Precision instrument 1/2 split beam torque wrench opinion

[danielbuck]

I can't compare with Icon, but definitely put me in the camp of being happy with my PI split beams.

 

[dlleno]

follow-up. After giving Amazon a chance to make a bulk purchase of their own ("ships and sold from Amazon"), they regrettably were not successful and I ended up cancelling my order. At the risk of thread drift, I ended up with the Icon split beam 1/2" torque wrench from Harbor Freight, for $125, and an AC-delco Torque adapter that is documented to be within .25% and is supplied with its own calibration certificate. that way, I don't have just another measurement tool with its own calibration profile I have a calibration standard that will stay in a controlled environment (indoors) and not be used for wrenching. My Icon copy is spot on, btw, within a couple of percent. My old torque wrench was 10% off, reading higher than the torque it applied to the fastner, which I attribute to long-term stress on the main spring.

 

[dnschmidt]

I don't like the PI 1/2" split beam as it's too short for a 250 ft-lb torque wrench. My best friend nearly got a hernia when trying to use it on his Powerstroke 6.0 girdle which is torqued to 180 ft-lb. It needs to be longer. My other PI split beams are fine as they are of sufficient length for the range they're made.

 

[dlleno]

The icon is a little longer but I'm not sure it would save a hernia compared to the PI!

 

[ronkz650]

All the split beams are 22-23" for the most part as far as I know in the 250ft/lb. Shorter than other designs, but you can buy the 50ft/lb versions of the split beam that are 17" long and way to long. Just the way it is. I like them either way.

 

[dlleno]

ok I'll do the math. According to the published specs, the Icon is 7/8" longer than the PI. Assuming one can actually grip the handle 7/8" further from the drive, the Icon will require about 4% less force from you, in order to apply the same torque to the fastener. Thats what I'm sayin lol the Icon is a little longer but its not gonna save a hernia .

I didn't think I would care but I'm liking that 90-tooth ratchet. In one click the Icon handle moves about 3-inches less than does the handle of the PI. Put a hernia-saving extender on there -- lets say 36" in length from the drive -- and your extender will move 7 inches if its on the PI and 2.5-inches if its on the Icon. and it will take only 60 lbs of force to apply 180 ft. lbs of force to the fastener. btw, yes a pipe will work.

Without the extender it would take about 100 lbs of force to apply 180 ft. Lbs at 20 inches (hand center) away from the bolt. That's a lot for sure

 

[dlleno]

BTW changing the subject to heads...I had arp studs put in my Cummins 5.9 and the mechanic was quite a vigorous young man . He couldn't finish in one setting. these diesel head bolts take some serious torque

 

[dnschmidt]

Both TOPTUL and Eclatorq make their 250 ft-lb torque wrenches (well 340 N-m) considerably longer than the PI. Here's the ones I used on the Powerstroke

TOPTUL CLICKER: https://www.toptul.com/en/product-325687/Micrometer-Adjustable-Torque-Wrench-Window-Display.html The model number is ANAM1640
This is the longer of the two.
Eclatorq Digital with Angle: See attachment

 

[Mgdoug3]

My pulling tractor goes to 230 ft lbs. My Snap-on torque wrench is 26" long. It's a work out doing all 26 bolts. I wouldn't want anything shorter.

 

[Radio Flyer]

Yup, that goofy handle takes up too much room in the drawer.

you beat me to it…..

 

[garagesapien]

Appreciating everyone's advice, I ultimately decided to return both the Precision Instrument and ICON 1/2 split beam torque wrenches. Instead, I opted to acquire an ICON 1/2 digital wrench as a temporary solution for now .