Fine tooth micrometer style 1/2 flex head torque wrench options

[Notbn]

Looking for a fine tooth micrometer style 1/2 drive flex head torque wrench.

Options I've seen so far:

• Snap on QD3FR250A for $545CAD before tax direct from Snap on
• Gearwrench 85189 120XP - Can't seem to find this in Canada, Digital versions are available for ~$400CAD
• Used Matco 72T from FB marketplace - unsure of model number, but looks like a TRC250FK - $250CAD

Is there any other options? I'm looking to upgrade from a Mastercraft (rebranded Gearwrench) non flex head. The 32-36T head is killing me as a home mechanic with no lift. Especially with the ball busting front end torque specs on my F150. I'm partial to the snap on, all my other torque wrenches are snap on that I've found used, but $545 is a big hit, just wondering if it's really worth it, I can't find a flex head snap on used in any sort of decent condition.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

You have some pretty high standards.
I think you should just buy the SnapOn. If you look at the prices for the German brands you will likely feel that $545 is not too bad.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Cornwell sells a 72 tooth, made in Taiwan, torque wrench.

CTGTW3250FTF​

You are running into the most common reason things arent torqued BTW. A precision instruments split beam with 12 teeth doesnt fit anywhere.

My daily use 3/8 flex head is a snap on. My only dislike is that the scales are laser etched, which doesnt give great contrast. Cornwell is stamped, much better in my opinion. I really like my 1/4 cornwell.

 

[dutchgray]

There is this Facom 72 tooth flex head.

Facom S.306-340MF 1/2″ Drive Click Type Flexi Head Torque Wrench 70-340Nm

*Flexible head 1/2" drive torque wrench.*Tested to ISO 6789.*Metric and imperial scale.*Metal grip handle.*Range: 70-340Nm.*72 teeth, 5 degree arc swi

www.primetools.co.uk

If you can get one, very nice torque wrenches.

 

[will335i]

From my understanding CDI makes the Snap-on torque wrenches or at least most of them. They still aren't cheap but some cost savings for sure and you kind find new and used ones on ebay. Take a look at their catalog and pick the one that covers the torque range you need.

 

[Notbn]

From my understanding CDI makes the Snap-on torque wrenches or at least most of them. They still aren't cheap but some cost savings for sure and you kind find new and used ones on ebay. Take a look at their catalog and pick the one that covers the torque range you need.

I would grab a CDI but they don't offer a fine tooth or a flex head for their 1/2 drive micrometer models. Kind of a shame.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I would grab a CDI but they don't offer a fine tooth or a flex head for their 1/2 drive micrometer models. Kind of a shame.

But everybody on garage journal says they're EXACTLY the same! Dont pay the tool truck markup! LOL

I ran into the same issue as OP. Flex head fine tooth is hard to get.

 

[KnurledNut]

$154.99

The ICON® professional click-type torque wrench is fast, accurate and easy to adjust. This high accuracy torque wrench comes with a factory certificate of calibration and can be re-calibrated. The easily readable scale is roll-marked for permanence and is equipped with a locking collar to prevent accidental changes to torque settings. The mechanism provides a physical impulse and audible click when the correct torque setting is reached. The ratcheting flex head design flexes up to 15° for improved access in tight spaces. Like the rest of the ICON® hand tools, this torque wrench is backed by a hassle-free, manufacturer’s lifetime warranty.

• Flex head allows up to 15° of rotation for knuckle and obstruction clearance
• Professional standard accuracy: +/- 4% clockwise, +/- 6% counterclockwise
• 90 tooth ratcheting mechanism
• Heavy duty low profile teardrop head for easy access
• Complies with Standard ASME B107.300-2010
• Audible click and/or impulse when torque setting is reached
• Roll-marked scale for better visibility
• Chrome plated hardened steel body
• Smooth detent locking collar prevents accidental change in torque settings
• Non-slip knurled handle for optimum control

 

[Notbn]

$154.99

The ICON® professional click-type torque wrench is fast, accurate and easy to adjust. This high accuracy torque wrench comes with a factory certificate of calibration and can be re-calibrated. The easily readable scale is roll-marked for permanence and is equipped with a locking collar to prevent accidental changes to torque settings. The mechanism provides a physical impulse and audible click when the correct torque setting is reached. The ratcheting flex head design flexes up to 15° for improved access in tight spaces. Like the rest of the ICON® hand tools, this torque wrench is backed by a hassle-free, manufacturer’s lifetime warranty.

• Flex head allows up to 15° of rotation for knuckle and obstruction clearance
• Professional standard accuracy: +/- 4% clockwise, +/- 6% counterclockwise
• 90 tooth ratcheting mechanism
• Heavy duty low profile teardrop head for easy access
• Complies with Standard ASME B107.300-2010
• Audible click and/or impulse when torque setting is reached
• Roll-marked scale for better visibility
• Chrome plated hardened steel body
• Smooth detent locking collar prevents accidental change in torque settings
• Non-slip knurled handle for optimum control

I'm north of the border unfortunately, but this looks to be a great option for those in the states

 

[visionguru]

Is Gearwrench 85079 available in Canada?

I remember seeing the price as low as $145 during the black Friday. It seems better (in terms of price and performance) than those you mentioned. Digital is superior in many ways.

Another option is: fine tooth non-flex TW + universal adapter.

 

[Steve_P]

I searched for this recently also, but I wanted a 3/8 drive flex head, fine tooth (>60T), micrometer, non-digital. I now see that Gearwrench makes one, 85188, but that's all I could find that wasn't a truck brand. CDI and PI both make this, but they both seem to use ~30 teeth (CDI is 32). Icon doesn't offer a 3/8 drive flex head that I could find- if they did, I'd probably go that route. I'm not in a rush, so I'll probably wait a while and see if Icon comes out with one in the next few months.