Just buying a new $400 torque wrench is NOT the GJ way ;>)
These were and still are made by Precision Instruments, so yes, it's a current design:
Exclusive Patented Calibration Mechanism-This patented mechanism allows for calibration in both the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, plus with regard to spring rate, without the disassembly of the wrench. This protects against contamination of the working mechanism, and make calibration quick and easy. . . calibration is completely external, unlike traditional mechanism that require disassembly and the replacement of blocks and shims.
Yeah, thanks for that, but a determined search didn't uncover the how; so since this one was no good as is, I figured nothing to loose by a bit of fettling.
There was a soft steel plug in the center of the end of the handle. That could be pried out. Underneath is an Allen head nut. When that is removed, the hand grip and scale can be pulled off the shaft.
Upon examination, an externally splined nut on the threaded adjusting screw matches the internally splined handle. Thus, it is possible to remove and rotate the handle any portion of one full turn to adjust the indicator lines versus the scale.
However, that one turn didn't bring it into calibration. Further examination showed the internally splined portion of the handle could be moved laterally within the main part of the hand grip. This is what Snap-on was referring to as the handle being bad.
By tapping the internally splined part slightly back up into the hand grip and then using the one turn of the handle I was able to calibrate the click to the scale.
The problem is if it can be tapped in, it can also move back out. First thought is red Loctite. Plan B is drill and tap for a set screw. Plan C, according to the net, this unit was made and widely sold by Precision Instrument with other than Snap-on ratchet heads. Because those don't have the magic logo, they're cheap to buy. Maybe one of those has a different design handle which would interchange.
jack vines
