Looking for a new torque wrench

[ThePostman]

Hi there, I enjoy this forum and am interested in your opinions. So I'm looking for a new torque wrench, 1/2" drive, and a range from at least 20-250ft/lbs, it can go higher. I am in the Auto industry, so this will more than occasional usage. Yes, I know snap-on uses cdi, but I'm also interested in the digital versions as well, I'm just not into paying half a grand or more for one. My question is, have any of you used the new(ish) gearwrench digital torque wrenches, and what are your thoughts? Or do I just get the normal spring cdi version or one by another manufacturer. I own many different brands of tools. Thanks.

 

[dnschmidt]

I have the newest Gearwrench digital torque wrenches and they're OK. Made in China by Sata. Two points, if you're in automotive you absolutely need torque angle. Secondly, the best deal in digital torque wrenches with angle are without a doubt the rebranded Eclatorq QUINN digital torque wrenches at Harbor Freight which you can still use a 20% coupon on. Eclatorq was a pioneer in digital torque wrenches and make some of the best available. The QUINN's are a true bargain.

 

[seber]

I love my CDI split beams. I use both 3/8 and 1/2 drive and have never had to have them recalibrated. Still in spec after many years. They weren't cheap but compared to constantly replacing the spring loaded type it has saved me money over the years. Having used digital sensors in industry for many years in machine design, I don't trust digitals to be accurate, especially if the temperature changes.

 

[ThePostman]

Thanks for the tip, I'm certainly not opposed to HF, my two carts are from there and God knows how many other things I own.

 

[bob15]

Yes, I know snap-on uses cdi, but I'm also interested in the digital versions as well, I'm just not into paying half a grand or more for one.

Just to clarify one thing, the reason Snap On uses CDI products is because Snap On owns CDI, as well as Sturtevant Richmont.

If I was to buy an electronic torque wrench, I would be buying it from one of those 3 companies. If I wanted a clicker or beam type, I would also include Seekonk as a choice in torque wrenches.

 

[ThePostman]

Thank you, I own some Williams and bahco stuff as well. I l own some proto and wright as well, but proto is outrageous for some of their torque instruments.

 

[bobcatdan]

For a low buck option, I saw at Northern they have new Klutch branded torque wrenches. What caught my eye is they offer flexheads. For my go to torque wrenches I like flexheads. On sale for $110 for a 1/2".

 

[CafeTools]

I think the Craftsman/ harbor freight digital ones are an excellent value. Nice case too.

 

[ThePostman]

As the first reply stated, torque angle is a requirement, I do some head jobs from time to time where that is required. Thank you all for your input.

 

[royesses]

As the first reply stated, torque angle is a requirement, I do some head jobs from time to time where that is required. Thank you all for your input.

The HF Quinn digitals do torque angle. They are quality tools with 72 tooth ratchets. I have both the 3/8" and the 1/2" purchased with 20% off coupons.

Roy

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I just picked up this CDI 2 weeks ago. I paid $139.81, but it looks like they had a price increase to $153.54.

https://www.toolsdelivered.com/CDI-...uring-Wrenches-Micrometer-Adjustable-Wrenches

I think CDI's are hard to beat, regardless of cost. The only thing better on a "Snap On" is they come with a Dual 80 head. I have 2 Cornwell branded CDI's, a Proto, and a Utica, so I'm not brand loyal. I don't hate on HF stuff in general, but I can tell you my race team hasn't had good luck with their 1/2" drive Pittsburgh torque wrenches. In fact, at our last race the last one we had went into the trash as nobody wanted to take it in for a warranty replacement.

 

[visionguru]

Hi there, I enjoy this forum and am interested in your opinions. So I'm looking for a new torque wrench, 1/2" drive, and a range from at least 20-250ft/lbs, it can go higher. I am in the Auto industry, so this will more than occasional usage. Yes, I know snap-on uses cdi, but I'm also interested in the digital versions as well, I'm just not into paying half a grand or more for one. My question is, have any of you used the new(ish) gearwrench digital torque wrenches, and what are your thoughts? Or do I just get the normal spring cdi version or one by another manufacturer. I own many different brands of tools. Thanks.

