Long term every day shop experience with Olsa tools and Tekton 1/2” split beam torque wrenches?

[saltysoldier]

I currently have the older version of the 1/2” drive Snap On split beam torque wrench (TQ series), and I’ve owned it for about 4 years. I like it, other than the fact that I find the oval grip (almost a bit of a pointed oval) to hurt my palm after a lot of use in a day. I wanted to get the new version with the more square grip, but I just can’t find it in me to spend $700 CAD for it lol.
That begs the question….

How are people finding the other brands of split beams?

I haven't seen much in the way for long term reviews of daily shop use for brands like the Olsa tools or Tekton split beams specifically (other than the odd comment on a forum thread here and there). They seem to have a more rounded square grip, and they’re also a fraction of the price.
HF isn’t an option because I’m in Canada, but also the grip is nearly identical on that one to what I’m looking to get away from, and I’m not looking to get the Precision Instruments as the grip is also similar.

If anyone has some good personal experience with split beams other than SO, PI, and HF it would be much appreciated!!!

 

[Banjorear]

I have the Precision Instruments version (who I believe makes Snap-On's as well). I think it's great. No issues and it has stayed in spec for years of heavy use.

 

[saltysoldier]

I have the Precision Instruments version (who I believe makes Snap-On's as well). I think it's great. No issues and it has stayed in spec for years of heavy use.

Good to know. I’ve heard good things about those as well, just not crazy about the grip.
Know anyone that has a different brand and has good things to say about said brand? Haha

 

[Tchicken]

I'm interested also - but haven't seen any reviews other than the commercialized BoobToob tripe. I'm only a hobbyist/DIY'er so the handle shape is of less concern here .. hopefully someone with experience in what you are looking for happens by

 

[scooby074]

I always ran Mastercraft clickers. They were almost always in cal. Not split beam I know.

 

[Hakeem]

I have the Precision Instruments version (who I believe makes Snap-On's as well). I think it's great. No issues and it has stayed in spec for years of heavy use.

I love Precision Instruments as they are made locally but their torque wrenches are all low tooth count which can be restrictive. They really need to start offering a 72-tooth head.

OP - I’ve been using the Icon split beam for about a year professionally, and it’s been good for me. Nice ratcheting action, good solid “click”, and no issues with reliability. I’ve had the Tekton side-by-side with the Icon and aside from the finish, they are identical. My only issue is the size - it can be a bit difficult to reach the higher torque values if pushing the wrench horizontally. Not sure if other similar torque wrenches are longer in length.

 

[Zewnten]

I don't think you can go wrong with either. Split beam torque wrenches are old tech, as long as you're not buying it out of the dollar bin of the auto parts store im sure you're ok. Wha does Princess Auto have?

 

[Roger.donaldston]

Get the Tekton and tape or add another grip to change the shape to something you like better?

 

[51dueller]

I'm quite happy with my 3/8 and 1/2 Tekton split beams. Used a Precision one for years and the Tekton is just as good.

The digital ones come with a round handle which might work better for you unless you can find an old stock Precision that had the round steel handle.

 

[saltysoldier]

I love Precision Instruments as they are made locally but their torque wrenches are all low tooth count which can be restrictive. They really need to start offering a 72-tooth head.

OP - I’ve been using the Icon split beam for about a year professionally, and it’s been good for me. Nice ratcheting action, good solid “click”, and no issues with reliability. I’ve had the Tekton side-by-side with the Icon and aside from the finish, they are identical. My only issue is the size - it can be a bit difficult to reach the higher torque values if pushing the wrench horizontally. Not sure if other similar torque wrenches are longer in length.

How has the Tekton held up with regular use? And you’re meaning you find the Tekton isn’t as long as the ICON?

 

[saltysoldier]

I'm quite happy with my 3/8 and 1/2 Tekton split beams. Used a Precision one for years and the Tekton is just as good.

The digital ones come with a round handle which might work better for you unless you can find an old stock Precision that had the round steel handle.

That’s good to know! I’ve been weighing selling my SO and getting either the Tekton or the Olsa tools as they’re between $200-$250 CAD on amazon, and then just using the difference to get some other tools I need. I know it’s technically a downgrade, and I haven’t had any issues with the ratchet mechanism or anything either. Just have seen some reviews on amazon for the Tekton having issues with the ratchet breaking. Any issues for you?

 

[51dueller]

The initial release had some issues with the ratchet mechanism and was upgraded to a stronger one. The early version has the bolts visible on top of the ratchet head and the current version the bolts underneath.

 

[Hakeem]

How has the Tekton held up with regular use? And you’re meaning you find the Tekton isn’t as long as the ICON?

It’s been just fine, works every time I use it without an issue.

Looking it up, the Tekton/Icon are 23” long, which is about as long as most other 1/2” torque wrenches. It *seemed* a little short but maybe I’m just weak

 

[dnschmidt]

The major problem with the split beams I've seen (I have many PI) is that the 250 ft-lb models are simply not long enough to be used at that torque. Godzilla can't tighten a bolt to 250 ft-lb using the 250 ft-lb PI split beam. I don't know if the Tekton or Icon are longer than the PI but I sure hope they are. The 600 in-lb model is long enough and the 100 ft-lb model is long enough but the 250 ft-lb model is simply too short.

 

[saltysoldier]

The major problem with the split beams I've seen (I have many PI) is that the 250 ft-lb models are simply not long enough to be used at that torque. Godzilla can't tighten a bolt to 250 ft-lb using the 250 ft-lb PI split beam. I don't know if the Tekton or Icon are longer than the PI but I sure hope they are. The 600 in-lb model is long enough and the 100 ft-lb model is long enough but the 250 ft-lb model is simply too short.

I find that with my snap on as well. I have a tech angle digital torque wrench for the larger torque specs, it’s also much longer and works great. I use my split beam mainly for wheel nuts and suspension stuff

 

[saltysoldier]

The initial release had some issues with the ratchet mechanism and was upgraded to a stronger one. The early version has the bolts visible on top of the ratchet head and the current version the bolts underneath.

Are you finding the build quality holding up well? Are you using them daily?

 

[FigN⋅m]

I use/own the most current version of the Tekton fairly regularly both at home and at work.
It has held up very well! I much prefer its grip and finish to the shop's ICON, but they both
perform admirably. The "set & forget" is awesome, and I'm never tempted to use it as a breaker bar.
I will be getting the 3/8" version at some point, but not as critical for what I usually need.

 

[roofdweller49]

I have the Precision Instruments version (who I believe makes Snap-On's as well). I think it's great. No issues and it has stayed in spec for years of heavy use.

I don't think they make them for snap on any more, if I recall

I wish there were more options for metric as the primary units

 

[Pinne]

Why not just replace or wrap the grip on the existing wrench?

 

[Chipm]

... unless you can find an old stock Precision that had the round steel handle.

I am slowly buying up old Snap Ons with the metal handle. I found a nice 3/8, and a nice 1/2 as a backup for my daily driver 1/2. I will probably get one or twomore for some reason.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

I don't think they make them for snap on any more, if I recall

I wish there were more options for metric as the primary units

Yep CDI makes them. Snap On owns CDI