Beam Torque Wrench

[JerryBob]

I decided that the next time I change the manual trans and diff fluids in my 4wd truck, that I'd use a torque wrench.

After comparing beam and clicker, I decided on a beam, since I should not have a problem with visibility, given the ground clearance of the truck.

What about this wrench?

A couple of questions, though:

• Can I use a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter since I use a 1/2-drive 24mm socket for the drain plugs?
  
• Will the scale be readable for 30-lb/feet? Looks like it is in inches. Do I just multiply by 12?

 

[oilboy123]

NO LINK?

Most inch lbs beam wrenches don't go very high. You can multiply to get ft lbs. You can also go to any adapter types as long as they don't add a lever effect.

There are also digital adapters that are supposed to be fairly accurate. I have on of these I got on sale.

http://www.harborfreight.com/digital-torue-adapter-68283.html

I got one of these on sale. I use it for torquing wheels and stuff.

 

[oilboy123]

I have 2 Snap On torque wrenches and am using the the digital torque adapter to calibrate them. I'm not paying a ton of money to send them out anymore.

This is feedback on the one I have:

Comments about Pittsburgh Professional Digital Torque Adapter:

I had it checked with very expensive equipment and the man who did it couldn't believe it tracked his machine within a few 10's of a ft/lb. There is a similar unit on the web from another brand that was tested as well. The trick is strain gauges, which are extremely simple and accurate. They are bonded to a rod that flexes torsionally and electrical resistance changes as they expand. I don't know if extreme temperature can affect readings, however.

It is definitely worth it just to use to calibrate your wrenches. One of my older ones are off by 10-15ft/lbs(it had a hard life). All my wrenches were verified with a torque machine so I know its very accurate and repeatable. Wish it went up to 250ft lbs for the axle nuts

 

[The_Jeff]

Yeah you just multiply by 12.

For a "first torque wrench" I'd get something in 1/2 drive, with useable torque in the 15-150 ft/lb range. However, its handle would be longer and might bump the ground doing drain plugs.

This coming from engine work (head bolts) and tire torque, axle bearing nuts, etc. If your anticipated work is different and lower torque the 3/8" might be right for you.

 

[ecotourist]

I use a 3/8" beam torque wrench as well as a 1/2" clicker. When working under a vehicle I find it helpful to put a piece of electrical tape at the required torque (on the beam read out) so I can work from the reverse side (which seems to happen a lot).

A straight line adapter doesn't matter (it neither adds nor subtracts torque).

You have to be careful converting torque units. I know how to do it manually but making an error would not be good! So I generally look up a unit conversion site on the web, and convert the exact units to the exact units. Or you could try to find the torque spec in the units you have.

ecotourist

 

[oilboy123]

Eastwood has a torque adapter that starts at 15 ft lbs. My HF one starts at 30 ft lbs.

 

[JerryBob]

Originally Posted By: oilboy123
NO LINK?


Hover over the word "this" in my original post.

 

[stephen9666]

Originally Posted By: JerryBob


What about this wrench?

A couple of questions, though:

• Can I use a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter since I use a 1/2-drive 24mm socket for the drain plugs?
  
• Will the scale be readable for 30-lb/feet? Looks like it is in inches. Do I just multiply by 12?

I definitely would not spend $53 on a beam torque wrench. For that price you can get a good clicker or for a few bucks more a nice clicker.

If you want beam, check ebay. They sometimes go cheap there.

Yes you can use the 3/8" to 1/2" adapter.

Yes, you can divide by 12 to go form in-lbs to ft-lbs.

 

[DogLover]

I own that wrench. I bought it from Amazon on 2011, at that time it was made in U.S.A which influenced my decision to buy it. While it is a quality tool, I don't like the thick plastic pointer. It's hard to read unless your eyes are close to the scale and directly in line with the pointer. My 1/2" Craftsman beam torque wrench is much easier to read as it has a more "needle like" pointer, if that makes sense. If you read the Amazon reviews you will notice that several people comment on the difficulty of reading the scale.
Terry

 

[Michael_P]

The only time I use a beam is when I am trying to measure turning torque on an engine or transmission. I have clickers that are re calibrated once a year.

 

[Silk]

Warren & Brown is the best beam torque wrench you can buy - I've had my 1/2 drive for over 35 years....did have a 3/8 but it was stolen.

 

[y_p_w]

Maybe I've been using a Husky beam torque wrench all wrong? I've been trying to properly torque some spark plugs and pulled them out to check the condition. The washer didn't even seem crushed like the factory installed plugs, where were completely flattened. I tried installing again, retorquing, and removing the plugs. Still couldn't get the washer to crush even when I thought it was a bit past the proper torque specs.

So you're supposed to balance the pivoting handle that otherwise rocks back and forth? I could never quite figure out what that handle does. When I bought it, it was simply attached to a hang tag without any instructions.

I've got a clicker type torque wrench somewhere. I'm thinking of just using that one since I'm thinking I don't have the feel for a beam wrench.

 

[Merkava_4]

Get a 1/4 drive clicker. Trying to read that beam wrench while underneath a car would get old quick.

 

[y_p_w]

Originally Posted By: Silk
Warren & Brown is the best beam torque wrench you can buy - I've had my 1/2 drive for over 35 years....did have a 3/8 but it was stolen.

One US distributor. The prices seem a bit on the high side. OK - way on the high side.

http://calibration-services.calcert.com/viewitems/all-categories-torque-and-force/e-warren-and-brown-deflecting-beam-torque-wrenches?&bc=100|1315