There are so many torque wrench brands. You might want to make a list of features you need, such as

• tooth count
• flex head
• angle capability
• ....

I've played with Gearwrench 85077 (newish). It's accurate and well made. However, I'm spoiled by Snap On's bright warning light and pronounced vibrations, which the Gearwrench is no match.

The newest Gearwrench 120xp digital seems a much improved version: flex-head, 120 position ratchet, steel construction, and with angle capability. The control seems the same as the "newish" generation. It's probably the most economical one with flex-head, fine tooth, and angle. If you have to buy new and willing to pay $200+, Gearwrench 120xp seems a good choice.

Lowes Kobalt/Craftsman and HF Quinn are the cheapest 250 ft-lb digital with angle, no flex head though.

I'd get a used Snap On.

 

[pstemari]

CDI and Proto are both available at Amazon and Zoro. I like the knurling and marking on the Proto a bit better.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[tarmy]

I got the CDI off Amazon...they are great...

 

[Mike.ASC]

I've had a pair of Precision Instruments torque wrenches for over 30 years that have served me well.

 

[flyt100]

As an aside, I've liked having this, as I can stick it to any of my torque wrenches (or even ratchets), vs. buying the angle feature in every one of them.

Brown Line Metalworks BLDAG001... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CP8E61E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[MJK]

For frequent use and torque angle, there is no better value than a lightly used SO 1/2 digital. I have one and paid $400 for the latest version bundled with a 24" breaker bar.

If you had said infrequent use and no angles, Tekton clickers are one hell of a deal.

 

[84prerunner]

I have the Quinn 3/8 and 1/2 digital torque wrenches along with the 1/2" click type Icon (all from HF). They get used in a shop environment (race vehicles), the quinn is decent and gets the job done but isnt near the quality of the Icon. if its a once a month or less type of tool i wouldnt hesitate on the quinn, if you use it daily id for sure steup up to the icon.

 

[BBDartCA]

Proto torque wrenches is all I buy. Fair price. Excellent quality. I’ve worked in several plants where there were required adjustable 1/2 & 3/4 torque wrenches with strict independent bi-annual calibration requirements. Protos almost always never failed test. Hands down was always the go to.

 

[regguy1]

I bought a Sunex 20250 (1/2" drive 30-250 Ft Lb) It's very good looking tool and works great. Amazon has them for about $90.00

Here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079YRRTVH/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Yarpo]

I have the newest Gearwrench digital torque wrenches and they're OK. Made in China by Sata. Two points, if you're in automotive you absolutely need torque angle. Secondly, the best deal in digital torque wrenches with angle are without a doubt the rebranded Eclatorq QUINN digital torque wrenches at Harbor Freight which you can still use a 20% coupon on. Eclatorq was a pioneer in digital torque wrenches and make some of the best available. The QUINN's are a true bargain.

Don't think you have the newest Gearwrench torque wrenchs. The newest are made in Taiwan. The whole electronic housing is covered in metal as opposed to rubber/plastic. Pretty beefy.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=438565

 

[sberry]

What is torque angle?

 

[alheim]

I got the CDI off Amazon...they are great...

What model(s) did you go with?

 

[royesses]

What is torque angle?

You torque the bolt to a specified torque and then turn the bolt a number of degrees more as specified by the manufacturer. Cat has used this method for well over 50 years, they call it the torque-turn method. It is supposed to be superior to torque only. Typical of what Cat used to call out was 50 lb/ft plus 120°, 75 lb/ft plus 180°.

Roy

 

[Djosbun]

If you aren't in a rush, keep an eye on eBay. I purchased a mint condition 3/8" drive digital Mac torque wrench (flex head) with angle (TWXA100FD) for $200 (with case and all paperwork). That's listed on Mac's website at $513 (which is ridiculous) but at $200 I consider it a super deal. I use it all the time and love it.

