1/2 inch torque wrench recommendation | FerrariChat

1/2 inch torque wrench recommendation

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by yelcab, Oct 28, 2018.

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  1. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    Nov 29, 2001
    12,661
    San Carlos, CA
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    Mitchell Le
    I have a really nice and pricey electronic Gearwrench 1/2 torque wrench that does Nm, Ftlb, and degrees rotation with a flex head. It's always in a case, inside a cabinet, and only comes out when really precision work is needed between 100 - 250 lbs. Well, it went tits up on me, won't even turn on with brand new AAA batteries. This is the second electronic torque wrench that has done this bull **** and I am DONE with the effing electronic torque wrenches. I am keeping it in my car so that I can pitch it over the side of the Golden Gate bridge the next time I cross it.

    I want to buy a mechanical clicking type that goes up to 250 lbs, 24 inches long minimum, and I am not sure what to buy. Choices are:

    1. Used SnapOn 250lbs wrench (not paying for new ones.... )
    2. New Gearwrench 1/2 inch 250 lb wrench
    3. Others ????

    Any insight, recommendation, and / or brain farts is appreciated.
     
  2. zygomatic

    zygomatic F1 Rookie
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    Jun 19, 2008
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    What are you going to use this for?

    I have a Tekton 1/2" click torque wrench that is mostly used for wheel bolts / lug nuts. I know S/O and others are more accurate and better made. For what this is used for, at $50 it was a good buy and hasn't let me down.
     
  3. zygomatic

    zygomatic F1 Rookie
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  4. Dave rocks

    Dave rocks F1 World Champ
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    You get what you pay for, Mitch.

    Two words - Snap On.
     
  5. John Glen

    John Glen Formula Junior

    Dec 30, 2009
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    John Glen Wesanko
    Snap On for sure. Remember to get calibrated.
     
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  6. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
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    Jun 14, 2011
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    I use digital snapon and get it calibrated yearly here at a digital instrument place in the area for $50
    Useally within 5 pounds
    Btw the rotation degree is widely used after torque
     
  7. ago car nut

    ago car nut F1 Veteran
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    Aug 29, 2008
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    The beam type is basically a spring and is more rugged. I double check my torque wrenches against each other. Put a bolt with nut in vise and try one wrench against another. You know that bolt torque is affected by lubrication or lack of on the thread. So I wouldn't get to concerned 100% accurate torque. Measuring bolt stretch is more accurate. Over tightening is bad.
     
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  8. bisel

    bisel Formula 3
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    #9 bisel, Oct 29, 2018
    Last edited: Oct 29, 2018
    Beam type very good, very reliable, but does not have a nice click when reaching set torque. I have a Craftsman dial in type. No batteries.

    Steve
     
  9. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    Nov 29, 2001
    12,661
    San Carlos, CA
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    Mitchell Le
    Let me add more information.

    I have seven torque wrenches from SnapOn 3/8 and 1/2 balanced beams, Precision Instrument 3/8 balanced beam, Husky 1/4 clicker, and Craftsman clicker types, and the now-dead electronic Gearwrench one. One is dedicated to 75lbs for torqueing wheels only. Four are used for high quality precision work to 150lbs. Occasionally, I need to go beyond 150 lbs (axle nuts, gearbox nuts, big ass wheel nuts) and that is when I pull out the big Gearwrench electronic one that is now dead as a door nail. No more electronic garbage (and I hold a MSEE).

    I bought the electronic one thinking that the degree rotation will come in handy but I have found its use to be finicky and inaccurate especially if you have to take multiple passes to get to the final degrees. So, I rely on my Snap On mechanical degree gauge for that. Or, simply mark the nuts/bolts. So that feature is not important anymore.

    So, now I am looking for a 24 inch long (so I can use the leverage), 1/2 type (big sockets), clicker adjustable mechanical type (no more batteries), that is of good quality and will last a long time. CDI is now making Snap On so I would just buy from CDI instead of a new Snap On.
     
