Flex head torque wrenches....

[Buckgnarly]

Two questions..

How much flex do the PI and PI style SO wrenches offer? Are any SO torques 80 tooth?

What torque wrench offers the most flex?

Looking to get a flex head, like the PI style but not sure how much they flex.

 

[kiatech]

Just as much as a normal ratchet.

 

[5mall5nail5]

Be careful. When using a flex head torque wrench the manual will usually instruct you not to flex over 15* from 90 when torquing due to geometry and torque differences.

 

[SMKS]

Just as much as a normal ratchet.

Not the ones I've used

I worked in a shop several years ago that had the Snap-on split beam torque wrenches. The heads had limited flex. It was something like 10 - 20 degrees, if I remember correctly.

EDIT -
Yes, my memory was correct. This Snap-on split beam says the head flexes 15 degrees.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...675230&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

 

[Buckgnarly]

Not the ones I've used

I worked in a shop several years ago that had the PI-made Snap-on split beam torque wrenches. The heads had limited flex. It was something like 10 - 20 degrees, if I remember correctly.

EDIT -
Yes, my memory was correct. This Snap-on split beam says the head flexes 15 degrees.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...675230&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

So how useful was the 15 degrees?

 

[dsmnickk90]

My Gearwrench electronics say 15* also. Its pretty helpful in tight places to give your hand somewhere to go

 

[KCM1582]

So how useful was the 15 degrees?

Very usefull, it may not sound like much, but it is enough to get your hand away from a wheel or rim when torquing lug nuts or just sneak it through a small opening to get to a hard to reach bolt.

 

[kiatech]

So how useful was the 15 degrees?

I have the sameone and can say its very useful when getting your hand away from the fender.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Dammit GJ, you're supposed to say "you really don't need one".....oh wait, that's the old Battle Axe talking!....

So next question, how are the heads of the SO and PI split beam style...anyone have both to compare? Which is better and why?