VistaBlue GT

i've had my Craftsman for about 5 years now.. it does the job for me.

7up

I, too, have a Craftsman (MicroTork) -- but only measures to 250 in•lbs.

Then, I have Craftsman beam-type wrench which measure up to about 75 ft•lbs -- if I recall.

But I'm interested in a Click type wrench for some higher end measurements, as the beam type torque wrenches are subject to a "smooth" tightening motion for an accurate reading -- and that becomes a factor in higher end torquing.

rdsx18

You know, I haven't seen the flex-head, but I don't really know if it would be worth it. I've noticed my torque wrench is too large for most stuff under the hood, so if I need to torque something I'd be using extensions, and a swivel if necessary.

7up

Ditto: only seen pictures of it.

I'm wondering though -- isn't using certain types of 'add-ons' to a torque wrench a prescription to invalidate the reading?

I had thought that straight line extensions (perpendicular) were OK to retain a correct torque reading.

But when adding -- for example -- a universal joint, something doesn't add up to a correct reading, and the torque spec. on your wrench becomes a moot point and isn't valid.

Yet CDI/Snap-On must have done something to account for the Flex-Head factor, as it seems to swivel a bit -- from looking at the pictures.

So are you saying that where you can't reach inside your engine with your torque wrench, you just use the good old fashioned hand tightened methodology?

98cobraguy

I would go with Armstrong, its sold at Fastenal

7up

There happens to be a Fastenal down the street from me.

A cursory look at their website, though, reveals Armstrong doesn't make a wrench that fits my torque specification/drive size/price (mainly price).

In all probability, however, I'm sure they can get items that aren't listed on their website. I'll give them a call Monday for some prices & specs.

Thanks.

98cobraguy

I work at Fastenal in the Indiana area, they can get it

7up

Just took a look at Armstrong's tool website, and they do make a model that fits my needs. (I downloaded their PDF Catalog, too.)

It's a bit more money than a comparable CDI.

Without bias (as you do work for Fastenal, a supplier) -- what are your opinions of Armstrong v. CDI? Is there a huge difference in quality that would justify the extra ~$50 bucks (for the model I'm looking at)?

98cobraguy

I honestly dont know much about CDI but i do know that armstrong is an industrial brand

7up

Cool - thanks again for the heads up.

I'll revisit my decision and look into Armstrong.

Buying tools on the cheap can come back to bite you, especially a precision type tool. I don't want to get short changed down the road (literally and figuratively).