3/8" torque wrench

[Sumboodie]

Aside from the crazy expensive Snap On Tech Angle, are there other contenders?

3/8", flex head, has torque angle.

I got the Gearwrench 85078 and it's hot trash.

Takes a good 10-15 seconds to reset after each torque. Imagine doing a trans pan with 25 bolts so an extra 5-6 MINUTES is added per round... times 3 or 4.

 

[Sumboodie]

I get blacklisted here or something? Figured this would be an easy to answer one.

 

[LopezBart]

Perhaps you should explain what you're looking for in terms of features. Angle measurement? Angle seems hard to measure in a horizontal plane.

 

[Sumboodie]

Perhaps you should explain what you're looking for in terms of features.

2nd sentence.

 

[Wamsutta]

If you need a flex head that measures angle, I'd recommend either Snap-on or Hazet.

The reason why these things are crazy expensive is because the money isn't worth as much as top soil is.

 

[Sumboodie]

If you need a flex head that measures angle, I'd recommend either Snap-on or Hazet.

The reason why these things are crazy expensive is because the money isn't worth as much as top soil is.

Snap On has been expensive well before even my grandparents were born.

I have a Carlyle version in 1/2" and it's great. Was around $150 Wish I'd bought the 3/8" as it's now near Snap On price.

The Gear Wrench was touted a good in reviews, but it's not. I looked into it more a few days ago and a number of similar complaints showing now.

 

[Wamsutta]

Snap On has been expensive well before even my grandparents were born.

Any of the precious metals are going to be expensive. Gold and Silver are expensive too.

 

[sightbike]

CDI torque wrench made in USA: https://www.suncoasttools.com/crm/I...Ju4Q4IP1TLZOtmFdrNOLbfo9BzynbL7eTsIavkE25B8af

Never needed the flex angle so I have the fixed version.

 

[Sumboodie]

CDI torque wrench made in USA: https://www.suncoasttools.com/crm/I...Ju4Q4IP1TLZOtmFdrNOLbfo9BzynbL7eTsIavkE25B8af

Never needed the flex angle so I have the fixed version.

How does it do torque angle?

 

[Wamsutta]

It doesn't.

 

[richfinn]

If like me you already own some nice clicker Torque Wrenches and Flex-Head ratchets (and you are a bit of a cheapskate) you might consider an electronic angle gauge.

Facom E.406 Electronic 360° Digital Angle Adaptor - PrimeTools

Accuracy: ± 2°. Angular range: 1 – 360°. Measuring unit: degree. Accuracy: 0,1°. Presetting possible of 9 angle values. Memory 50 values. Supplied in plastic case with calibration certificate.

www.primetools.co.uk

Check out this video from this search, facom e.406 https://share.google/Wz1EYYALuDqHR1Zmb

Obviously clearance won't be as good in some situations, but I reckon you could make it work most of the time. I still persevere with an ancient mechanical Snap on angle gauge with a reaction bar and manage to get stuff done, but I might get this (presumably it attaches with a magnet).

 

[dnschmidt]

That angle gauge is made by Eclatorq as are all digital torque wrenches sold by all the divisions of Stanley Black and Decker. I sell Eclatorq and I don't like this angle gauge since it doesn't have a V-grove on the back, meaning it has to be applied directly to the back of the ratchet head, and it will not work with any quick release ratchet as the button on the back of the ratchet head will interfere with its magnetic attachment. Eclatorq makes a combination torque wrench + angle gauge of far superior design (in my book it's the bomb) but it's considerably more expensive.

I tried to help out my friends at Astro Pneumatic by introducing them to Eclatorq as they wanted to sell this particular angle gauge but Astro wanted them to add the V-groove and Eclatorq refused to do it. Having very good relations with Eclatorq I was shocked that they refused to comply with this, to me, simple request as it would greatly improve this particular tool but that's where the story ends. Too bad as I'm sure it would have been a big seller for Astro and by extension Eclatorq. I never figured this refusal out as the request makes perfect sense and would greatly improve the tool.

