Electronic torque wrenches, opinions?

[plinker]

Looking at possibly getting one in the near-ish future, mainly for the angle feature. I am somewhat familiar with the Snap-on version as the Boss has the 1/2 drive wrench.

I am curious about the Matco wrench as to what is thought of it compared to the Snap-on.

Thoughts?

https://store.snapon.com/TechAngle-174-Models-2-Accuracy-Ratcheting-Flex-Head-3-8-Drive-Flex-Head-TechAngle-Torque-Wrench-5-100-ft-lb--P890225.aspx

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/ETWB100FKA/3-8-DR-FLEX-ETW-10-100-FT-LBS/

 

[wafrederick]

The Snap On tech angles,some like to exceed the angle gauge specs and this does damage them.An error code shows up and has to be sent in for repairs.The first tech angles did have problems even receiving them back after getting fixed.

 

[Htscheg]

I had the Crapco torque wrench.... batteries died every 3 days... sent back... fixed and same problem... From now in I will still with my good old always working click torques!!!

 

[Flat-rate]

I'm too old to buy another torque wrench. I have what ever it takes, from 0 to 30 inch pound all the way to 250ft pound. No battery required.

I'm not spending another penny. **** off!

 

[joe_pinehill1]

I just bought a Kobalt 3/8" Drive 5-100 Ft. Lb. Digital Torque Wrench 856838 used on ebay for $89. Its in new condition, and came with a calibration certificate from November. I like it so far.

 

[Wamsutta]

The only one I would trust is the Snap-on.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I have the 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2" Snap On Techangles. I won't part with them. Accurate and a joy to use. The only time I use anything else is a dial type for bearing preload.

Never seen a Matco...or a Matco truck for that matter.

 

[Metalio]

If you don't mind spending a lot of money on a torque wrench you could look at Stahlwille, they make excellent torque wrenches. The heads are also exchangeable so you can have a 3/8" drive ratchet and switch to a open ring etc.

see for example:
http://kataloge.stahlwille.de/katen1617/#page_202

 

[Bagherra]

I'm too old to buy another torque wrench. I have what ever it takes, from 0 to 30 inch pound all the way to 250ft pound. No battery required.

I'm not spending another penny. **** off!

Tell us how you truly feel

 

[KnurledNut]

CDI Torque is owned by SO and makes their ETW's.
Might look into the CDI branded Torque and Angle line.

 

[Danglerb]

Most people I see using the Snapon seem to have no desire to switch back.

 

[s14kev]

I'm not spending another penny. **** off!

Why you so angry bro?

 

[guy48065]

I'm a little confused by this thread.
Firstly the OP is interested in an electronic torque-angle wrench so why recommend those that aren't?

Second--the Matco linked in the OP is puzzling. AFAIK Matco torque wrenches are all made by Apex (GearWrench) and Apex currently does not have an electronic TW in its product line that also displays angle. This is supposed to change in a month or so--but then again I was told that LAST year, too.


As for recommendations: Get a CDI or SO. They stand behind their products and ACTUALLY HAVE products for warranty replacements.
I wouldn't buy any electronic GearWrench at the current time. They are mechanically good tools but they bungled the electronics. I sent 2 GW electronic T-A wrenches in for warranty repair 2 years ago & am still waiting to get something back.

 

[LXCam]

I'm a happy owner of three tech angles plus I have multiple clickers each has their place but I couldn't live without my SO's. If you do much torque to yield stuff these make life simple and easy. My first one I paid list price off the truck, all $700 of it. The other two I bought here used for 4 shippedand in perfect working order. I suggest keeping an eye out and you'll find a good deal if you're not in a hurry.

 

[Flat-rate]

Why you so angry bro?

Not angry at all. I hear it all the time from from the SO dealer to "upgrade". The torque wrenches I've had for 40 yrs will last another 6 to when I retire.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I won’t part with my tech angles

Mr Frederick up there al aye has some random off the wall problem with anything

 

[WittHay]

Mac's 3/8 drive version is a TWXA100FD. Good quality, made in Taiwan.

Can't go wrong with the Techangle, if you have a decent dealer. 2nd choice is Mac or Matco

 

[Jeeper]

I have precision instruments split beam that I really like but it would be nice to have the angle feature. But as a DIY, not sure i can justify SO tech angles. Thinking about a solution like the Brownline digital angle gauge.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CP8E61E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dnschmidt]

I think the Brownline is the way to go. The problem with torque angle wrenches is their length. A two and a half foot long torque angle doesn't fit into too many places. With the digital angle gauge you can put that on any ratchet or breaker bar to do the same thing.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I think the Brownline is the way to go. The problem with torque angle wrenches is their length. A two and a half foot long torque angle doesn't fit into too many places. With the digital angle gauge you can put that on any ratchet or breaker bar to do the same thing.

