torque wrench

[bayoutoolguy]

I currently own a Snap On 5 to 75 ft lb 3/8 dr. flex head torque wrench, that as of lately, I've been just using it in the lower range of 18-40 ft lbs for doing oil changes and such, I haven't really done any major auto repair in a while. My question is, will using it in just the lower range affect the wrenches accuracy or the spring inside? I know its accurate from 20 to 100%, but what really is the effective upper range of this wrench? I've used it once or twice at 75 ft lbs but i know it doesn't help to do that often. While I do like this wrench and plan on keeping it, I do plan on getting a Tech Angle in the future, with being in college right now the clicker wrench has served me well. Those of you who own a 3/8 Techangle, how do you like it?

 

[APEowner]

You won't hurt it by using it. Just be sure to store it set to the lowest it'll go. Any torque wrench should be calibrated regularly. When I was a tech I sent mine out every 6 months. Now I do it more or less annually.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

20-100%

Realistically I only use it up to 50 or so ft-lbs, then I switch to my 1/2" Snap-On.

If its been a while, send it out for calibration. I sent my 3/8" SO 5-75 ft-lbs (20+ years old) to Angle Repair and it cost me $50 total with shipping (cleaning, new ratchet mechanism and calibration).

 

[L.Cheapo]

I have a 1/2" techangle. I will be buying the 3/8 and 1/4 next time they're on sale. That should tell you how much I like it.

 

[loveblacktea]

I have HANS torque wrench, Made in Taiwan. how do you think? I do not have enough money to get Nobar but I think this torque wrench is good enough. CDI? Never used it and I do not think I can afford it.
Hazet, Stahlwille or Gedore, do not even try them.
So my best choice can be made in Taiwan products

 

[Adam.C]

I currently own a Snap On 5 to 75 ft lb 3/8 dr. flex head torque wrench, that as of lately, I've been just using it in the lower range of 18-40 ft lbs for doing oil changes and such, I haven't really done any major auto repair in a while. My question is, will using it in just the lower range affect the wrenches accuracy or the spring inside? I know its accurate from 20 to 100%, but what really is the effective upper range of this wrench? I've used it once or twice at 75 ft lbs but i know it doesn't help to do that often. While I do like this wrench and plan on keeping it, I do plan on getting a Tech Angle in the future, with being in college right now the clicker wrench has served me well. Those of you who own a 3/8 Techangle, how do you like it?

A lot of misinformation about torque wrenches floating around this board. According to Snap On, using a torque wrench for values in the middle of its range should allow the wrench to be used 20,000 times before calibration is needed.

Corrosion, mishandling, may be the deciding factors for part time users. Maybe we should be sending our wrenches out for recal every 5 years or so.

If you use your wrench above 80% of its range, then the time to recalibrate should be about 5000 cycles according to Snap On.

Techangles are great to use and easy to turn angles with. The discussions about torqueing corroded bolts, improperly lubed bolts etc is the reason why engineering depts are specifying angles. They will only become more prevalent. One effect is that we will need wrenches that are accurate at lower torque values. Tech wrenches do a great job of that.

HF wrenches are not good to 4%. Some tests show them off by 20%.

 

[gdocktor3]

Find a truck and let the dealer test it and recalibrate it. I believe they do it for free. I have 4 click types and a beam type. Every so often I'll pull them all out and see if they all read the same.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

Find a truck and let the dealer test it and recalibrate it. I believe they do it for free. I have 4 click types and a beam type. Every so often I'll pull them all out and see if they all read the same.

The Snap On dealer here doesn't calibrate them, but he'll check them for free. If you are worried I'd ask your local dealer about this.