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Torque Adapter Set - Please Reply with Data if you own a set!

YoshiMoshi3

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Nov 2, 2022
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I'm looking at getting a torque adapter set. I'm looking for something that is thin walled and extended box with some vertical height.

Unfortunately there are only a few manufactures that make this tool. I have tried to compile what I have found so far for metric. As you can see the height and wall thickness are not listed online.

If you have any of these sets, can you please reply with some of this data?
  • Vertical height of the box end, meaning dimension C.
  • Wall thickness of the box end
  • The hex size (i.e., 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm...)

1731459359213.png

1731459449974.png

If you find any of this information online, can you please post the source?
 
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Steve_P

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You've got like two choices for metric in the US, AFAIK . The Taiwan set that everyone rebrands, and Snap On. Regardless of dimensions, you're gonna buy the Taiwan set. You don't need dimensions, just price. Just buy the Sunex set because youre gonna do that regardless. If you actually buy anything. .
 
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YoshiMoshi3

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You've got like two choices for metric in the US, AFAIK . The Taiwan set that everyone rebrands, and Snap On. Regardless of dimensions, you're gonna buy the Taiwan set. You don't need dimensions, just price. Just buy the Sunex set because youre gonna do that regardless. If you actually buy anything. .
Thanks for the information. Which ones sell rebrands of all the same kind? It looks like MAC appears to be one of the unique ones? They are much flatter, and anything but an extended box.

It also lookes like APEX uses an Ali Express rebrand.
 

dnschmidt

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Why not simply buy an interchangeable head torque wrench and not worry about calculations as the box end is where the square drive normally would be and doesn't change the length of the lever arm.
 

bigfunwmu

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If you run the adapter/crowsfoot at 90 degrees no calculations necessary the applied torque does not change.
Excellent data on box end thickness and height from different brands, thanks for contributing the measurements on the ones you own.
 
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YoshiMoshi3

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Tools that look identical:

Version 1
MATCO SBTA10MR
Capri CP31510-10MT
MAC SXBM102H
Boxo BX574-R2
ARES 43036
ABN ABN-830137
Sunex 910MTAS
FIRSTINFO F3451A
APEX ATCCAA0270
1734496236030.png1734496286969.png1734496352051.png1734496519117.png1734496536157.png1734496611434.png1734496466353.png1734496952073.png1734497207560.png
 

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YoshiMoshi3

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Version 1 (Continued)

Snap-On 208FRDHM

1734497356085.png



Version 2 (Square Drive is flat)

DISEN

1734497367431.png




Version 3 (Damaged Fastener)


MichaelPro MP001232
1734497378694.png
 
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YoshiMoshi3

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Version 1 all look identical
I suspect that Version 2 is the lowest overall profile on the square drive end.
Version 3 to be unique and helpful in some situations
All them look to not be "extended box", and low profile on the fastener drive end.
 

Zewnten

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Stating this as nicely as I can: you worry far too much over insignificant details. Buy the Snap ones and be done with it. Or buy the cheaper ones from Amazon and see if it works or buy a welder and some sockets and metal bar and make your own.
 
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YoshiMoshi3

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Stating this as nicely as I can: you worry far too much over insignificant details. Buy the Snap ones and be done with it. Or buy the cheaper ones from Amazon and see if it works or buy a welder and some sockets and metal bar and make your own.
Yes. But due the limited amount of options though, it should be easy to study the market, to determine which set is the best for the needs. Unlike other tools where there is so many options. So I figured I would give it my best shot.

I did find one 6 point extension, and it's only 14 mm. It's a Snap-On. It's the only 6 point they make, and the only 6 point that apparently exists at all, even looking at other manufacturers.
1735680346223.png
Anyways comparing the overall tool height at the fastener end
ARES 14 mm
1735680783192.png
So more or less identical to the 12 point snap on.
1735680852200.png
I also found two additional sets, ANPUDS
1735680939751.png

I'm concluding that at least dimensionally, all the sets are more or less the same, except for below exceptions:
  • DISEN which is flat on the square drive end, but has bad reviews on Amazon.
  • MichaelPro is for damaged fasteners and is black steel
  • ANPUDS is black steel
  • Snap-On FRSHM14 is the only 6 point variant on the market, and is 14 mm size only.
 

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Tools4Me

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I skipped Snap-on entirely, because I dislike laser etching, they are way too expensive for the amount I will use them, the box end chamfering is too deep for my liking on the smaller sizes, and they don't make one of the sizes I needed.

Instead, I first tried out the Sunex (Taiwan) metric set because it seemed to have good reviews from others on GJ, and I found one for a great price online. I ended up selling it off because the chamfering on the smaller sizes was terrible. The box ends were chamfered so deeply, there was almost no 12pt engagement on a fastener head. I then tried out NAPA's Carlyle (Taiwan) adapters. They are more expensive than Sunex, but Carlyle allowed me to buy the individual adapters I needed instead of forcing me to buy a whole set so the overall price I paid ended up about the same as Sunex. They were a bit better in terms of the chamfering, but I wouldn't call them good either. Two of the 4 I bought also had the box end broaches obviously off-center to the point where they were quite thin on one side. I wasn't impressed, so I got rid of those too. This sort of dynamic is one of the pitfalls of ordering online and not being able to see something in person before making a purchase.