Snap on 1/2" 12.5-250 Flex Head Techangle 26.6"
Husky 1/2" 50-250 Non Flex click type 26.5"
Tekton 1/2" 25-250 Non Flex click type 25"
Proto 1/2" 50-250 Non Flex click type 27.12"

 

[LXCam]

I think the Brownline is the way to go. The problem with torque angle wrenches is their length. A two and a half foot long torque angle doesn't fit into too many places. With the digital angle gauge you can put that on any ratchet or breaker bar to do the same thing.

I don't know about you D, but the years of torquing a bolt down to 200ftlbs with a 1ft handle one handed in cramped quarters is just about done for me.

 

[garagelogician]

I've been thinking about this lately too. I own a VW and am planning to purchase a BMW, lots of TTY bolts so I would use the angle feature enough to justify it. My current clickers just don't cut it anymore, and the fasteners usually end up being overtightened when trying to eyeball the angle.

I've been keeping an eye on eBay, the SO TechAngles seem to go for about 60% or so of new price. I just need to strategize and figure out which one to purchase first (3/8" or 1/2"). I will probably skip the 1/4" one, and just get a non-angle unit for that size, not many TTY fasteners in the low-torque range for automotive applications. I don't work on motorcycles and a gutentight is usually sufficient for small fasteners...with the possible exception of pan and valve cover bolts and other more critical engine applications where even torque is necessary to prevent leaks.

 

[LXCam]

Get the 1/2" even if it does cost 60% of new, it's worth every dime. I forget how low my 1/2" goes but I do know my 3/8" only goes up to 100ftlbs. Considering that I haven't seen a TTY fastener smaller then 12mm don't feel there's much of a need for a 3/8" unit. The only reason I bought it was it was a smoking deal.

 

[Carquest]

Occasionally, Snap On will run a promotion on the Tech Angles, that is when I bought the 3/8 and 1/2. On sale, they were only a few more dollars than the CDI on the Williams Tools web site.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I've been thinking about this lately too. I own a VW and am planning to purchase a BMW, lots of TTY bolts so I would use the angle feature enough to justify it. My current clickers just don't cut it anymore, and the fasteners usually end up being overtightened when trying to eyeball the angle.

I've been keeping an eye on eBay, the SO TechAngles seem to go for about 60% or so of new price. I just need to strategize and figure out which one to purchase first (3/8" or 1/2"). I will probably skip the 1/4" one, and just get a non-angle unit for that size, not many TTY fasteners in the low-torque range for automotive applications. I don't work on motorcycles and a gutentight is usually sufficient for small fasteners...with the possible exception of pan and valve cover bolts and other more critical engine applications where even torque is necessary to prevent leaks.

When it comes to ones valve covers etc even torque is more critical than exact torque.

I don’t know where you’ve seen “Lots of tty bolts” outside of head bolts, I’ve seen very very few. A few degrees isn’t going to matter either

I only use a torque wrench for lugs and head bolts. Just about everything else is by hand.

 

[garagelogician]

When it comes to ones valve covers etc even torque is more critical than exact torque.

I don’t know where you’ve seen “Lots of tty bolts” outside of head bolts, I’ve seen very very few. A few degrees isn’t going to matter either

I only use a torque wrench for lugs and head bolts. Just about everything else is by hand.

Engine mount bolts, suspension/subframe bolts, TDI timing belt components.

I torque most things by hand as well, but when you need it, you need it.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Engine mount bolts, suspension/subframe bolts, TDI timing belt components.

I torque most things by hand as well, but when you need it, you need it.

Never had the need to torque those. We never replaced those bolts either.

Btw those tdi belts are fun.

 

[garagelogician]

Never had the need to torque those. We never replaced those bolts either.

Btw those tdi belts are fun.

TDI belts aren't bad with the right tools and procedure. All bolts get replaced along with the water pump and every roller. Anything less is just asking for trouble.

I put off doing a proper belt change when I got my first TDI because it had "just been done." Maybe it had, but it wasn't done right. A roller failed, and the engine was probably 100 miles away from dropping out of the mount.

That mistake cost me $1500 in parts and a rebuilt head.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[WhiffySpark]

Yep I’ve done several. Should have brought the tools but I made do with kits I already had.

I did one in a golf for a customer that was putting 500 ftlbs of torque out. That was a fun car to drive.

