Electronic torque wrenches ... are they worth the cost?

[McMXi]

My Craftsman 1/2" drive torque wrench that I bought at least 20 years ago broke today, or to be more specific, the ratchet mechanism broke. It's been getting steadily worse over the past few years and today it had enough with 155 lb-ft lug nuts. It's a micrometer type wrench with a plastic window and plastic handle. I think it's time to buy a new 1/2" torque wrench and maybe a 3/8" drive too to replace the other Craftsman that I've had for 30 years. The lock ring on that 3/8" drive wrench broke many years ago but I "fixed" it with a hose clamp and it's worked fine for decades. Not pretty but it works. I've noticed the ratchet mechanism in that wrench having issues too. I have a 1/4" drive in-lb Craftsman that still seems to be working ok and that one is probably 25 years old.

So are electronic torque wrenches all they're cracked up to be? The ability to store values, measure torque, angle or torque and angle, program in calibration reminders etc. They are expensive and I just don't know if it's worth the cost for the casual home user. Decisions, decisions.

I'm looking at my favorite tool brand which is TEKTON.

 

[midironman]

Electronic torque wrenches are "better" in terms of precision and features, but mechanical torque wrenches are often better suited for what you are needing due to their reliability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. I've had both. I'm not a fan of Craftsman power tools, but their hand tools are ok. I've had a digital torque wrench, the screen failed on it. I don't remember the brand, but I usually buy mid to high end tools. After that I've just bought mechanical ones. Never had an issue with them. Really, it's just what you prefer. Ask a dozen mechanics what tools they like, you get a dozen different answers! Just remember, mechanical torque wrenches aren't maintenance free. All good ones need care and calibration from time to time to keep them in top shape.

 

[jyoutz]

My cheap Harbor Freight torque wrench is accurate and works well. If it breaks or ceases to perform, they will replace it free. But it’s an old school design and seems pretty robust.

 

[Mark_BX25D]

I can't imaging using a torque wrench on lug nuts.

 

[ruger1980]

If you're asking the question, it's probably not worth it. Electronic torque wrenches are not really any more accurate than an old clicker style. They just have more features. The most used is that you can do angle measurements with them, which you can do with a an older manual style too.

 

[Bee-Positive]

Check out Project Farm.
Not sure if he's an authority on the subject but he's not sponsored. I like the Suercup wrench.

Project Farm - Torque Wrenches

Don't know if ANY new product will last 30 years these days, seems to be a trend in our "disposable" society.

 

[McMXi]

If you're asking the question, it's probably not worth it. Electronic torque wrenches are not really any more accurate than an old clicker style. They just have more features. The most used is that you can do angle measurements with them, which you can do with a an older manual style too.

I think you're right. It's not about accuracy for me since most decent torque wrenches will be accurate enough for most of us not assembling aircraft, race cars, satellites and such. It's really about the convenience, and I thought about how often I need to use a torque wrench, and when using it, how often do I need to change torque values or torque a bolt to a value and then turn it 90° or similar. I had to torque 24 or so valve cover bolts on the F-250 recently, but that's a case of set the value, torque the bolts and done. It's lug nuts that I need to torque more than anything. With the Jeep, F-250 and F-450 their are a lot of lug nuts to deal with. The F-450 has 40 of them!

I've come to the conclusion that since I'm not using a torque wrench enough it's just not worth the cost for an electronic variant. As nice as they are, I don't really need to store presets, and rarely need to deal with angles that I couldn't accomplish by eye. I have no interest in cheap tools from places like Harbor Freight and will happily pay more for a quality tool made in the USA or a country like Taiwan, so a set of three TEKTON micrometer torque wrenches for $290 will do just fine.

Perhaps later in the year I'll buy a fancy TEKTON electronic torque wrench, but for now I'll make do with these models that appear to be a nice upgrade over the Craftsman ones that I've been using for decades. The Craftsman wrenches all have plastic handles, and the 1/4" and 3/8" drive ones have plastic lock rings. Not exactly exuding quality. This set of TEKTON torque wrenches look like good quality, and based on the other TEKTON tools I have I doubt I'll be disappointed. I like that each one comes in a hard case too.

https://www.tekton.com/1-4-3-8-1-2-inch-drive-dual-direction-micrometer-torque-wrench-set-trq95901

 

[ruger1980]

Tekton is fine as well as most name brand tools. CDI is also a great option as they actually build the torque wrenches for many big name brands.

 

[jimh406]

I can't help with the electronic wrenches. However, I've noticed that using the right size and length makes everything easier.

Also, how they adjust varies quite a bit. I bought a Husky from Home Depot to torque some high toque bolts. I like it a lot (especially the way it adjusts) and the extra length is quite an improvement.