 

[Snapped-off]

My only complaints with CDI are the course-tooth heads and sloppy direction lever. They do offer electronic versions.

I'm waiting for my Snappy dealer to come up with a good deal on a ⅜ and ½ tech angle for me so I can upgrade my CDI's.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

I really love my Snap On Tech Angle. The couple of others I've used have been pretty crappy in comparison. Imo this is one of the areas that the Snap On is worth the money.

Although at the current list of $750, I do think the price is insane on these things. I just haven't seen a better alternative that I trust. I'm sure glad I bought mine several years back.

 

[Sumboodie]

It doesn't.

Ok, so why are they even mentioning it?

 

[5ubtle]

Ok, so why are they even mentioning it?

They are mentioning it because you are not clear with your posts. It is not obvious that you will only consider a wrench that measures angle.

 

[Sumboodie]

They are mentioning it because you are not clear with your posts. It is not obvious that you will only consider a wrench that measures angle.

Quite clear. 2nd line states what I need, and I said it again a few posts down.
I'm honestly not sure how to make it anymore clear!

 

[Bearded_Dragon]

I've heard Quinn at Harbor Freight are decent.

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-5-to-100-ft-lb-digital-angle-torque-wrench-64915.html

 

[richfinn]

That angle gauge is made by Eclatorq as are all digital torque wrenches sold by all the divisions of Stanley Black and Decker. I sell Eclatorq and I don't like this angle gauge since it doesn't have a V-grove on the back, meaning it has to be applied directly to the back of the ratchet head, and it will not work with any quick release ratchet as the button on the back of the ratchet head will interfere with its magnetic attachment. Eclatorq makes a combination torque wrench + angle gauge of far superior design (in my book it's the bomb) but it's considerably more expensive.

I tried to help out my friends at Astro Pneumatic by introducing them to Eclatorq as they wanted to sell this particular angle gauge but Astro wanted them to add the V-groove and Eclatorq refused to do it. Having very good relations with Eclatorq I was shocked that they refused to comply with this, to me, simple request as it would greatly improve this particular tool but that's where the story ends. Too bad as I'm sure it would have been a big seller for Astro and by extension Eclatorq. I never figured this refusal out as the request makes perfect sense and would greatly improve the tool.

Good input thanks

I do have a couple of the extendable Facom flex-head ratchets which actually use a flat beam so it might work for me,

1/2" extendable ratchet push-lock | FACOM

www.facom.com

I'm also pretty sure I could also make a flat platform (small U clamp with a big washer welded to it maybe) to add to a round breaker bar and make it work OK on really tight fasteners, I will measure up and let you know what I decide to do so you could suggest it. Presumably the gauge works OK apart from the attachment issues?

The innovation for Astro might actually be just selling a breaker bar with a mount plate or a flat beam and the Eclatorq angle gauge as a package

The combined version isn't too out of the way price wise if it's good

Facom E.506-340S Digital Torque & Angle Adaptor 68-340Nm - PrimeTools

Torque range 68 – 340Nm. Units Nm, inlb, ftlb, kgcm & Deg. LED & Buzzer. 1/2” Drive Digital Torque & Angle Adaptor. Professional quality – Covered by the Facom Tools 3 Year Guarantee. 1/2” Drive. Complies with ISO 6789, DIN ISO 6789, NF ISO 6789. Torque range 17 – 340Nm. High electronic...

www.primetools.co.uk

 

[Sumboodie]

Anyone know what's different between the ATECH100FRA and ATECH125FRB?

The 125 is newer and goes to 125 ft/lbs vs 100, but otherwise?

Found the A for $265 shipped where the B is $400+

 

[signcrafter]

Your transmission pans are angle for torque? Or your gear wrench takes 15 seconds to reset using normal torque specs? I have the 1/2 gear wrench angle torque wrench and it doesn't take anytime to reset for normal torque fasteners. I've only used it a handful of times for angle torque but don't remember it being an issue resetting between fasteners. I do remember it taking a while to calibrate when you set the angle on it the first time. I started setting it on a flat surface and that seemed to help.