  10. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
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    Jun 14, 2011
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    [QUOTE="yelcab, post: 146276084, member: 211"

    So, now I am looking for a 24 inch long (so I can use the leverage), 1/2 type (big sockets), clicker adjustable mechanical type (no more batteries), that is of good quality and will last a long time. CDI is now making Snap On so I would just buy from CDI instead of a new Snap On.[/QUOTE]



    Yeah I know you need one of these.
    Not mine just an example. I think the newer one is better gets better battery life from an update. Plus it has the degree wheel on it also
    I use these on Diesels with big ARP studs in the 200 lb range
    Same guts as another model I forget the name

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-1-2-Drive-Electronic-Torque-Wrench-TechAngle-ATECH3FR250B/253951850725?hash=item3b20b5b8e5:g:ROsAAOSwlY5b07Kv:rk:5:pf:1&frcectupt=true
     
  11. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    Nov 29, 2001
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    Yeah I know you need one of these.
    Not mine just an example. I think the newer one is better gets better battery life from an update. Plus it has the degree wheel on it also
    I use these on Diesels with big ARP studs in the 200 lb range
    Same guts as another model I forget the name

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-1-2-Drive-Electronic-Torque-Wrench-TechAngle-ATECH3FR250B/253951850725?hash=item3b20b5b8e5:g:ROsAAOSwlY5b07Kv:rk:5:pf:1&frcectupt=true[/QUOTE]
    How long have you had yours?
     
  12. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
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    Jun 14, 2011
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    I think 4 years or so

    I upgrade to the latest ones all the time, have 3/4 and 1/2 in these no 1/4 as I dont do that work anymore
     
  13. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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  14. jgmblair

    jgmblair Formula Junior
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    Does your wife have a sister ;)
     
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  15. Challenge

    Challenge Formula 3

    Sep 27, 2002
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    I got the big Tekton clicker that goes to 250 lb ft. Only need it for axle nuts but it seems to work well.
     
  16. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Sorry but no... I certainly got lucky, that's for sure.
     
  17. vincep99

    vincep99 Formula 3
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    I use SK-Wayne click-type; I have 3/8, 1/4 and 3/4 (the 3/4 was only for my Testarossa, haven't used it since). They work great. I also have an angle adapter for when I do torque/angle measurements.
     
  18. sandreb

    sandreb Karting

    Feb 7, 2018
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    Sander B.
    I use and recommend Precision Instruments torque wrenches.
     
  19. radlu

    radlu Formula Junior

    Jun 6, 2005
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    Harbor Freight has some good quality ones. Top notch.
     
  20. thorn

    thorn F1 Rookie
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    Harbor Freight doesn't have good quality anything. Inexpensive, though.
     
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  21. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    May 29, 2001
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    Utica Tools makes professional grade torque wrenches used in manufacturing and trades. I have had mine (home use) for 30 years. Every time I have the calibration checked it is spot on. http://uticatorquewrench.com/about-us.html
    http://uticatorquewrench.com/utica-ratchet-head-torque-wrenches.html
    Whatever you buy, (especially used) have the calibration checked. I had a friend buy two new Craftsman torque wrenches and had them checked and both were out of calibration right out of the box.
    I have purchased a second used Utica Tools torque wrench off Ebay and immediately sent it in for testing and calibration. Not expensive and they return with a certificate with calibration % in each direction.
     
  22. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    Consider a used Utica Tools 1/2" drive is $400+ new, but you can find them for $40 to $50 on Ebay. Send it out for calibration (factory or local) and you should be able to have a decent used one for 1/4 the price of new. Even if it needs a new ratchet head, you wouldn't be into it more than $175 to $200 total.
     
  23. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    Nov 29, 2001
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    San Carlos, CA
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    I snatched a SnapOn 1/2 inch 250lbs used torque wrench off Ebay. I will post picture when I get it.
    Since I am in a buying mood, I will make an offer on a Utica 3/4 inch 600lbs model
     
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  24. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    I think if you can find your local Snap On dealer, they have a tester and can test and calibrate on their trucks. Not sure if they service one from another manufacturer. Worth asking. A friend told me Snap On dealers only test, cannot calibrate
     

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