I am in the market for a 3/8" drive clicker torque wrench and I plan to make my purchase this week. I think I've decided on the CDI metal-handle torque wrench, but I am undecided between the rigid-head and the flex-head.
The flex-head one flexes 15 degrees. It doesn't seem to be very much, so I was wondering if it'll be of any use to me. So far, I've never had any use for a flex-head torque wrench.
I personally prefer the rigid-head version as it covers 5-75 ft-lbs while the flex-head covers 10-80 ft-lbs, but if the flex-head will be useful I'll just purchase it.
What do you guys think?
http://cgi.ebay.com/CDI-TORQUE-WRENCH-75...93%3A1|294%3A30
http://cgi.ebay.com/CDI-TORQUE-WRENCH-FL...93%3A1|294%3A50
Flex-Head Torque Wrench
- Thread starter The Critic
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I was going to buy a flex head but I decided to buy a straight. I figured if I needed 15* I could probably reposition my wrench or use an extension...
I've never been a fan of flex head ratchets. Sure you can get into some spaces with them. But they usually cause me to bust a knuckle or two.
I'd be concerned about the flex head one having slightly different tq when using it. All mine are straight.
JHZR2
Staff member
Flex ratchets can be dangerous, IMO. A torque wrench is used differently, and is not. IMO, for doing stuff on the ground, in a DIY scenario, where there may not be the best clearance, having that bit of freedom can help. Im thinking of doing differential drain plugs as an example where Ive liked the flex. At the same time, I suppose a wobble extension can do about the same thing.
I do not believe that the flex will effect the torque, as the flex vector is in a different axis than those relevant to the torque. It will simply and effectively cause a slight decrease in the lever arm. This will make it harder in terms of arm strength (likely not noticable), but the mechanism inside should not be able to tell the difference.
At work, I have the Precision Instruments split beam wrenches in the 3/8" and 1/2" drive sizes and a 1/4" drive Snap-On Tech wrench for inch lbs..
All are flex head and I like them very much. The flex head is very solid, moves very stiff, and does not flop around. Numerous times I have had situations where just a few degrees of flex allowed me to torque without using an extension. To me, it seems that the use of an extension increases the odds of applying indirect "sideways" force that would increase torque errors vs. having a short socket directly on the end of the wrench. Just my perception, especially with any extension over 3 inches.
Regarding your concerns about torque ranges, remember that almost all torque wrenches are calibrated accurate down to 20% of their full scale. Your 75 ft. lb. is good down to 15 ft, lbs., and the 80 is good down to 16 ft. lbs.. Neither of these wrenches would be safe for most spark plugs that are generally in the 13 ft. lbs +/- range.
Critic, you know where to go for the most opinions...hint, GJ!
I have a few torque wrenches. All but two are flex head. The dial type in lb wrench and my 3/4 drive wrench are bith fixed head. All my others are flex. I'll say they were definitely helpful. I always try to pull as straight as possible, but sometimes a couple of degrees of flex is a lifesaver.
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Flex ratchets can be dangerous, IMO. A torque wrench is used differently, and is not. IMO, for doing stuff on the ground, in a DIY scenario, where there may not be the best clearance, having that bit of freedom can help. Im thinking of doing differential drain plugs as an example where Ive liked the flex. At the same time, I suppose a wobble extension can do about the same thing.
I do not believe that the flex will effect the torque, as the flex vector is in a different axis than those relevant to the torque. It will simply and effectively cause a slight decrease in the lever arm. This will make it harder in terms of arm strength (likely not noticable), but the mechanism inside should not be able to tell the difference.
I have two Snap On flex head clickers. 3/8 and 1/2 drive.
I utilize the flex feature a fair amount.
Thanks, I think I'll go with the flex-version.
Originally Posted By: doitmyself
Regarding your concerns about torque ranges, remember that almost all torque wrenches are calibrated accurate down to 20% of their full scale. Your 75 ft. lb. is good down to 15 ft, lbs., and the 80 is good down to 16 ft. lbs.. Neither of these wrenches would be safe for most spark plugs that are generally in the 13 ft. lbs +/- range.
Critic, you know where to go for the most opinions...hint, GJ!
Just received the PI Split Beam torque wrench today. It appears to be a well-built product.
I'll be using it tomorrow morning when I replace my spark plugs. Let's hope that it was worth the $106 that I paid for it.
PI makes good tools, I'm sure you'll be satisfied with it.
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