PI split beam TQ wrench

[lightning02]

im looking into get a PI split beam. my question is has anyone that has one ever ran into a problem where they needed to use it in reverse for any reason?

this is my first TQ wrench without having an opt to be used in reverse so i wanted to ask first.

 

[Fcvapor05]

Left hand thread fasteners are very rare. The average person will probably never touch one, let alone need to use a torque wrench on one.

 

[ca90ss]

I've had a couple old cars that used left handed lug nuts on one side but otherwise haven't run into any situations where I've needed to torque anything in reverse.

 

[lightning02]

That's good to hear....

 

[rlitman]

Regardless, I wouldn't trust a micrometer torque wrench in reverse either, even though it may click. They're not calibrated to be used in reverse.
A beam or torque-meter torque wrench should be fine in reverse though.

 

[lightning02]

Iv never used one in reverse even tho I had the opt to. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't looking passed something where id need to for some reason before buying.

 

[Treeman]

I'm 60 years old and do a moderate amount of wrenching on vehicles, ag. equipment, and outdoor power (landscape) equipment. I have never regretted having the PI split beam wrench. The only left hand thread I have is on weed trimmer heads, and no torque wrench is needed there.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

It's a really good torque wrench, get it

____________
Chris
Product Manager

 

[Jeeper]

I haven't run into any but I am just a DIYer. I have the PI split beam in both 1/2" and 3/8". Its nice not having to reset to lowest value after every use.

 

[nh_yota]

Some engines use left hand threaded bolts on pulleys depending on which way the belt is moving.

 

[48548]

I have a 3/8 pi and a snapon 1/2 pi and they are both great products. I recommend them to everyone who wants a cheaper wrench made in the usa and one that will last a lifetime. If left handed is a big issue, I would step up to the snapon techangle. The one I have has a switch on the ratchet to go both ways and a dual 80 head, plus you can do torque to yield bolts, but obviously it is 3-4 times as much as a pi.

 

[guy48065]

Regardless, I wouldn't trust a micrometer torque wrench in reverse either, even though it may click. They're not calibrated to be used in reverse.
A beam or torque-meter torque wrench should be fine in reverse though.

They certainly are if they're marked with a bi-directional arrow on the handle (usually near the lock ring). In fact most I've checked that are NOT marked for CCW still pass typical ±6% spec...but a PI has a different mechanism and will not click in reverse.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

They certainly are if they're marked with a bi-directional arrow on the handle (usually near the lock ring). In fact most I've checked that are NOT marked for CCW still pass typical ±6% spec...but a PI has a different mechanism and will not click in reverse.

+1

Both my SO and CDI are calibrated CW/CCW... That said I've run into a few LH-thread bolts/nuts over the years, but for those few occasions a wrench could probably be borrowed.

 

[dnschmidt]

Get the PI and it will handle 99.99% of anything you're going to work on. Buy a $10 Harbor Freight in whatever size you think you'll need and these can be used for the three times in your lifetime you're going to find a left handed bolt.

The only left handed bolt I've encountered is the one that holds the pulley onto the belt tensioner on my GM 3800 engine. This has to be left handed as the tensioner is rotated counter-clockwise to remove the belt. That and really old Chryslers where they had left hand lug studs on one side of the car and right hand on the other are the only instances I can think of that used left handed bolts.

 

[rlitman]

I encounter left handed bolts all the time.
On my left grinding wheel, on my circular saw arbor, on my stick edger (I've heard of left handed lug nuts, but never seen them first hand), left bicycle pedals, turnbuckle locking nuts, etc.

Never have I needed to torque one though. The idea behind left handed bolts is that they're used on rotating parts in ways that make them self tightening (where a right handed bolt would be self loosening). In such a use, all you need to do is get it snug, and leave it alone. I have never encountered a torque to yield, or torque critical left handed bolt. Is this something that comes up in aerospace use perhaps (for holding on counter rotating props)?

Oh, and there are those left handed thread CGA gas fittings (like for propane) where the threading is chosen to prevent hooking up the wrong thing, but again, not something you'd put a torque wrench on.

 

[bryan750]

I have the P.I in 1/2 and 3/8 split beam and I really like them and I haven't needed to torque any left hand threads.

 

[GTA Matt]

Dodge and gm, and I'm sure a few others, ring gear bolts are left hand thread. I have pi split beams, and use them almost exclusively, but on those ring gear bolts I use my digital torque wrench since it has a reversible head.

 

[Almostbroke94]

As others have said, it really is an awesome torque wrench. Bought one a couple weeks ago and love it.

 

[firworks]

Yep, just go for it. Super nice torque wrench that makes micrometer types seem like a giant pain.