I've been planning on adding the gear wrench 3/8 for a while now.

 

[Sumboodie]

Your transmission pans are angle for torque? Or your gear wrench takes 15 seconds to reset using normal torque specs? I have the 1/2 gear wrench angle torque wrench and it doesn't take anytime to reset for normal torque fasteners. I've only used it a handful of times for angle torque but don't remember it being an issue resetting between fasteners. I do remember it taking a while to calibrate when you set the angle on it the first time. I started setting it on a flat surface and that seemed to help.

I've been planning on adding the gear wrench 3/8 for a while now.

For regular torque. I thought it had issues, but there are similar complaints in reviews as well.

If you hit torque valve and don't reset it, it won't start reading the torque.

I'd hoped going with the 2 digital ones would have covered most of myneeds and replaced several clicker ones of questionable accuracy.
I did just buy a digital "socket" so I'll be able to test what I have at least.
I'm not building moon buggies so +/- 5-7% would be plenty fine.

I like torqing trans pans as it's tough to be equally tight in so maybe bolts and it's quite easy to overtighten enough to split or crush the gasket.

 

[Sumboodie]

Maybe I'll video tape it next week when I'm home. I suppose it's not impossible I have a setting that's off.

 

[signcrafter]

For regular torque. I thought it had issues, but there are similar complaints in reviews as well.

If you hit torque valve and don't reset it, it won't start reading the torque.

I'd hoped going with the 2 digital ones would have covered most of myneeds and replaced several clicker ones of questionable accuracy.
I did just buy a digital "socket" so I'll be able to test what I have at least.
I'm not building moon buggies so +/- 5-7% would be plenty fine.

I like torqing trans pans as it's tough to be equally tight in so maybe bolts and it's quite easy to overtighten enough to split or crush the gasket.

Maybe I'll video tape it next week when I'm home. I suppose it's not impossible I have a setting that's off.

I never took the time to learn all the features on mine but I'm thinking you may have it in max torque mode or something. Pretty sure that is an option. I don't have to reset it and can torque all lug nuts or whatever with no issues. I know it's not the most user friendly torque wrench but for the price mine has been good. I tend to only use it for angle torque specs. I have other torque wrenches for just foot pound stuff. Save this one for when only it will do so nothing happens to it doing something my regular torque wrenches will do.

 

[Sumboodie]

Got the newer Tech Angle off the Ebay for~$325.

 

[merkyworks]

@Sumboodie that sounds like a good deal, post a pic up when you get it.

 

[Sumboodie]

Apparently shipping it by dog sled as the tracking is saying 15 September for delivery. So ~ 3 weeks from payment.

 

[signcrafter]

Maybe I'll video tape it next week when I'm home. I suppose it's not impossible I have a setting that's off.

Did you ever look into your issue with the gearwrench angle torque wrench? I'm looking at getting the 3/8" to go along with my 1/2" that I haven't had issues with. But wanted to see if you ever figured out what the deal was. If it was on the wrong setting or if it was really junk?

 

[Sumboodie]

Showed up a few days ago. Works well.

Considering the 1/2" at some point. Available off the eBay for ~$450 area.

 

[Pinne]

Showed up a few days ago. Works well.

Considering the 1/2" at some point. Available off the eBay for ~$450 area.

You can find them for a bit less if you're not in a hurry. And at the used prices I think it makes sense versus most of the competitor products.

I've got TechAngles in 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 - they are excellent. Snap-on seems to have a better grasp on the way people actually use tools than the other manufacturers. These wrenches are so easy to use and they just work without slowing things down.

 

[signcrafter]

Showed up a few days ago. Works well.

Considering the 1/2" at some point. Available off the eBay for ~$450 area.

Did you ever look into your issue with the gearwrench angle torque wrench? I'm looking at getting the 3/8" to go along with my 1/2" that I haven't had issues with. But wanted to see if you ever figured out what the deal was. If it was on the wrong setting or if it was really junk?

