Fixing a torque wrench?

[Craptain]

I have a couple of torque wrenches that for various reasons don't work. At least for the intended purpose. Is this something I could or even should attempt to repair myself? After a quick look I don't even see how to open them up.

Alternatively, is there somewhere to get them fixed (and calibrated) at a reasonable price.

I am talking good, but not top of the line tools.

Sent from my SM-G930T using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[gte718p]

I have a couple of torque wrenches that for various reasons don't work. At least for the intended purpose. Is this something I could or even should attempt to repair myself? After a quick look I don't even see how to open them up.

Alternatively, is there somewhere to get them fixed (and calibrated) at a reasonable price.

I am talking good, but not top of the line tools.

Sent from my SM-G930T using The Garage Journal mobile app

Fix it yourself, maybe. I'm going to say that is probably not the best idea. Parts generally cost almost as much as the service. Once you repair what is broken you have to calibrate it. While it is possible to do yourself, if it is critical or even important it is not really a process to do at home.

Every good sized town I've lived in has a calibration lab. If it is a major brand, they will be able to fix and calibrate it. Prices run from $50-$2000 depending on how accurate you need the calibration.

Don't know if your location is correct, but 2 seconds on Google turned up 15 or so places local to you and another three pages of places you can mail it to.

 

[stonesfan68]

There are YouTube videos about how to adjust the torque, or send it in to a shop.

 

[Knotgoalie]

Out of spec or just don't work/click or...?

Easy to take apart/inspect/calibrate but not if you are unsure of what you are doing. Check out some YT videos on teardown etc.

 

[Craptain]

Thanks for the frank opinions. These are not out of calibration. One I cannot even turn the adjustment barrel. This was how I found it in a box lot from a sale. The other is just very tight and I remember it being much easier when I got it about 15 years ago. I don't have a lot invested in either, so I am willing to take a chance, but would like at least one of them to be reliable and relatively accurate.

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[Bluejoe]

Hello I recently had my Snapon torque wrench checked and calibrated. I didn’t zero it out the last time I used it and it was left on 50 foot pounds. They indicated it was a level one. Not sure how off it was plus or minus. What is the small piece they replace.

 

[unslow1]

Just take it apart. That is what I did with one. I already had another and just wanted to see how it was constructed. I ended up fixing it and then also learned how to re-calibrate it at the same time. It's junk anyway so give it a shot.

 

[guy48065]

Send them to Angle Repair in WV. $60 covers basic repair AND calibration.
I've sent them some pretty ratty wrenches and got them back with new ratchet internals, new parts needed to make it accurate, clean & lube, and a guarantee of accuracy...for $60.

Major problems like cracked castings, bent tube, etc will cost more--but you usually know already if it's that fd-up.