Good 1/2 Torque Wrench - DIY

[bob15]

I'd avoid PI split beam, bulky and low tooth count. It's probably good for abusive use in a tire shop.

1/2" torque wrenches are often more than 2-feet long. High tooth count ratchet and flex head are important features for fasteners that don't have wide open access.

Go digital! Constantly having to set to the lowest setting and needing calibration is not fun.

$250 can get really good torque wrenches. Before I upgraded to Snap On 1/2" Techangle, I sold my Snap on Tech3FR250 for $150. A gently used Snap On is always a good option.

For new, GearWrench 85196 is nice and within your budget.

I guess you didn't notice that this thread was started last July and the OP hasn't logged on since August.

Why would you recommend a digital torque for basic home use, considering their life-expectancy is suspect when compared to a beam-style (not referring to a split beam) that never goes out of spec and will never fail?

 

[visionguru]

I guess you didn't notice that this thread was started last July and the OP hasn't logged on since August.

Why would you recommend a digital torque for basic home use, considering their life-expectancy is suspect when compared to a beam-style (not referring to a split beam) that never goes out of spec and will never fail?

Oops, didn't noticed the OP posting date.

As a DIYer myself, I thought my Craftsman USA click-type torque wrenches would last me a lifetime. After buying a digital torque adapter, I found that they are not that accurate or consistent. My 1st digital torque wrench was a used Snap On Tech3fr250. When I sold it, it was 15 year old. I guess it should last 20 years. Digitals are easier to use and more accurate.

 

[16again]

That rectangular handle looks like it would be painful to use at 250 ft-lb. The P.I. split beam 3/8 drive I bought last year has a comfortable tubular handle.

Actually very comfortable. I’ve been using this for many years, never an issue. Heck never thought about it until just now when I read your post. Quality product and a great price.

 

[Outahere]

Interesting to see that several of you like the rectangular handle.

The 250 ft-lb split beam from P.I. has a minimum adjustment interval of 5 ft-lb, compared to 1 ft-lb on a micrometer style wrench. Have any of you P.I. owners found that to be an issue?

 

[16again]

Interesting to see that several of you like the rectangular handle.

The 250 ft-lb split beam from P.I. has a minimum adjustment interval of 5 ft-lb, compared to 1 ft-lb on a micrometer style wrench. Have any of you P.I. owners found that to be an issue?

Never have had an issue.

 

[rider]

Interesting to see that several of you like the rectangular handle.

The 250 ft-lb split beam from P.I. has a minimum adjustment interval of 5 ft-lb, compared to 1 ft-lb on a micrometer style wrench. Have any of you P.I. owners found that to be an issue?

Realize that 5lb-ft is only 2% of the tool's range and the tool's accuracy is probably 4%. As such, 5lb is not a problem.

If you start needing < 100lb-ft, then get a 3/8" drive torque wrench and it will have small gradations available (generally 1 or 2 lb-ft to again keep each click at or below 2% of total range).

 

[richfinn]

I guess you didn't notice that this thread was started last July and the OP hasn't logged on since August.

Why would you recommend a digital torque for basic home use, considering their life-expectancy is suspect when compared to a beam-style (not referring to a split beam) that never goes out of spec and will never fail?

I guess the generation gap!!!!

I have clickers and a 30 yr old angle gauge with a reaction bar, for tinkering about at home as I'm not in a rush

If I built engines or worked in a dealership for a living I might go digital

 

[Mgdoug3]

I like my PI split beam torque wrenches. I have a 3/8 and 3/4. For most things, I use a clicker or split beam torque wrench. When I'm building an engine, I break out my Techangle. A lot of bolts are TTY and having a torque wrench and degree gauge in one is super handy.

 

[ThePostman]

1/2" drive, the diyer can do everything with that hf quinn that offers degrees of angle at a reasonable price. I use it in a pro setting for straight on stuff and can't complain about it. If it's 100 ft/lbs or less, I have a cdi 3/8" drive split beam, I like it, a lot, no frills,and no recalibration. Olssa makes a 1/2" split beam I might pick up too, we shall see. If you don't need TTY, split beam
, just buy it once and don't drop it.