Yet another Snap-on Torque wrench question

[rbahr]

Hi All,

I need a very good angle torque wrench. Don't want to buy new, so looking on flea-bay & Craigslist.

My question is how does one differentiate the versions/revisions/generation?

What about the angle dodad thing-a-ma-bob that acts as a pass through with some sort of angle gauge - how accurate are they?

Thanks

Ray

 

[disston]

What are you planning to use this torque wrench on?

I think the click type torque wrenches are the best bang for the buck and most suitable for things that an ammeter mechanic may run into. You need several sizes tho. 1/2" for anything above 75 ft/lbs up thru 250 ft/lbs. Since this spread is too large for any one wrench you need 2 or 3. A 3/8 drive wrench may be what you need most. It should be useful for anything from 10 ft/lbs to a hundred or so. Again you may need several wrenches of this size if you run into a variety of machines. !/4 in wrenches are . for small stuff and are often ignored but you'd be surprised how often fasteners are over tightened when not using them.

It's an important aspect about using torque wrenches that you should aim to use a wrench that has the desired setting you need in the middle of it's range. Of course I don't mean exactly in the middle but a torque wrench is not very accurate in the lower 10 to 15 % of it's range and the top 10 % or so. This is an old idea pertaining to using torque wrenches and like other old advice that has been around a long time there's a lot of wisdom in it.

If you are going to buy used get these wrenches tested and possibly repaired. The tool truck guys offer this service. Usually you have to give them the wrench and they will bring it back next week with the verdict.

I have over a dozen torque wrenches of various make in my collection. I buy older wrenches of the classic pro type. I have Bonney, Sturtevant, Utica and others. I use a bar wrench to check the torque setting on my clicker wrenches.

That is what I do. You know the dial type wrenches by Snap On and others are supposed to be more accurate I think but I don't see where I need any thing better than what I have set up so far.

 

[rbahr]

Thanks,

I have a set of click type - all SO or CDI (same difference).

I am working on a motor that has very precise torque + angle readings, so I would like a way to accommodate this. The rod bolts are the torque to stretch, but I made a jig for that...

Been looking at the Techangle SO, but want to buy the latest under the assumption that they would be the best.

My problem is that SO has had several generations, and I don't know what part numbers correspond to what generation. My need is for a 1/2" drive.
Thanks

Ray

 

[LXCam]

Best money I ever spent was my tech angles. I have the old style that had issues with the battery cap but I figured out the issue and fixed it myself. So if you come across s deal on one don't be afraid to pick it up for the right price. Also if you're doing a lot of torque to yield fasteners in hard to reach areas (like a engine bay) these are the only way to go.

 

[Wamsutta]

I would rather use a paint marker than buy a cheaper substitute for the real thing. That's why I'm saving my pennies until I can afford a Tech Angle.

 

[guy48065]

Snap-on and CDI have never disappointed me with their customer service--even warrantying tools used commercially. They also replaced the entire handle (new battery cap retrofit no longer available) on an older Techangle for free. No need to cough up a receipt.

My service experiences with the imports has been mostly frustration.