Art161

I read an ad for a torque wrench with a head that pivots 15 degrees either up or down from being in a straight line with the handle. While this might make it easier to fit into a tight space, wouldn't any deviation of the head from being in a straight line with the handle affect the accuracy? I always thought that the socket must be at an angle of 90 degrees from the handle to get a proper torque reading.

808muscle

This is the one I bought. Its awesome and worth every penny.

petrock

Yes, even 1 degree off of 90 degrees will effect the accuracy. However, you can calculate the deviation. So, if the torque wrench is digital, it may “know” the angle and be able to do the math & adjustment itself automatically. That is a big IF though.

whosniffedme

My dad uses an analog torque wrench with a pivoting head on his nitro dragster. If it was torquing incorrectly, the car would be falling apart going down the strip; but it never has. I think it's fine.

AMWill

I'm honestly not completely sure how much (I know it has some affect) a 15* angled torque wrench head will effect its accuracy. However, Snap-On has the same setup on both of their "most accurate" digital torque wrenches. Considering Snap-On has always been an industry leader and typically doesn't cut any corner when making a tool, I'm sure it's calculated in the torque before they made the product. I personally own the particular Snap-On torque wrench I'm referring to and haven't had any issues with improper torque.

Hope this helps!

Shane