Split Beam Torque Wrench Opinions

[Beemer]

I have a Precision Instruments 1/2" Split Beam torque wrench with swivel ratcheting head that I like for heavy duty work on personal vehicles, but it's overkill for lesser load values and tight spaces so I am looking for a reasonably priced 3/8" wrench.
The PI is a bit pricey for my very occasional personal use.

I am looking at ICON vs Tekton for a 3/8" split beam wrench topping out somewhere near 100 ft#.

I have read complaints about dependability issues with Tekton's ratchet head locking but again hints that they have addressed it. I don't know if with either of those things are accurate or not though.

Both appear to have lifetime warranties so equal on that score.

Any opinions on the two brands or other brand suggestions?

 

[kbeefy]

My 3/8 TQ wrench is so old they aren't made anymore (craftsman) so I don't have any advice.

I just replied because we both have puppers in our profile pic.

 

[M635_Guy]

I have the Icon 3/8" (and 1/2") and have been very happy with both. The "Tools Tested" channel did multiple comparisons and I think Icon won them all. He tests before and after 1000 cycles, which I think helps shake things out.

It's been a while, but seems like the Icon also had more teeth and more flex angle than pretty much everybody too.

My only beef with the Icon split beam is its length, but I generally work around it fine.

 

[RTM]

I just replied because we both have puppers in our profile pic

Doubling down, I used to have a lab, but not in my profile.

Sorry for distracting your thread, but dogs. My missing TW are both Craftsman clickers.

 

[Beemer]

I have the Icon 3/8" (and 1/2") and have been very happy with both. The "Tools Tested" channel did multiple comparisons and I think Icon won them all. He tests before and after 1000 cycles, which I think helps shake things out.

It's been a while, but seems like the Icon also had more teeth and more flex angle than pretty much everybody too.

My only beef with the Icon split beam is its length, but I generally work around it fine.

Are there shorter good ones?

 

[Beemer]

Doubling down, I used to have a lab, but not in my profile.

Sorry for distracting your thread, but dogs. My missing TW are both Craftsman clickers.

I had a Craftsman clicker that didn't so I moved on.

As for Beamie, she competes in Agility, Fast Cat and Speedway, championships in all. This was a hard winter so we are working off the Munchkins before hitting the ring again.

 

[M635_Guy]

Are there shorter good ones?

It's probably worth looking up his vids - I don't recall any of them being much shorter than the rest - possibly a limitation of how the split-beam mechanism works?

I wound up just keeping the older Snap On traditional torque wrench around for really tight spots. I just hate adjusting it, and planned to sell it. Maybe I will some day but it's not bothering me to have it as an option.

 

[Toold_up]

3/8 clicker for sale in classifieds:

Matco Tools 3/8" torque wrenches - new - Illinois

Matco Tools TRB100K 3/8" drive 20-100 ft lbs fixed head torque wrench. $436.95 list. Matco Tools TRB250K 3/8" drive 50-250 in lbs fixed head torque wrench. $419.95 list. New old stock, never used. I opened the boxes for pictures. Calibration dates are 2022/2023. $220 shipped. Zelle, PayPal...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[KwikFab]

Been really happy with both of mine from Harbor Freight.

 

[dnschmidt]

I'd go with ICON although I have all Precision Instruments. Now I don't know if the ICON has the same problem as the PI but the PI has almost no click or feedback at lower torque settings. I've gone all digital on my torque wrenches do to the need for angle measurements on modern cars. The 3/8" Eclatorq manufactured Quinn has this feature and doesn't cost that much more than the ICON split beam so that's the way I would go.

 

[Beemer]

3/8 clicker for sale in classifieds:

Matco Tools 3/8" torque wrenches - new - Illinois

Matco Tools TRB100K 3/8" drive 20-100 ft lbs fixed head torque wrench. $436.95 list. Matco Tools TRB250K 3/8" drive 50-250 in lbs fixed head torque wrench. $419.95 list. New old stock, never used. I opened the boxes for pictures. Calibration dates are 2022/2023. $220 shipped. Zelle, PayPal...

www.garagejournal.com

Thanks but definitely want a split beam.

 

[kngelv]

I’d just get another Precision Instruments. I think they make a great product and I like to help keep an American toolmaker going.

James

 

[nicks78camaro]

Happy with my Icon 3/8" split beam probably gonna pick up the 1/2". Little cheaper than Tekton and 90 teeth instead of 72 although not really sure that matters much.

 

[oldwino]

I’ve been happy with my Tekton (the newer version). I have always like the split beam style over the clickers. Tekton is now offering calibration services as well

 

[Chipm]

I prefer the metal handle to the rubber grip, so I just picked up a nice older Snap On off of eBay. If you want to go new I think the PI is still metal grip in 3/8. If you don't mind the rubber grip, I love everything I have gotten from Icon.

 

[pbon]

I would buy the Icon today if I was buying split beam. I have Precision 3/8 and 1/2. I noticed the name Beemer and I do a lot of DIY work on BMW cars and SUVs. As someone else pointed out, angle torque is very common now on BMWs. I have the Icon 1/2 angle torque and the Quinn 3/8 angle torque and will probably buy an Icon 3/8 angle torque when there is a good sale.

 

[T444e]

I have a few Precision Instruments torque wrenches, split-beam and clicker. However, for my latest purchase I looked at PI and thought it was overpriced so I went with CDI, more competitively priced. I prefer the PI torque wrenches, dislike the quick release on the CDI and, if I remember correctly, the direction lever is opposite; been a bit since I last used it.