I ended up trying Capri (Taiwan) next, and I've been happy with them. Centered broaching, acceptable levels of chamfering on their small and large sizes, etc. 3/8" drive sizes are $15 each if you don't want a full set. I bought a couple sizes in 3/8" drive and two in 1/2" drive as well ($20 each). Capri is one of the only brands that makes SAE and metric torque adapters in 1/2" drive. Capri also has the brand and size stamped on the adapter instead of it all being laser engraved like some other brands do. That's partly why I went with them instead of a brand like Firstinfo, Boxo, etc. that has laser etched branding, could be gone tomorrow, and only sells full sets. Capri also has a brand reputation to worry about. The lesser brands you often only see on Amazon will just disappear or change their name to something else if the ratings for their products get too bad. My thought was that Capri is slowly growing as a brand. As far as I can tell, everything they sell is made in Taiwan. Their website is well designed and informative, and their products overall also have good ratings, unlike a larger company like Sunex that is a more well-known brand but has always had a garbage website and they put out a mix of poorly made tools and good tools made in various countries.

Most of the desired dimensions are available on the Capri website if you scroll all the way down to the bottom of each page.

3/8dr metric- https://capritools.com/shop/3-8-drive-torque-adapter-metric/
3/8dr SAE- https://capritools.com/shop/3-8-drive-torque-adapter-sae/
1/2dr metric- https://capritools.com/shop/1-2-drive-torque-adapter-metric/
12dr SAE- https://capritools.com/shop/1-2-drive-torque-adapter-sae/

In terms of strength, it would be nice if someone like Project Farm did some comparison testing of a bunch of brands to see how they compare. My Capri torque adapters have worked for what I needed them for so far, but I'm not sure how far I can push them without breaking them either. Every brand I looked into before making my purchases had online stories of happy customers and also breakage. Pretty much every brand out there also has one or more obvious design deficiencies that could lead to breakage under moderate to high levels of torque. Capri and several other brands, put the ball detent or pin lock hole in a potentially bad location on the square drive end creating a weak point. Snap-on and several other brands, don't stress relieve the corners on the square drive end on their torque adapters at all. Sunex and multiple other brands, have way too much box end chamfer on the smaller sizes. Any one of those things can lead to adapter breakage or fastener stripping when using higher torque levels. That's why it's nice to have redundancy and options when using tools designed for working in tight areas.
 
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Bugeatr

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It looks like you have done some great research on a tool I am looking for. I have a driveshaft that utilizes 12-point metric bolts, 12mm head size at the flanges. It is hard to get a socket on them and almost impossible to torque. It’s also a high torque application. I have bent a 12-point USA Craftsman wrench with a cheater trying to get one of these apart. Snap-On is the only one I’ve seen that lists a torque value for theirs, which is only 57 foot/pounds and the torque requirement is 82. I’m sure trying to break them loose with Loctite on them the torque was way higher than that! One of these would be the handiest tool to get them apart as well, more functional than just a box end wrench. My priorities are the strength of the adapter and proper fit to the bolt heads, so it doesn't slip or round off. Minimal chamfer also seems important. I am willing to pay the premium for Snap-On or Mac if necessary. This will be carried onboard an off-road vehicle that goes to very remote locations. We were in the boonies when the USA Craftsman bent, had it broken we would have been in bad shape! I would also love to see a comparison of these, in fact I sent an email to The Torque Test Channel about it! Any recommendations from the group? TIA!
 

garfieldzzz

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If I haven’t misread the text above, Stahlwille also does torque adapters, they have not mentioned yet and they are an own design.

 
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Hakeem

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It looks like you have done some great research on a tool I am looking for. I have a driveshaft that utilizes 12-point metric bolts, 12mm head size at the flanges. It is hard to get a socket on them and almost impossible to torque. It’s also a high torque application. I have bent a 12-point USA Craftsman wrench with a cheater trying to get one of these apart. Snap-On is the only one I’ve seen that lists a torque value for theirs, which is only 57 foot/pounds and the torque requirement is 82. I’m sure trying to break them loose with Loctite on them the torque was way higher than that! One of these would be the handiest tool to get them apart as well, more functional than just a box end wrench. My priorities are the strength of the adapter and proper fit to the bolt heads, so it doesn't slip or round off. Minimal chamfer also seems important. I am willing to pay the premium for Snap-On or Mac if necessary. This will be carried onboard an off-road vehicle that goes to very remote locations. We were in the boonies when the USA Craftsman bent, had it broken we would have been in bad shape! I would also love to see a comparison of these, in fact I sent an email to The Torque Test Channel about it! Any recommendations from the group? TIA!

Use a driveline socket, either the straight extended version like this:

IMG_2216.jpeg

Or the swivel versions, depending on your application. Sometimes they’re sold as head bolt sockets.
 

jblnut

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I have boxes full of tools I will use one size of one once and cannot scratch a spot on my brain where I’d have used one of these. I’ve taken just about everything from bicycles to D9 Dozers and rollerblades to Subarus apart in the shop and just can’t find a place for these.

