https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/choosing-torque-wrench/
Pleasantly surprised by how well the ICON torque wrenches performed.
Pleasantly surprised by how well the ICON torque wrenches performed.
Torque Wrench Comparison Test
- Thread starter The Critic
- Start date
Get the Icon repaired or get parts for it if it ever needs it. It isn't just initial accuracy but how the thing will live over the years and still be accurate (after repeated calibrations).
Snap on uses some very good companies for their torque tools. For the price of the Icon you can a real tool. LOL
Snap on uses some very good companies for their torque tools. For the price of the Icon you can a real tool. LOL
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I’ve got the Precision Instruments 1/2” split beam. Great tool. Surprised by the accuracy result, but the precision is no surprise. What’s interesting is that they tested a well used one, and it was still very precise, even if it was due for calibration. Even well used, it was still performing well.
A professional tool.
They didn’t test CDI tools torque wrenches. That’s a big oversight.
I’ve got a couple (1/4” and 3/8”). They’re reasonably priced, finely made, and supported by Snap On.
For example:
https://www.toolsdelivered.com/cdi-torque-1501mrmh-dual-scale-adjustable-preset-click-torque-wrench
A professional tool.
They didn’t test CDI tools torque wrenches. That’s a big oversight.
I’ve got a couple (1/4” and 3/8”). They’re reasonably priced, finely made, and supported by Snap On.
For example:
https://www.toolsdelivered.com/cdi-torque-1501mrmh-dual-scale-adjustable-preset-click-torque-wrench
I have the same, it is a very high quality tool. I rather have that in my box any day than something from HF no matter what name they gin up to put on it.
So far I've had good luck buying used tools, as long as the seller will accept returns if they can not be calibrated.
I also bought a set of torque wrenches from Capri, which I think are the same as Tekton. They were very accurate and required no adjustment out of the box. For the price, that's what I chose for my home/travel box. The good tools are in my work box.
I also bought a set of torque wrenches from Capri, which I think are the same as Tekton. They were very accurate and required no adjustment out of the box. For the price, that's what I chose for my home/travel box. The good tools are in my work box.
JHZR2
Staff member
I do too...
I forget where I saw it, but I recall seeing that Precision instruments claims that their split beam wrenches are less accurate than others. Not much, I think it was like 4% vs 3%, not a huge deal.
I don’t think that accuracy is that concerning, especially at the relatively high values used here. For something that needs repeated torquing, being precise (thinking for example, lug bolts that could cause rotor warping) is more important. Consistent, repeated outcome versus being off by a few ft-lb.
For those who don’t recall the difference, from wiki:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/Accuracy_and_precision.svg
I bought this about two years ago, following @Trav 's advice. Precision Instruments PREC3FR250F Another tool that was well worth the money.
You're killing me. These posts are expensive. They cost me money. Sheesh.
I should put that onto my Christmas list.
Someone here a few years ago sent a precision split beam 250ft/lb wrench out for calibration, after several years of daily use torquing out nuts , it was still in spec.
When I get home tonight I'll search for the thread
When I get home tonight I'll search for the thread
I like the Home Depot Husky ones. Three percent accuracy rating, come with a test cert like many do, and a no limit lifetime warranty is the deal maker. They have a couple sales per year on them. They appear to be modern versions of the Armstrong and are made by Apex now. The Capri's for $25 on sale were a nice deal too, and having two of one type means they can check one another. If both torque the same, it is highly likely the torque hasn't slipped.
Split beams really hold up well even in abusive conditions. I love split beams, the only real issues with them is their physical size (larger than normal clickers or electronics) and they cannot torque left handed threads (sucks if you own an old Mopar).
They are not well suited and AFAIK not available for fasteners that have very low torque specs.
They are not well suited and AFAIK not available for fasteners that have very low torque specs.
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2025
Glad to see a test. I have a nice Husky that my mom bought for me and a smaller HF one. It may not be nice compared to these but I like it. I’ve never used a beam style wrench to be honest. Wonder if it’s worth investing in?
I use this PI split-beam for 13-18 ft-lbs spark plugs:
http://www.torqwrench.com/tools/item.php?StockCode=C2FR600H
Any reason I should reconsider?
No, that is a good tool. I have not found a split beam that can do 10Nm (88 lb.in), maybe I didn't look hard enough.
JHZR2
Staff member
might one with slightly higher range be more broadly helpful? Thinking a model that does 750 or 1000 in lb.
The smaller one has its place as does one that goes from 20 -100 lb.ft (240-1200 lb.in).
https://www.amazon.com/Precision-In...X568?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Precision-In...X568?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&psc=1
I have:
1/4" M1R200HX - 30 to 200 inch lbs (2.5 ft lbs - 16.67 ft lbs)
3/8" C2FR600H - 100 to 600 inch lbs (8.3 ft lbs - 50 ft lbs)
1/2" C3FR250F - 50 to 250 ft lbs.
Ideally I would also like to have a 3/8" that goes from 50-100 ft-lbs with angle capabilities.
I have a feeling I'm going to be spending more money shortly! lol
