Electronic Torque Wrench

[artbuc]

Saw a couple in use on Car repair videos. They looked very cool. Just punch in the torque and go until you hear a beep or indicator light turns green. One even had lights indicating when you were getting close, sort of like the old stud finders. Are these wrenches quality or just gimmicks? I don’t know the brands but both of these techs were first rate and seemed to use only high quality stuff like SO and Matco. Thanks.

 

[dnschmidt]

They're great because they depend upon a strain gauge rather than a spring and a strain gauge is inherently accurate. CDI (Snap-On) is the primary producer of these in the United States and Eclatorq (Taiwan) makes most of them for Stanley Black and Decker (MAC and Proto along with USAG). There clearly are other makers but these two are the big dogs.

 

[Sycan]

Plus it gives degrees for TTY bolts. 100ft-lbs plus 120 degrees.

 

[Fedwrench]

They're expensive but, when combined with measuring torque angle, pretty much necessary depending on what you work on. I like the fact that you can switch from inch pounds, to foot pounds, or newton meters with the press of a button. Some models even vibrate so, if you're in an ackward position & can't see the display, you'll know when you've achieved the desired torque. Electronic torque wrenches aren't created equal. Some models are better than others

 

[dsimatt]

Used a couple different ones and didn't like them at all, the one was set to vibrate at torque setting and since we have to wear gloves it was really hard to notice, I'll stick with my old school ones.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I have a Snap on Tech Wrench that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I bought it a number of years ago and it still works great. Just keep some AAA batts handy

 

[Htscheg]

Big thing with the Electronic Torque wrenches is battery failure, had a Crapco (matco) that went thru batteries every week! Got rid of it in a hurry, now I just keep my plain old reliable click type. Never need batteries with those!!!

 

[L.Cheapo]

I used my Snap On 1/2" Techangle today. It works as excellent as it looks. It has the lights, the beep, the vibrate, and you can watch the torque digitally increase on the screen as you apply it. And when you reach the set torque, it gives you the exact torque you applied to the .1 lbs. Pricy and worth it, especially when they're on promo, as they often are.

 

[cajunrebel`]

I have used them in bright high noise environments (flightline) and do not like them. Can't see the blinking light a lot of times, can't hear a beep, and the vibration just feels like the bolt creaking. I will stick with standard click, beam and dial types.

Sent from my E6810 using Tapatalk

 

[anndel]

I love my Snap On 3/8" Techangle and my 1/2" Precision Instruments Split-Beam.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

IMO blinkys and beepers don't make a better wrench. My clicker will probably still work fine in 50 years.

 

[artbuc]

IMO blinkys and beepers don't make a better wrench. My clicker will probably still work fine in 50 years.

I know, I know. I just have to get over it. My 25+ yo Craftsman Digitork still calibrates dead on.