--Dave

 

[Vinny]

You torque the bolt to a specified torque and then turn the bolt a number of degrees more as specified by the manufacturer. Cat has used this method for well over 50 years, they call it the torque-turn method. It is supposed to be superior to torque only. Typical of what Cat used to call out was 50 lb/ft plus 120°, 75 lb/ft plus 180°.

Roy

That's pretty cool.
I'm a VW nut, and I was able to procure some of the first VW service manuals from Germany. Back then, I guess there weren't too many torque wrenches available, or maybe many shops didn't have them, because torque was given as hand tight followed by turning to a certain time on the clock, such as 2 o'clock.

 

[dnschmidt]

As a matter of fact all of Proto's, MAC's and USAG's digital torque wrenches and all of their digital torque tools are made by Eclatorq as are the Harbor Freight Quinn and the digital Kobalt at Lowes.

 

[alheim]

Does that mean that they are all made at the same factory and to the same specs/tolerances?

 

[RKA]

Question...with these electronic torque/angle wrenches, do you need a fair amount of overhead on the wrenches max spec in order to achieve the proper torque without damage to the wrench?

Ex. Bolt spec is 75 ft lbs + 1/4 turn. The wrench's max capacity is 100 ft lbs. But if you torqued the bolt to spec, let's assume in this example that would put the bolt around 125 ft lbs. Should you really be switching to a larger wrench to avoid damage to the torque wrench or do they build them with sufficient overhead to handle any TTY bolt right up to the max capacity of the wrench?

 

[visionguru]

Question...with these electronic torque/angle wrenches, do you need a fair amount of overhead on the wrenches max spec in order to achieve the proper torque without damage to the wrench?

Ex. Bolt spec is 75 ft lbs + 1/4 turn. The wrench's max capacity is 100 ft lbs. But if you torqued the bolt to spec, let's assume in this example that would put the bolt around 125 ft lbs. Should you really be switching to a larger wrench to avoid damage to the torque wrench or do they build them with sufficient overhead to handle any TTY bolt right up to the max capacity of the wrench?

I think you are right. On Snap On Techangles, if more than 125% of maximum torque is applied, you will get a "overtorque" error and may need recalibration.

 

[mark#3]

In 1975 I bought a snap on dial torque wrench for $200, the reason I don't get it calibrated checked, is I heard snap on doesn't always give back the original wrench.I guess I can always buy another wrench to compare it to.

 

[nafterclifen]

Does that mean that they are all made at the same factory and to the same specs/tolerances?

Haha, no.

 

[visionguru]

In 1975 I bought a snap on dial torque wrench for $200, the reason I don't get it calibrated checked, is I heard snap on doesn't always give back the original wrench.I guess I can always buy another wrench to compare it to.

$200 in 1975 is equivalent to $1000 of today!

 

[dnschmidt]

That's the Gearwrench torque wrenches that I have in both 3/8" and 1/2". According to the Gearwrench guy at SEMA they are made by SATA which is headquartered in China. The guy at the official APEX torque wrench calibration place (Barry Sperlock at Angle Repair & Calibration, 175 Angle Drive, Beckley, WV 25801) told me the same thing. I traded in two of the original Gearwrench digital torque angle wrenches (the ones that ate batteries in a matter of days) for these plus something like $120 each. This was the deal the guy at SEMA gave me after I complained about the original wrenches.

 

[dnschmidt]

RKA you are exactly right. For example any Eclatorq torque wrench, and they make most of the digital torque wrenches commonly available, will permanently error out if you exceed the maximum rating by 10%. The example you provided is perfectly correct. Once you go over 110 ft-lb the wrench will display an error message that only Eclatorq proprietary software, which I have, will erase. So, you're right use a much bigger capacity wrench than you think you should need.