Are they to give you more leverage, more torque from a little longer length lever, better access into an area or what’s the idea here ?
 

signcrafter

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I have boxes full of tools I will use one size of one once and cannot scratch a spot on my brain where I’d have used one of these. I’ve taken just about everything from bicycles to D9 Dozers and rollerblades to Subarus apart in the shop and just can’t find a place for these.

Are they to give you more leverage, more torque from a little longer length lever, better access into an area or what’s the idea here ?
They are used with a torque wrench to be able to torque fasteners you can't get to with the head of torque wrench and socket.
 

pbon

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I am an automotive DIYer who works mostly on BMW and Porsche and have encountered situations where torque adapters would be useful. Sometimes I think that whoever designed the car never talked to mechanics who would be servicing them.

If you are comfortable estimating torque by feel, you can get by without one. A long handle ratcheting wrench can do a lot. But more and more I see very precise torque specs with angles.
 

Bugeatr

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I have boxes full of tools I will use one size of one once and cannot scratch a spot on my brain where I’d have used one of these. I’ve taken just about everything from bicycles to D9 Dozers and rollerblades to Subarus apart in the shop and just can’t find a place for these.

Are they to give you more leverage, more torque from a little longer length lever, better access into an area or what’s the idea here ?
All of the above, more leverage, better access, and the ability to torque it properly.
 

Bugeatr

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Use a driveline socket, either the straight extended version like this:

IMG_2216.jpeg

Or the swivel versions, depending on your application. Sometimes they’re sold as head bolt sockets.
Interesting. I haven't seen these, but will check them out. I still don't think these will work with the drive line completely installed.
 

pbon

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Those are similar to a regular socket with an extension, but lower profile since it is one piece. Sometimes that helps. Depends on the direction in which access is limited.
 

Steve_P

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This thread is almost 17 months old. Did the OP buy anything? Let's see those pics :ROFLMAO:
 

Hakeem

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Interesting. I haven't seen these, but will check them out. I still don't think these will work with the drive line completely installed.

They have swivel socket versions too. It’s hard to know ahead of time which version will work best. I can’t recall an instance where neither option worked, however. You may need to buy both— they can be obtained for $20-30/socket from Sunex or similar.
 

badmatt

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BAE "hemi" head studs require the use of torque adapters. I have a snapon one specifically for that 5/8" fastener, all my other torque adapters are Capri. Comes in handy with GM 01-10 2500 upper control arms.
 
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YoshiMoshi3

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Nov 2, 2022
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489
It looks like you have done some great research on a tool I am looking for. I have a driveshaft that utilizes 12-point metric bolts, 12mm head size at the flanges. It is hard to get a socket on them and almost impossible to torque. It’s also a high torque application. I have bent a 12-point USA Craftsman wrench with a cheater trying to get one of these apart. Snap-On is the only one I’ve seen that lists a torque value for theirs, which is only 57 foot/pounds and the torque requirement is 82. I’m sure trying to break them loose with Loctite on them the torque was way higher than that! One of these would be the handiest tool to get them apart as well, more functional than just a box end wrench. My priorities are the strength of the adapter and proper fit to the bolt heads, so it doesn't slip or round off. Minimal chamfer also seems important. I am willing to pay the premium for Snap-On or Mac if necessary. This will be carried onboard an off-road vehicle that goes to very remote locations. We were in the boonies when the USA Craftsman bent, had it broken we would have been in bad shape! I would also love to see a comparison of these, in fact I sent an email to The Torque Test Channel about it! Any recommendations from the group? TIA!

Torque wrench adapters only support 57 ft lb!!!! Wow, just wow! Do you have a picture of that showing that? If this is the case, ah man not good.
 

Jeffrey D

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Christiana, TN
I have boxes full of tools I will use one size of one once and cannot scratch a spot on my brain where I’d have used one of these. I’ve taken just about everything from bicycles to D9 Dozers and rollerblades to Subarus apart in the shop and just can’t find a place for these.

Are they to give you more leverage, more torque from a little longer length lever, better access into an area or what’s the idea here ?
In aviation, almost everything has a torque spec and when you start getting into flight controls, hydraulic actuators, and power control units, it gets tight and there simply isn't room for regular sockets. Ugga duggas and calibrated elbows are not advised nor is it permitted for good reasons. Torque adapters are a must have. I even use a set in 1/4 drive.
 
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drokihazan

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Apr 8, 2018
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I have boxes full of tools I will use one size of one once and cannot scratch a spot on my brain where I’d have used one of these. I’ve taken just about everything from bicycles to D9 Dozers and rollerblades to Subarus apart in the shop and just can’t find a place for these.

Are they to give you more leverage, more torque from a little longer length lever, better access into an area or what’s the idea here ?
They're really great for replacing suspension bolts. One thing I run into a lot is front lower control arms on Land Rover LR3, LR4, and RRS. The cats are in a position where you basically can't torque the rear LCA bushings without removing the exhaust, especially on the left side, no matter how hard you try... unless you use a torque adapter, and then it's super easy.
I think a lot of people use these for alignments.
 
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