pick it up, ebay?

Sorry for the delay, but I've been super busy with work. I have posted the pictures below, but I will also start a new thread for those who don't like to read old threads.

I have already used the wrench a few times, which is why it is a bit dirty.

 

[fotoflojoe]

Will the split beam wrench work for torquing in counter clockwise?

No but that is a fairly rare situation especially in 3/8" drive.

Actually, my Snap-Ons can torque counter clockwise - each wrench's head has an on/off toggle. Do the new Snappies not come with this anymore?

 

[volvo420coupe]

the other difference is you don't have to set your split beam to zero to avoid making it loose its calibration, that REALLY kicks ***, especially if you do the same job often.