Torque wrench users……. Do you/how often do you calibrate?

^i just bought an olsa splitbeam. It looks like most split beams are made by the same company. I paid 150CDN

 

I looked that up and it says made in Taiwan?

 

Is there a 1/4 drive fine tooth ratchet split beam on the market? I see 3/8 and 1/2 drives. Is there a fine tooth ratchet 3/8 drive available?

 

yup, Taiwan. I know you said USA, no,China. Taiwan isn’t China. (To me anyway)

I think China can put out good and bad stuff. It depends on who they are making products for.

anyhow, my taiwan torque wrench appears to be well made. We shall see.

I’ll let you know if my wheels fall off, lol.

 

1/4" fine tooth splits are hard to come by.

 

I only own the 1/2" Precision TQ wrench. I only TQ my wheels. If I ever need a TQ wrench for something smaller I use the one from work or friends. I say 90-95% of the time you won't need a 3/8 or 1/4 TQ wrench.

 

cool, I understand, just my thing I like to buy made in USA whenever possible. the main point was those don't seem to be made by the same company which was stated and I just wanted to clarify

 

Sure.

Torque is how bolts work.

I had a tire shop break four out of five lug bolts off my wife car. You need to use the right torque, for the right bolt.

I always use a torque wrench for really high value bolts, and low ones...where you can screw up by a large magnitude. It can be pretty hard to feel the difference between 10 ft lbs, and 20, or 100, and 150.

I'm just saying, the range is so wide, worrying about the calibration of your torque wrench is more pedantry than engineering. The few Ft/lbs your wrench might be off, aren't worth the sweat.

The tire shop didn't break those lugs off my wife's car because there wrench hadn't been calibrated and was off by a 10 ft/lbs.....the valve cover on my truck isn't leaking because the bolts need 2 ft/lbs more torque.

I always get a laugh on gun fourms, car forums, etc, when someone is against relying on technology......its ALL technology, we are only here because of technology.

 

Glad I came across this thread. I have 2 Craftsman click style torque wrenches. 3/8 and 1/2 that sat in storage for probably well over 10 years and possibly were "in torque" that entire time. I've been watching a couple DIY YT videos about how to check and calibrate and am seeing a few people using those digital readers to check torque. Any thoughts on using those just to get a quick read and make sure they are calibrated accurately?

I also saw reference of "split beam" which I've never heard of before so I'm possibly looking at maybe updating my wrenches to those as they are suggested to maybe be better. Saw one YT video review comparing 3 split beams: Icon, Tekton, & Precision Instruments. Specs and tests seemed to lean more toward Icon & Tekton plus they both have a lifetime warranty.

@Black Wolf You seem to be the knowledgeable and experienced one here. Can you advise on the Icon split beam wrenches? They are affordable plus HB is always throwin coupons at me. Like most, I would not really be using them for rebuilding engines on a daily basis, although I am rebuilding my engine on my Taco but that's at a stand still currently till I get the funds together for that but i'd like to make sure I have a good working wrench when that time comes.

 

I love the click method:

My wrist does that at 30 ft-lbs, elbow is 60, and the shoulder is 90 ft-lbs. Each UGH on top of that adds another 20 ft-lbs, and 150 ft-lbs is shoulder dislocation. Works like a charm!

 

Torque wrenches are for Noobs. Impact drivers and the "ugga dugga" method is the only way to go!

 

Would like to hear @Black Wolf comment on split beam and pros/cons vs the old style.
I have three Tekton, very solid and would double duty as an axe if needed.....lol

 

Good luck rebuilding an engine with nothin but ugga uggas
Not saying it can't be done but no way I'd try that

 

Just to add, this is the YT comparison video I was referring to...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbism7FtpUo

 

When it comes to torque wrenches and types, it depends strictly on use and your budget. There are too many types, manufacturers, and numerous variables to cover here. If you are wrenching at home, most consumer brands will be sufficient. Unless you require military, aerospace, or engine rebuilding tolerances you are good to.

 

Not gonna be building a space shuttle engine in the backyard shed for sure.
What say you on the traditional twist-turn-set type vs split beam (which I have no idea where it is splitting at?!)

 

Yeah, my application would definitely be just at home mechanic jobs. Mostly my wheels for now but when I get restarted with piecing back together my Tacoma, that's where they'll definitely be needed. I'll look into the Icon and Tekton split beams.

I'm also seeing that Tekton is claiming split beams can be stored at any setting since there is no internal tension. That true? Not a deal breaker but that sure seems like a nice lil convenience.

 

getting a decent made in USA torque wrench has been on my list for a while now, just haven't pulled the trigger yet

need to figure this one out

 

Click beams have an audible click or snap. Older style Split beam springs maintain constant spring tension. Hence.....no click. Split beams are very durable and also highly accurate, but you have to set the readings manually if that makes sense. Our torque and torque multiplier labs.