Torque Wrench Preferences

[mobiledynamics]

Just curious - what type of torque wrench do you guys prefer, the clickers, electronic, the dial gauge.

IF memory serves me, the dial gauge had the least amount of deflection within it's rating out of the 3.

I'm not doing prevision work. I've yet to send one back to be calibrated.

I use a split beam mainly.
The CDI Digi was Kewl and I bought one, but I find myself reaching the Split Beam Precision Instruments one.

Use the CDI 1/4 tons on smaller sockets.

 

[sensei_]

deflecting beam for me. however, i do like the micrometer if i have to torque multiple bolts

 

[Steinmetz]

deflecting beam for me. however, i do like the micrometer if i have to torque multiple bolts

Agree. Particularly the old Sturtevant torque wrenches. BTW, I hate any tool with batteries or software installed.

 

[GSteg]

I love my electronic torque wrenches. It's accurate and consistent.

 

[6-Speed]

Split beam ... which is like a micrometer type clicker that I don't have to dial down after each use.

 

[jmm]

Since I joined up here, I've learned to trust my old Cman split beam for most work. When I need to torque something to a higher value than that one goes, I've got a beefy Hazet clicker that my employer pays to keep calibrated.

 

[6-Speed]

Since I joined up here, I've learned to trust my old Cman split beam for most work. When I need to torque something to a higher value than that one goes, I've got a beefy Hazet clicker that my employer pays to keep calibrated.

Split Beam is not the same as a beam; I don't believe Cman ever offered a split beam type torque wrench.

 

[matt1977]

I prefer dial type

 

[pipsters]

I did a test recently that showed the old school beam style to be the most accurate in terms of repeatability. I have a split beam from PI that I just cannot get to be consistent, unfortunately. Some times it is DEAD ON within +/- 0.2-0.3 ft-lbs and sometimes it is WAY OFF by 2-3 ft-lbs on the lower scales (equal to over 10% off). The clicker I have has been fairly accurate.

Based upon my unscientific approach, I would use a beam torque wrench when doing anything requiring great accuracy, such as internal engine work. Anything not requiring great accuracy, I'm going to use a clicker because they are easy to use. If my PI was more consistent I would use it.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Every wrench has it's sweet spot. The paperwork will tell you where the 4% deviation occurs..

 

[6-Speed]

I did a test recently that showed the old school beam style to be the most accurate in terms of repeatability. I have a split beam from PI that I just cannot get to be consistent, unfortunately. Some times it is DEAD ON within +/- 0.2-0.3 ft-lbs and sometimes it is WAY OFF by 2-3 ft-lbs on the lower scales (equal to over 10% off). The clicker I have has been fairly accurate.

Just be aware that the specified accuracy of the PI split-beam as well as micrometer types is only good for a fraction of their adjustable range ... typically from 20 to 100% of full scale. So a 40 to 250 lb-ft torque wrench is only good between 50 lb-ft to 250 lb-ft even though it's adjustable down to 40 lb-ft. Here's a statement from PI's site:

• Extremely Accurate-Accurate within 4% of reading from 20% of full scale to full scale.

Furthermore, 4% of 50 lb-ft is 2 lb-ft.

 

[pipsters]

Just be aware that the specified accuracy of the PI split-beam as well as micrometer types is only good for a fraction of their adjustable range ... typically from 20 to 100% of full scale. So a 40 to 250 lb-ft torque wrench is only good between 50 lb-ft to 250 lb-ft even though it's adjustable down to 40 lb-ft. Here's a statement from PI's site:

• Extremely Accurate-Accurate within 4% of reading from 20% of full scale to full scale.

Furthermore, 4% of 50 lb-ft is 2 lb-ft.

You can't select anything outside of the 20-100% range on PI torque wrenches, it's impossible, at least on mine.

In my case I was pulling results of 17-18 ft-lbs when set to 20 ft-lbs on a 10-50 ft-lbs PI split beam. This was moving the wrench slowly, holding on to it with one finger, between the "bars" where you are supposed to apply torque. I just can't figure this thing out. I can get my beam style nuts on. And sometimes the PI is right on, within 0.2 ft-lbs. So it's not the wrench I don't think, but it is very finicky to use.

 

[sdguy55]

I have three different styles at work. 1/2 in is dual split beam. 3/8 is micrometer style. And 1/4 is micrometer but fixed head not ratcheting. I prefer dual beam by far. Not near as accurate though

 

[mechanical turk]

I really like my precision instruments split beams. Haven't really tested them but I haven't noticed any inconsistency.

For the way I use my torque wrenches clickers are a pain to work with, though. Definitely sold on the split/deflecting beam style wrenches.

Been ogling a Warren and Brown deflecting beam for quite some time but considering I just wrench on the weekends and have no real need for it I can't justify the price. But oh boy, I want one so bad.

 

[6-Speed]

You can't select anything outside of the 20-100% range on PI torque wrenches, it's impossible, at least on mine.

In my case I was pulling results of 17-18 ft-lbs when set to 20 ft-lbs on a 10-50 ft-lbs PI split beam.

Hmmm ... must be an older wrench as I don't see that range available on PI's site, at least not in a split-beam.

Okay ... I see it. It's the 100 to 600 lb-in C2FR600H. Yeah it should work down to 10 lb-ft and give you at least +/- 0.4 lb-ft accuracy there.

 

[pipsters]

Hmmm ... must be an older wrench as I don't see that range available on PI's site, at least not in a split-beam.

Okay ... I see it. It's the 100 to 600 lb-in C2FR600H.

That's it. Just easier to say ft-lbs.

They have great communication, my previous one was rusting internally and they swapped it out with a brand new unit this past December.

 

[jmm]

Split Beam is not the same as a beam; I don't believe Cman ever offered a split beam type torque wrench.

Oops. I meant regular old beam.

 

[Treeman]

Pipsters,

How are you determining that your PI wrench is off?

On engineering forums, it's often stated that fastener torque (tension) can be off +/- 30% due to differences in the threads......dirt, lubrication, burrs, mis-formed threads, etc..


Here's just one of many sites that state this principle: http://www.surebolt.com/surebolt.htm

 

[pipsters]

Pipsters,

How are you determining that your PI wrench is off?

Take a read

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181259

That's also an old test, I've since redone it. Had much better results with the beam. If you read the thread, I attributed the beam inaccuracy to parallax error.

 

[the1nonlyjl]

I prefer dial type

ditto

 

[crewchief888]

3/8" & 1/2" SO split beam
3/8" micrometer SO clicker
3/8" CM deflecting beam

 

[6-Speed]

Been ogling a Warren and Brown deflecting beam for quite some time but considering I just wrench on the weekends and have no real need for it I can't justify the price. But oh boy, I want one so bad.

This the first I've heard of a deflecting beam torque wrench, which is again not the same as a beam type or split beam type. I've have to look into their merits.

http://precisiontools.warrenandbrown.com.au/products/204/Torque Wrenches/212/Deflecting Beams

http://precisiontools.warrenandbrown.com.au/public/editor_images/PDFS/Deflecting beam selson.pdf