Can’t verify the angle feature…
Do you recalibrate your torque wrench?
- Thread starter hemioiler
- Start date
I have a case with all my tools requiring calibration (minus two larger torque wrenches) and send them out every year.
Not true. I had my deflecting beam Warren and Brown (a premium brand made here in Australia) checked prior to an engine assembly as it was 30 years old! I'd looked after it and it had never been dropped but had seen a fair amount of work over the years.
It was out of spec a fair bit.
It’s time for recalibration.
Leaving it set to a constant 130 pounds, if it is a micrometer type, where you twist the handle, compresses the internal spring, and causes it to be inaccurate. If your spring has been compressed and stored that way for a long time, it’s very possible that your wrench reads “low” and clicks at a much lower torque setting, because the spring doesn’t have the tension that it once did.
If you want to leave a wrench set for your common lug setting, get one of these. The split beam is not affected by spring compression, you can leave it set at whatever you like all the time pick it up and use it.
https://www.amazon.com/Precision-In...2562&sprefix=Precision+in,aps,108&sr=8-2&th=1
This is the type that never goes out of calibration. Just make sure the pointer is aimed at 0 before you start.
Yes that makes a lotta sense. Harbor Freight has a Quinn 3/8 model for $40. Perfect for my needs!
Stupid question: Can I test my 1/2 wrenches using this with an adapter? Some say the adapter skews the reading.
Thanks in advance.
How often do you need to calibrate the tester ?
You ALWAYS back off the adjustment and take the pressure off of the spring. My harbor freight torque wrench definitely needs recalibrating. I snapped a bolt head off of the brake caliper.
Sure just use an adapter, they do not skew the readings. You can put a 1/2 to 3/8 and a 3/8 to 1/4 to test a 1/4 drive model, unlike impact guns even if you add 3 feet of extensions as long are they are linear the reading will be the same.
not as a service, only bc I asked.
I have been wanting to check my old SO 3/8" Flex Head, but wasn't sure about the best way to go about doing it. FYI, I inherited my brother's hand tools when he passed away at 44 from cancer. He owned and operated Comprehensive Mechanics in Santa Cruz, CA on the west side near the University. He was known as the only sober mechanic in Santa Cruz.
@Trav suggested a digital torque adapter, so off to HF I went with my 10% coupon in hand. $40 out the door for the 3/8" version.
I tested the Snappy at 25 pound feet; what surprised me was with my normal pull I shot past the click and got 27 pound feet, which taught me how important it is to use the tool correctly. I knew I did it wrong...
With careful, slower, even pulls, I consistently got 24.8 to 25.2. At 15 pound feet I got 14.8 to 15.2 readings.
So call it + or - 1% accuracy. I imagine at higher values the accuracy could be even better.
I will do some more testing later including some of my other torque wrenches, like the old Bonney 1/2".
The good news is the tool is accurate; the bad news is my elbow needs some calibration.
Just because you have quality tools doesn't mean you are doing quality. Overall a good experiment; thanks to all who chimed in.
@Trav suggested a digital torque adapter, so off to HF I went with my 10% coupon in hand. $40 out the door for the 3/8" version.
I tested the Snappy at 25 pound feet; what surprised me was with my normal pull I shot past the click and got 27 pound feet, which taught me how important it is to use the tool correctly. I knew I did it wrong...
With careful, slower, even pulls, I consistently got 24.8 to 25.2. At 15 pound feet I got 14.8 to 15.2 readings.
So call it + or - 1% accuracy. I imagine at higher values the accuracy could be even better.
I will do some more testing later including some of my other torque wrenches, like the old Bonney 1/2".
The good news is the tool is accurate; the bad news is my elbow needs some calibration.
Just because you have quality tools doesn't mean you are doing quality. Overall a good experiment; thanks to all who chimed in.
The Quinn is from what I read an accurate tool as is the AC Delco, I have the Delco1/2" but am considering the Quinn 3/8 also for smaller tools. You are correct about pulling slow and smooth and keeping it straight. I would say your Snap on is dead nuts on and not in need of calibration.
Snap-On doesn't manufacturer torque wrenches. They buy them, with their name imprinted on them. I have three Snap-On branded torque wrenches, manufactured by Precision Instruments. When one broke, I sent it to them, not Snap-On.
SammyChevelleTypeS3
$50 site donor 2023
NICE!