 

[Sumboodie]

Did you ever look into your issue with the gearwrench angle torque wrench? I'm looking at getting the 3/8" to go along with my 1/2" that I haven't had issues with. But wanted to see if you ever figured out what the deal was. If it was on the wrong setting or if it was really junk?

No, haven't had time. Been out of town all but a couple weeks since spring, and have worked those weeks too.

 

[pbon]

Icon has a 3/8 angle torque wrench now for about $350 that I plan to pick up if there is a 25% off sale. Would love Snap on but it is a lot more money. I have the 1/2 Icon angle torque and like it.

 

[Fedwrench]

Perhaps you got the wrong Gearwrench model. I know a few peeps with these versions and they have no complaints

85195 3/8" 120XP™ Flex Head Electronic Torque Wrench with Angle - Gearwrench

Count on GEARWRENCH to get the job done. Get the 85195 3/8" 120XP™ Flex Head Electronic Torque Wrench with Angle here.

www.gearwrench.com

85194 1/4" 120XP™ Flex Head Electronic Torque Wrench with Angle - Gearwrench

Count on GEARWRENCH to get the job done. Get the 85194 1/4" 120XP™ Flex Head Electronic Torque Wrench with Angle here.

www.gearwrench.com

I worry that Gearwrench's quality has slipped a bit though. Good luck in your quest

 

[M635_Guy]

Icon has a 3/8 angle torque wrench now for about $350 that I plan to pick up if there is a 25% off sale. Would love Snap on but it is a lot more money. I have the 1/2 Icon angle torque and like it.

I'd missed that one - $330 list seems like a good deal. The Icon split beams have tested really well on multiple 1000-cycle runs by Tools Tested on YT. If I had any need for torque angle I'd probably pick one up, especially on sale...

 

[Daedalus]

Perhaps you got the wrong Gearwrench model. I know a few peeps with these versions and they have no complaints

85195 3/8" 120XP™ Flex Head Electronic Torque Wrench with Angle - Gearwrench

Count on GEARWRENCH to get the job done. Get the 85195 3/8" 120XP™ Flex Head Electronic Torque Wrench with Angle here.

www.gearwrench.com

85194 1/4" 120XP™ Flex Head Electronic Torque Wrench with Angle - Gearwrench

Count on GEARWRENCH to get the job done. Get the 85194 1/4" 120XP™ Flex Head Electronic Torque Wrench with Angle here.

www.gearwrench.com

I worry that Gearwrench's quality has slipped a bit though. Good luck in your quest

Agreed,I bought the 1/2" and the same 85078 3/8" and have been very happy with them. They're ready for the next torque by the time I move to the next bolt. 5 and 7 years ago though, back when the body colors were black and red.

 

[Sumboodie]

Perhaps you got the wrong Gearwrench model. I know a few peeps with these versions and they have no complaints

85195 3/8" 120XP™ Flex Head Electronic Torque Wrench with Angle - Gearwrench

Count on GEARWRENCH to get the job done. Get the 85195 3/8" 120XP™ Flex Head Electronic Torque Wrench with Angle here.

www.gearwrench.com

85194 1/4" 120XP™ Flex Head Electronic Torque Wrench with Angle - Gearwrench

Count on GEARWRENCH to get the job done. Get the 85194 1/4" 120XP™ Flex Head Electronic Torque Wrench with Angle here.

www.gearwrench.com

I worry that Gearwrench's quality has slipped a bit though. Good luck in your quest

Model 85078

 

[RiddleMeThis]

I really like my CDI 3/8” 30-250lb ft It covers practically everything I need

 

[vjquan]

I really like my CDI 3/8” 30-250lb ft It covers practically everything I need

That would be a 1/2" with that range.

 

[RiddleMeThis]

That would be a 1/2" with that range.

Nope. 3/8”.

CDI Torque Products 2502MRPH Micrometer Torque Wrench 3/8dr 250 in LB