Digital torque wrench
Digital torque wrench
(OP)
Guys, what are your thoughts on these?
After years of using the 'click' type I recently got one and didn't really get on with it, it wasn't cheap at around $450 and I had hoped for more.
When using the tool it vibrated and beeped at 1Nm less than what was on the display so I set it higher, watched the numbers and released manually.
When set to 90 degrees I noticed it was clicking off at about 80' so I ditched it and went back to using a solid bar.
Not very impressed at this price really!
After years of using the 'click' type I recently got one and didn't really get on with it, it wasn't cheap at around $450 and I had hoped for more.
When using the tool it vibrated and beeped at 1Nm less than what was on the display so I set it higher, watched the numbers and released manually.
When set to 90 degrees I noticed it was clicking off at about 80' so I ditched it and went back to using a solid bar.
Not very impressed at this price really!





RE: Digital torque wrench
Snap-On sells a digital angle type wrench. I believe its called the "Techangle". I use it and it has worked extremely well so far. It uses an electronic gyro to measure tightening angle within +/-1 degree. We do flight critical assembly where I work, and most of our fasteners are torqued to strain for preload using the angle method.
The 250 ft-lb 1/2" drive costs around $500 I believe, and comes calibrated.
The angle type torquing method is definitely more accurate and repeatable than the old "clicker".
Regards,
Terry
RE: Digital torque wrench
Now looking at that statement I just made you got me thinking and I'm going to invest in a new 'socket' (I put that in inverted commas because it is a Ribe fitting) as it looks a bit worn, that should increase the accuracy.
Thanks for posting and making me think.
Deltona.
RE: Digital torque wrench
Now for the wrenches I use for my race cars...I have three very old beam wrenches, a Bonney, a Snap On and, a Chraftsman. All are in agreement when compared and I use them to ck the calibration on my Chraftsman click type 3/8" and 1/2" drive models. So far the 3/8" drive that I use the most is still "spot on" after over four years of continuous use.
I still like my beam wrenches and I will always have them for fall back should I need them. Bulletproof!
Rod
RE: Digital torque wrench
It seems like in recent years, digital is a magic word meaning better. Someplaces digital actaully works more precisely and if one needs the precision then it makes sense. On numerous devices I prefer analog over digital.
RE: Digital torque wrench
I'm still using tools that my dad used in the 1930's so I may not be the person to judge digital tools.
Rod
RE: Digital torque wrench
Hey Guys -
If you haven't noticed, digital readouts are almost a necessity for a large segment of the current younger generation(s). To use a vernier or dial caliper or vernier micrometer it takes a bit of observational and deductive skill in conjunction with the ability to perform addition. I am going to stop now before I really go off.
Yosh
RE: Digital torque wrench
But if you need to measure the running (prevailing) torque of a self locking fastener to verify that the locking element is still within spec, then a dial type torque wrench is the best choice. A dial type torque wrench may also be necessary if the installation torque must be witnessed by an inspector.
Regards,
Terry
RE: Digital torque wrench
The one down side of clickers is that they tend to go out of adjustment whereas the beam/dial style holds its calibration for a long time (provided it isn't badly abused)
ISZ
RE: Digital torque wrench
RE: Digital torque wrench
RE: Digital torque wrench
That would be hard to do!
RE: Digital torque wrench
http://www.alltradetools.com/torqueadapter/
Saw it on Amazon for $49 for the 3/8" model.
Alex
RE: Digital torque wrench
Rod
RE: Digital torque wrench
I would like to share with you what I and we do here at my shop. In my years in industry I probably have hired 200 to 300 engineers and as the years have gone by, our tendency has been to go to digital as that is what has been handed to us. I still have my slide rule and grab it out ever so often to use just to keep that skill "sharp". I counted this morning 10 torque wrenches here in the shop. There is only 2 of us here. 2 click click which we never use unless it is in a space where we absolutely have too, 5 beams, and 3 electronic. I keep on put up that stays calibrated and is calibrated each and every year. I welded 2 sockets together so that I can test each against the "master calibrated" wrench. We check each every 2 weeks and we make sure of the temperature of the shop when we check. And yes, you will be amazed how much one can change, digital or click click. We use the beams 99% of the time if we have to use a torque wrench and when we can we use the stretch gauge, which in my opinion is far more accurate than any other gauge. Just my 2 cents worth.
racear
RE: Digital torque wrench
Alltrade is one of the lowest of the low-end tool purveyors, I would be very leery. Their stuff is usually in the "any tool for $3.99" bin at KMart.
Racear, I agree with your remarks. There is a presumption that anything digital is more accurate, that many times is not warranted.
RE: Digital torque wrench
One anecdote...I had a really nice Milwaukee chop saw that would fail every now and again requiring a trip to the local store. On one such trip, I stopped by Harbor Freight and picked up a cheap chop saw (perhaps it was Alltrade, it has no name)...Fast forward, that cheap saw is still working and it's been several years. I don't even bother to bring it in at night. The Milwaukee is repaired and is sitting on a shelf in the storage room. I'll use it when the cheapo quits, but I'll never buy another.
We are in agreement about tools, though. Always buy the best you can afford and you will seldom be disappointed.
Rod
RE: Digital torque wrench
To repeat myself:
And yes racear how is the modulus of elasticity on your beam wrench going to change? As long as the needle is pointing at zero when you start, how is it going to become uncalibrated? Even a moderate temperature change should not have a measurable effect but now I am curious and will have to check it out unless someone wants to take up the challenge and beat me to it. MOE of Iron (Steel is essentially Iron) vs temperature say + - 50Fdeg.
RE: Digital torque wrench
Given the huge variability between applied torque and fastener tension this gains you nothing.
RE: Digital torque wrench
The tq settings for many of my more critical setups, e.g., connecting rod bolts/studs, are determined by stretch. The tq wrench is simply a time saving device in that case.
I've said it before, but it's worth repeating...I use my "clickers" for checking wheels, motor mounts, rear end studs, etc. I use my old, antique, beams for the basic engine. I just simply don't like the digital...just the prejudice of a reeeealy old dude, I guess. Every time I pick up the damn thing the battery is dead!
Rod
RE: Digital torque wrench
RE: Digital torque wrench
I'm sorry if I implied that the beam becomes uncalibrated, but if you drop it, get mad throw and it against the wall, loan to a GOOD friend, the beam can become loose and need re-calibrated from the uncalibrated. And you are probably right about temperature but since it comes back from the check joint and that little piece of paper I just paid dearly for said it was calibrated at a temperature, I figure they must know more than I do. MOE now means moe the grass. And yes old men rule until old women say we cant, then they rule, especially around meal time. HeHeHe
RE: Digital torque wrench
thought you might like this.
http:/
It appears they have several, or I will sale you mine. real high though. My interest is compounded instantly. My youngest great grand son taught me that when I asked him to borrow some money
racear
RE: Digital torque wrench