I did a new motor, injectors, slightly upgraded turbo, south bend clutch, new inter cooler and some other stuff.

I loved that car

 

[Garagetime]

I have a 1/2 drive Snap-on Techangle worth every penny.

 

[lilxtra]

I have the SO 1/2" Tech angle and a friend lets me keep his 3/8". You guys that say you haven't ran into many TTY bolts must not have built a engine made in the last 20yrs! LOL! Try building ANY Modular Ford (especially Coyote), LS or new Hemi without one!
If you don't build engines (or much top end work on them)then I totally see the reason for not needing one. I lucked up and got my 1/2" one BRAND new, 1 yr old for $292 tax and paid and extra $15 for a xtra 2 month warranty! Buddy bought the 3/8" at the same pawn shop for $220, brand new.

 

[plinker]

Main use is for angle torquing. What I've been running into lately is tie rod and/or ball joint hardware needing X amount of degrees after torquing it to whatever ft lb spec. it needs.

I had talked to the Matco and Snap-on dealers and both are about the same price or close, My Matco guy did suggest the Brownline as an option for around 120$. I guess there is a Matco dealer expo happening in a month so there may be deals to be had. FWIW, the only Matco wrenches that do angle are the flex head ones according to my dealer.

I had not thought of CDI, I'd prefer the fine tooth ratchet head though. Not sure it it'd be a deal breaker though. Not in any hurry anyway, so I'll be researching more form the looks of it.

 

[ladrones]

I want to add a 3/4" drive to my tech angle fleet. Maybe this year.

 

[dnschmidt]

Cam, the Brownline gives you a choice. For example on the GM 3800 the tiny 5/16" bolts that hold the water pump on are TTY. If you've got a two and a half foot long Tech Angle you sure as hell are not going to be able to use it for these. Also, there is no limit to the length of breaker bar the Brownline can be used with. Put a six foot pipe on the breaker bar and it still reads the angle. Use a 1/4" drive ratchet and it still reads the angle. Versatility is what I like about it. By the way your wrench set is on the boat on it's way to Long Beach. Pretty soon it will be time to break the piggy bank.

 

[LXCam]

Cam, the Brownline gives you a choice. For example on the GM 3800 the tiny 5/16" bolts that hold the water pump on are TTY. If you've got a two and a half foot long Tech Angle you sure as hell are not going to be able to use it for these. Also, there is no limit to the length of breaker bar the Brownline can be used with. Put a six foot pipe on the breaker bar and it still reads the angle. Use a 1/4" drive ratchet and it still reads the angle. Versatility is what I like about it. By the way your wrench set is on the boat on it's way to Long Beach. Pretty soon it will be time to break the piggy bank.

Well there is a reason I got the 3/8" model. It is a bit much using the 1/2" on rod bolts.

And excellent news, I'm excited!!

 

[WhiffySpark]

Main use is for angle torquing. What I've been running into lately is tie rod and/or ball joint hardware needing X amount of degrees after torquing it to whatever ft lb spec. it needs.

I had talked to the Matco and Snap-on dealers and both are about the same price or close, My Matco guy did suggest the Brownline as an option for around 120$. I guess there is a Matco dealer expo happening in a month so there may be deals to be had. FWIW, the only Matco wrenches that do angle are the flex head ones according to my dealer.

I had not thought of CDI, I'd prefer the fine tooth ratchet head though. Not sure it it'd be a deal breaker though. Not in any hurry anyway, so I'll be researching more form the looks of it.

We don’t torque those.

I’d buy snap on over Matco just for the fact of service and no matter where you go there’s going to be a snap on guy. Not alway true for matco

 

[mrborohachi]

I remember seeing in a monthly flyer that Snap-On released a higher torque range 1/2" drive Techwrench. It was longer than the 250 ft/lbs model.

 

[4x4gearhead]

To be perfectly honest, the torque angle guage is what i like to use for diesel engine head bolts. I use stahlwille guages with the flexing magnetic indicator on them with my 36" 1/2 dr So breaker bar and an old Williams ratchet adapter. Its accurate and when doing engine work it can certainly help to achieve legit factory torque. Sometimes doing things the old fashion way works best.

 

[billford]

I think if the work is clean and you have good access to the work, then an electronic wrench is the way to go.

If the work is dirty, oily, cramped, then use a non electronic wrench.

I do diesel work, engines and lots of injector replacements in tight access vans. I only use Snap On split beam flex head wrenches.

 

[anndel]

I have the 3/8" Snap On Techangle and love it. The rest - 1/4", other 3/8s and 1/2s are clickers or split beams. I used the techangle when I did some engine overhauls.