Digital Torque Wrench Adapter

[gdocktor3]

Anyone ever see or use this? http://toolguyd.com/digital-torque-wrench-adapter/

I guess AC Delco and HF also make them? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VYUKTC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-digital-torque-adapter-68283.html

 

[jeejay]

I've tried the harbor friggit (I mean Pittsburgh), just plugged it into a socket that's clamped in a pipe vise, to test calibration on one of their clicker torque wrenches (it also agrees with a beam type torque wrench I have, and a larger torque adapter by Titan). Wouldn't want to use them outdoors myself, mostly in a garage.

My test at the moment is to see how long I can leave the clicker set, like a preset torque wrench, and still be able to correct for any miscalibration caused by not storing it at the low setting, by adjusting it as needed from the previous preset to the target torque, according to a torque adapter. I figure it will last as long or longer that way without having to be replaced/recalibrated (the dial has 50 foot pounds of leeway to correct it upward from my preset, it seems they usually read low when miscalibrated).

I'm thinking since torque wrenches that have a low setting at 100ft-lbs are huge, and the preset torque wrench at 100 is not near as big, then it may not be much different than leaving the same sized standard clicker set, except you couldn't adjust it.

Pretty sure all the torque adapters have programmable presets too (and beep/light-up instead of click).

 

[48548]

I have the Delco. Nice to compare and see if my torque wrench is accurate.

 

[gdocktor3]

I just thought it might come in handy if you had to use a stubby ratchet or flex head. Considering how cheap they are, it may be worth it.

 

[rich_kildow]

I have the HF one and was able to compare it to a real calibration unit at my brother's work...within 1% of their machine.

One the miscalibration note, I had a Craftsman torque wrench that had been in a guys toolbox that he hadn't touched for 10+ years. When I bought it from him, it was set to 100 lb/ft and it is still spot on across its entire range. I know you can damage them from not storing them low, and I always do, but I thought that was pretty interesting.

 

[gdocktor3]

Hmm.. I was just thinking. Maybe I will buy one from HF just to check if my torque wrenches are still calibrated and then return it. I have a couple older USA made Craftsman torque wrenches I bought used that probably haven't been calibrated since they were new.

 

[Davefr]

I bought one from HF. It died the first time I used it. I returned it and they replaced it with another and it did the same thing. I went back again and the last one on the shelf was an open box so I said give me my money back.

They obviously had a wave of quality problems.

They seemed like a good idea to do a sanity check on your torque wrenches. I'd still like one sometime but want one that's not garbage.

 

[guy48065]

I bought one from HF. It died the first time I used it. I returned it and they replaced it with another and it did the same thing. I went back again and the last one on the shelf was an open box so I said give me my money back.

They obviously had a wave of quality problems.

They seemed like a good idea to do a sanity check on your torque wrenches. I'd still like one sometime but want one that's not garbage.

"Died" as in not working at all, or just dead battery? I see the complaint all the time that the battery doesn't last (HF version, at least) and the "fix" is simple: Take out the piece of foam in the plastic case it comes in. It presses on the buttons when the case is snapped shut and kills the battery quick.

 

[Finky198]

I have had the HF one for 2 1/2 years now all good so far. Seems to match all of the others in the shop. It doesn't get used often, but it definitely comes in handy sometimes.

 

[winlinmac]

I went through almost five of those Harbor Freight Digital torque wrench adapters (lost count), and each one of them failed every time it tried to reach torque resulting in a Low Battery error. The solution was to remove the battery cover and let it adjust to room temperature. Its really odd and irritating. I've been looking for a replacement, but could never find anything within the same price range. I used it last night for torquing down the Brake Caliper Carrier bolts. Its too bad Harbor Freight never found a fix for this.

 

[Finky198]

I'm still using the Same one and, I've replaced the batteries 1 time since my last post.

 

[48548]

My delco still works fine

 

[visionguru]

I went through almost five of those Harbor Freight Digital torque wrench adapters (lost count), and each one of them failed every time it tried to reach torque resulting in a Low Battery error. The solution was to remove the battery cover and let it adjust to room temperature. Its really odd and irritating. I've been looking for a replacement, but could never find anything within the same price range. I used it last night for torquing down the Brake Caliper Carrier bolts. Its too bad Harbor Freight never found a fix for this.

Can you just change the battery? Those are very simply electronics, either low battery or not so perfect connections. You might want to improve your problem solving skills.

 

[Olafur]

My primary torque wrench for 20-200 NM is 1/2" Ac Delco torque adaptor. I use it professionally so it has seen probably several thousand bolts and nuts already in the past 4 years or so. Still on the same battery and works fine.

Compared to mechanical torque wrench this technology is superior in accuracy. I am not saying it matters or you need it since the human factor comes in to play with these more than clicker wrenches. Electronic is also nice, no winding up and down a mechanical spring, and you have torque conversion at your fingertip. Lb/ft N/m Lb/in Kg/m ... It also takes up very small space in my toolbox.

I also got 3/4" drive unit (200-1000NM if memory serves) I use for larger diesel engines and transmissions. Will soon buy 1/4" as well.

 

[royesses]

I've had a Powerbuilt 940759 1/2 In. Dr. Digital Torque Adapter since 2010. Still works. I think they are the first to import this tool.

Roy

 

[winlinmac]

Lol, I've tried cleaning out the contact points with rubbing alcohol pads, sometimes results in success for several minutes before it fails again.

I guess these minor annoyances

Can you just change the battery? Those are very simply electronics, either low battery or not so perfect connections. You might want to improve your problem solving skills.

 

[DFB]

As always the HF price looks like a deal but those reviews aren't so great...

I liked to get one too so the AC Delco unit is at least twice as much money right?

 

[Sanny81]

I bought one from HF just to check and re-calibrate my HF and Craftsman torque wrenches. Haven't used it beyond that though.

 

[48548]

Amazon is where I got mine. 57$

ACDelco ARM602-4 1/2" Digital Torque Adapter (4-147.6 ft-lbs) -Audible alert, batteries included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VYURT0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Loscaldazar]

My HF has been great for the past few years. Rarely use it to torque something (regular torque wrenches are more compact and I like the audible click feedback). It's nice to check against and also when I need a super tight swing arc on the ratchet but have plenty of room in the direction opposite of where the bolt is going (if that makes sense).

 

[mrjaw14]

I can't wait til they get the same feature set as a regular electronic torque wrenches. Big help to have something like that as a backup, calibration test, road torque wrench. They aren't quite there yet