Purchasing a Torque Wrench: Which brand?
10-04-2009, 07:54 AM
#21
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: MA
Posts: 1,387
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 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?
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 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?
10-04-2009, 11:07 PM
#23
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 402
I've never seen a Harbor Freight Torque Wrench (though I know of them).
What's the locking ring like?
I'm interested in one that's better than the Craftsman MicroTork I own: it's plastic, and spins all the way around (I have to manually stop it to find where the "lock" and "unlock" position are). Must be broken, though I've HARDLY used it in the 7 years of ownership.
CDI, Armstrong, Snap On (wishful thinking) all seem have sturdy, metal locking rings.
10-05-2009, 06:31 PM
#25
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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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.
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.
Is the torque wrench accuracy affected if I use an extension?
Answer: It depends on what type of extension you are using. If you are using an extension that is vertical to the drive, it has no affect on the accuracy. If you are using an extension that is horizontal to the drive, such as a crowfoot, making the effective length longer, then you need to use the Adapter Torque Formula found under the Torque Facts page.
- - - - - - -
Then, if you are interested, the Adapter Torque Formula page is found here:
http://www.cditorquecanada.com/torque_adapters.html
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In essence, vertical line extensions are OK to use. But if any straight line (horizontal) extension is used, then refer to the above page for the formula to figure out the correct torque adaptation. I'm still unsure about using angled extensions, though. That would seem to complicate matters beyond the scope of the above page.
Last edited by 7up; 10-05-2009 at 07:12 PM.
10-05-2009, 06:45 PM
#26
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Location: MA
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Yes an angle will complicate your measurements some, but only because you don't really know what angle you are at. I try to just use my torque wrench when I can hit something straight on, but as I think I said earlier, I couldn't even fit a 1/4" drive ratchet in to tigten up my headers, so some stuff just has to be guessed at occasionally.
10-05-2009, 06:57 PM
#27
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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Yes an angle will complicate your measurements some, but only because you don't really know what angle you are at. I try to just use my torque wrench when I can hit something straight on, but as I think I said earlier, I couldn't even fit a 1/4" drive ratchet in to tigten up my headers, so some stuff just has to be guessed at occasionally.
Interesting in that, as I was reading your post, at the bottom of the page there was a "content relevant" ad for Torque Wrenches designed to fit into tight spaces:
SMA & SMC Torque Wrenches
Specially Designed for Tight Areas In-Stock - Same Day Shipping
Specially Designed for Tight Areas In-Stock - Same Day Shipping
But yeah, angles will have you guessing -- tight spaces notwithstanding!
10-05-2009, 07:53 PM
#28
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Maryland
Posts: 201
here's what you do...
dail 1888 HD HUSKY
choose option for husky mechanics tools, you will be transferred to Stanley tools, explain how your husky tq wrench part number 39104 has broke while in use and they will send you a new one to your doorstep free of charge.
dail 1888 HD HUSKY
choose option for husky mechanics tools, you will be transferred to Stanley tools, explain how your husky tq wrench part number 39104 has broke while in use and they will send you a new one to your doorstep free of charge.
10-05-2009, 07:54 PM
#29
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: MA
Posts: 1,387
Interesting in that, as I was reading your post, at the bottom of the page there was a "content relevant" ad for Torque Wrenches designed to fit into tight spaces:
SMA & SMC Torque Wrenches
Specially Designed for Tight Areas In-Stock - Same Day Shipping
Specially Designed for Tight Areas In-Stock - Same Day Shipping
But yeah, angles will have you guessing -- tight spaces notwithstanding!
10-05-2009, 08:17 PM
#30
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 402
I just picked up that ad again, and noticed I failed to post the link which was associated with it in my original reply.
I'm sure there are many suppliers, but here's the one with the ad:
www.techtoolsupply.com
Actually, try this link:
http://tinyurl.com/yd57jq9
which brings up the wrenches directly on their site. They seem to be very small in regards to their torque range, unfortunately.
Last edited by 7up; 10-05-2009 at 08:32 PM. Reason: Added link