Mastercraft Maximum Digital Torque Wrench

[1961MGA]

Has anyone used this? I was going to replace my click one with this. Or anyone know who manfactures it?

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/maximum-1-2-in-drive-electronic-torque-wrench-0580322p.html#srp

 

[guy48065]

It appears to be a rebranded Eclatorq.

"dnschmidt" will be along to extoll the virtues of Eclatorq digitals.

I've only had experience with one so I should hold my opinions.

 

[javyLSU]

Yep, does look like an Eclatorq. I bought the Kobalt version at Lowe’s a few weeks ago, and it’s been awesome. The beep is loud, and accuracy has been spot on with everything I’ve checked it against. My clickers haven’t come out of their cases since I bought this digital wrench. Couldn’t recommend it more!

 

[Tallpilot]

I had the Carlyle branded version. It is a great wrench with the lights and beep. My only complaint was the low tooth count. I've since replaced it with a Techangle.

But at any price under $150 it is an excellent tool.
.

 

[Professional Tool User]

You got to go in store and check the packaging to see if it is Made in China or Taiwan first before coming to any conclusions. If the Eclatorq ones are Made in Taiwan and the Maximum ones in China (I have yet to see a Made in Taiwan Mastercraft or Maximum tool) this theory has a problem unless the OEM has manufacturing done in both Taiwan and China.

 

[dnschmidt]

Yes it is an Eclatorq and I do not know if they have any China manufacturing facilities. To the best of my knowledge they do everything in Taiwan. Exactly when have I extolled the virtues of damn near anything except Pro V1 golf balls. I know that you had a problem with the calibration of an Eclatorq wrench. You kept bugging me about it and I tried my level best to help you when I had absolutely no reason to do so as I don't know you from the man in the moon and this is the snide comment I get.

 

[daithi]

@dnschmidt

Sorry for bumping an old thread...
I'm looking for a new torque wrench and leaning towards digital because we do bearing preloads with rolling torque specs at work.
This one caught my eye for the price and torque range (12.5-250 is sweet, I feel like they're all usually 50-250)

I've seen you mention in a few other threads that you sell/sold Eclatorq products? Have you any idea where it would possible to get them checked/calibrated in Canada or reset in the case of an error (I've read that they error out if you accidentally go over the range and need software to reset them).

If you don't know could you point me in any direction to find out?

 

[dnschmidt]

I have the software to do the reset and the calibration which is all done through software and a proprietary cable that I got from Eclatorq but I haven't used it in five years and it ran on a Windows 7 computer so I'm not sure I could still do it. I would call around to see who sells MAC or Proto digital torque wrenches and find out from them where in Canada to send MAC, USAG and Proto digital torque wrenches to get calibrated as they are all made by Eclatorq. Surely MAC and Proto have some arrangement with somebody in Canada to handle their torque wrench calibrations. It's all done with a computer. You don't just turn a screw as you do with the normal clicker.

The way you get the error message is typically when dealing with torque to yield bolts. Here's the problem. The wrench has a maximum range of say 135 N-m. So the first step in torque to yield is normally a very low value of say 30 N-m. You then need to tighten another 120 degrees. During this angle part the torque wrench exceeds it's maximum value. Up pops the error message. On torque to yield always use what seems like a much higher range torque wrench that what you think will be needed.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have the software to do the reset and the calibration which is all done through software and a proprietary cable that I got from Eclatorq but I haven't used it in five years and it ran on a Windows 7 computer so I'm not sure I could still do it. I would call around to see who sells MAC or Proto digital torque wrenches and find out from them where in Canada to send MAC, USAG and Proto digital torque wrenches to get calibrated as they are all made by Eclatorq. Surely MAC and Proto have some arrangement with somebody in Canada to handle their torque wrench calibrations. It's all done with a computer. You don't just turn a screw as you do with the normal clicker.

The way you get the error message it typically when dealing with torque to yield bolts. Here's the problem. The wrench has a maximum range of say 135 N-m. So the first step in torque to yield is normally a very low value of say 30 N-m. You then need to tighten another 120 degrees. During this angle part the torque wrench exceeds it's maximum value. Up pops the error message. On torque to yield always use what seems like a much higher range torque wrench that what you think will be needed.

Snap on is the same way. I have a 300ft/lb wrench that isn't hard to go over. A VW axle bolt, yeah a bolt, will be 200nm PLUS 180 degrees. All of 150ft/lb and 180 degrees. I use the techangle for the torque, and a pipe on a 24" ratchet for the angle. Usually the techangle would be over torqued before 45 or 90 degrees.

I'm far from a torque wrench expert, but the tech angle just goes red on the LEDs when you go over. It's back in business in 5 seconds.

 

[dnschmidt]

The Eclatorq continues to work without anything happening just like the TechAngle but it puts a little Icon on the wrench's display telling you that you've overtorqued it - thereby pestering you to get it's calibration checked. I've never seen it actually harm the wrench in any way or affect the actual calibration but the constant reminder that you fucked up staring you in the face every time you turn the wrench on would likely bother most people including me.

 

[daithi]

I have the software to do the reset and the calibration which is all done through software and a proprietary cable that I got from Eclatorq but I haven't used it in five years and it ran on a Windows 7 computer so I'm not sure I could still do it. I would call around to see who sells MAC or Proto digital torque wrenches and find out from them where in Canada to send MAC, USAG and Proto digital torque wrenches to get calibrated as they are all made by Eclatorq. Surely MAC and Proto have some arrangement with somebody in Canada to handle their torque wrench calibrations. It's all done with a computer. You don't just turn a screw as you do with the normal clicker.

The way you get the error message it typically when dealing with torque to yield bolts. Here's the problem. The wrench has a maximum range of say 135 N-m. So the first step in torque to yield is normally a very low value of say 30 N-m. You then need to tighten another 120 degrees. During this angle part the torque wrench exceeds it's maximum value. Up pops the error message. On torque to yield always use what seems like a much higher range torque wrench that what you think will be needed.

Thanks for the pointers I'll see what I can find. I'm putting a block back together at the moment and it's 55ft-lb + 120 degrees for the main journals. Just doing the paint pen method for now. I was thinking of getting a digital torque wrench without angle and then putting the price difference toward a Brownline. Only problem is I was kind of hoping for a flex head and it seems they're only on the higher priced angle units anyway!
I refuse to buy a SnapOn. The rep here is about as useful as an armful of roasted snow. My buddy just tried to warranty a broken clicker and the dude wanted $200-300 CAD for a rebuild... What's the point in paying tool truck prices if they won't warranty anything.