Split beam torque wrenches

[m_hatcher]

I am about to pull the trigger on some PI split beams from Tooltopia but I have a couple questions that I was not able to answer on my own. The posts discussing the PI wrenches never touched on these questions, and I have only ever used a clicker style wrench.

1. With split beams, do they click like a standard clicker style wrench?

2. Do they have limited angle use such as parallel to your work and no vertical torquing?

Thanks for any info

 

[Snapped-off]

They click just like a micrometer torque wrench. They don't have an internal spring, so you technically don't have to "zero" them out after every use, but it's still recommended.

They're usually flex-head, with I think +/- 15 degrees of arc. So it shouldn't be a big issue since they're made like that. Not sure if this answers your second question or not.

 

[m_hatcher]

The first answer helps but the second not so much but that may be because I didnt explain my question very well. When I refer to not using them at angles I am referring to using them at none 90 degree angles if that makes sense

 

[pipsters]

You can use them at any angle you want

I have the 10-50 ft-lbs 3/8" one.

They are a beam torque wrench with a mechanism to set the point at which you hear a click. Zeroing them out does nothing...not sure why the guy above said it was recommended to do so.

 

[Snapped-off]

You can use them at any angle you want

I have the 10-50 ft-lbs 3/8" one.

They are a beam torque wrench with a mechanism to set the point at which you hear a click. Zeroing them out does nothing...not sure why the guy above said it was recommended to do so.

I said it was recommended because on one of the little papers that came with my torque wrench it says to set it to the lowest value after use.

I zero mine out of habit anyway.

 

[6-Speed]

I leave mine set to 80 lb-ft, which is lug nut torque for some of my vehicles. It can be used oriented at all sorts of different angles.

 

[JASTECH]

I zero mine after use too, thought you were talking about "Beam" style TW. When torquing to specs. on very delicate items then your "Angle" of driver needs to be within specs. You can buy a angle guage that you attach your torque wrench through to what your torquing, this angle is related to the binding of angle. I may have confused you and not answered your question eh?

 

[Charles (in GA)]

You can hold it upside down, rightside up, sideways or otherwise. You do need to have it reasonably square to your work so the socket will stay on, no different than any other torque wrench. The flex head is a fairly minor amount of movement, and doesn't affect the torque. Great for clearing fenders when torquing wheels and such.

The PI torque wrenches specifically state that is is not necessary to zero them, as there is nothing inside that is affected by leaving them set. I zero them out of habit from using all kinds of other torque wrenches both at home and work.

Charles

 

[m_hatcher]

Thanks guys, I don't remember where I had read that it only was accurate at certain angles but since that was wrong I am gonna go ahead and order me a 1/2"