I finally bought a Precision Instruments split beam torque wrench -PICS-

[SMKS]

I used to work at a tire shop that had the Snap-on version of these wrenches, but that was years ago. I've been keeping my eyes open for one for a while.

I ran across one at a pawn shop for a good price. I tested it out and it clicked and worked well, so I decided to take a chance and buy it.

I've mostly had good experiences so far buying used torque wrenches. I suspected there was a good chance that this wrench would be OK because split beam wrenches don't need to have the torque set to the lowest setting for storage.

When I got it home I checked it with my torque adapter and it's still quite accurate. I've already used it for a couple jobs.

Overall, I'm really happy with this purchase. My Armstrong and CDI torque wrenches are nice. Heck, my HF torque wrench has held up great for years. This Precision Instruments torque wrench has some nice features that puts it a step above those other brands.

The good:
-Super quick and easy to adjust the setting
-Nice, loud click. The click is way louder than my Armstrong or CDI torque wrenches.
-Good accuracy and repeatability

The not-so-good:
-The mechanism has quite a bit of back drag. I tried opening it and lubing it and it made no difference.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Niiiiiiiice!

Wha'd'ya pay for it?

I've got two older Snappys that I use from PI. Love 'em.

 

[woody 73]

Wonder what is causing all that back drive ?

I have a lot of used torque wrenches but oddly enough not one split beam maybe one day I will pick one up and try it out.

 

[Jarhead0408]

I paid $40 plus tax. Not a super screaming deal, but a pretty good deal, especially since it turned out to be in spec and working well.

I dunno man, $40 sounds like a screaming deal to me. I'd have snapped that up too. Congrats on the find.

 

[fatfillup]

Yeah I would say $40 is a great buy also

 

[SMKS]

Wonder what is causing all that back drive ?

I have a lot of used torque wrenches but oddly enough not one split beam maybe one day I will pick one up and try it out.

It must just be the ratcheting mechanism they use.

It's a single-pawl mechanism like those used in Craftsman RP ratchets, Snap-on 936/Williams ratchets.

The main reason I don't really like the Williams ratchets with this design is they have a lot of back drag. I could maybe modify them to have less drag, but I just prefer to use other ratchets I like better.

I should have taken a photo when I had it open. It looks somewhat similar to this, but not identical. (This photo stolen from J.A.F.E on the Garage Gazette)

 

[Jarhead0408]

Man, I couldn't imagine one of these with a Dual-80 mechanism. It would be pretty sweet!