 

[Tughill Tom]

I think you're right. It's not about accuracy for me since most decent torque wrenches will be accurate enough for most of us not assembling aircraft, race cars, satellites and such. It's really about the convenience, and I thought about how often I need to use a torque wrench, and when using it, how often do I need to change torque values or torque a bolt to a value and then turn it 90° or similar. I had to torque 24 or so valve cover bolts on the F-250 recently, but that's a case of set the value, torque the bolts and done. It's lug nuts that I need to torque more than anything. With the Jeep, F-250 and F-450 their are a lot of lug nuts to deal with. The F-450 has 40 of them!

I've come to the conclusion that since I'm not using a torque wrench enough it's just not worth the cost for an electronic variant. As nice as they are, I don't really need to store presets, and rarely need to deal with angles that I couldn't accomplish by eye. I have no interest in cheap tools from places like Harbor Freight and will happily pay more for a quality tool made in the USA or a country like Taiwan, so a set of three TEKTON micrometer torque wrenches for $290 will do just fine.

Perhaps later in the year I'll buy a fancy TEKTON electronic torque wrench, but for now I'll make do with these models that appear to be a nice upgrade over the Craftsman ones that I've been using for decades. The Craftsman wrenches all have plastic handles, and the 1/4" and 3/8" drive ones have plastic lock rings. Not exactly exuding quality. This set of TEKTON torque wrenches look like good quality, and based on the other TEKTON tools I have I doubt I'll be disappointed. I like that each one comes in a hard case too.

https://www.tekton.com/1-4-3-8-1-2-inch-drive-dual-direction-micrometer-torque-wrench-set-trq95901

View attachment 168866

Have tried these on Lug Nuts? They work great.

 

[Hugo Habicht]

I think you're right. It's not about accuracy for me since most decent torque wrenches will be accurate enough for most of us not assembling aircraft, race cars, satellites and such. It's really about the convenience, and I thought about how often I need to use a torque wrench, and when using it, how often do I need to change torque values or torque a bolt to a value and then turn it 90° or similar. I had to torque 24 or so valve cover bolts on the F-250 recently, but that's a case of set the value, torque the bolts and done. It's lug nuts that I need to torque more than anything. With the Jeep, F-250 and F-450 their are a lot of lug nuts to deal with. The F-450 has 40 of them!

I've come to the conclusion that since I'm not using a torque wrench enough it's just not worth the cost for an electronic variant. As nice as they are, I don't really need to store presets, and rarely need to deal with angles that I couldn't accomplish by eye. I have no interest in cheap tools from places like Harbor Freight and will happily pay more for a quality tool made in the USA or a country like Taiwan, so a set of three TEKTON micrometer torque wrenches for $290 will do just fine.

Perhaps later in the year I'll buy a fancy TEKTON electronic torque wrench, but for now I'll make do with these models that appear to be a nice upgrade over the Craftsman ones that I've been using for decades. The Craftsman wrenches all have plastic handles, and the 1/4" and 3/8" drive ones have plastic lock rings. Not exactly exuding quality. This set of TEKTON torque wrenches look like good quality, and based on the other TEKTON tools I have I doubt I'll be disappointed. I like that each one comes in a hard case too.

https://www.tekton.com/1-4-3-8-1-2-inch-drive-dual-direction-micrometer-torque-wrench-set-trq95901

View attachment 168866

Those double lever torque wrenches can be problematic due to the release mechanism used. Also release torque depends on where you hold it with your hand. A colleague of mine was calibrating torque wrenches in the army. He said this type was often out by over 30% after one year. The only ones that were accurate after one year (within spec.) were the Rahsol (now Gedore) Drehmometer type.

And no, I do not agree to the general statement that digital torque wrenches are not more accurate than mechanical ones. The manufacturers specification sheet will tell you about accuracy. You find poor and good accuracy in both designs.

 

[McMXi]

Have tried these on Lug Nuts? They work great.
View attachment 168867

I've never used those torque sticks but have seem them in the service bays at car/truck dealerships and mechanic's shops for many years. No doubt they're great, particularly for those taking wheels on/off all day long. I'm surprised that @The Evil Twin hasn't pushed me into buying more EWK products such as the set shown since he's done pretty well so far getting me to buy things. I'll take a look at that EWK set for sure.

I ordered the TEKTON 3-wrench set shown above since I do need some decent torque wrenches ASAP.

 

[McMXi]

And no, I do not agree to the general statement that digital torque wrenches are not more accurate than mechanical ones. The manuafacturers specification sheet will tell you about accuracy. You find poor and good accuracy in both designs.

The TEKTON 1/2" drive electronic torque wrench claims an accuracy of ±2% CW/CCW, and both of the micrometer style 1/2" drive torque wrenches claim an accuracy of ±3% CW/CCW. So given the example of tightening the F-250 lug nuts which have a factory spec of 150 lb-ft to 165 lb-ft, if I set either wrench to 158 lb-ft, the resulting torque should in theory be:

Electronic torque wrench: 154.8 ~ 161.2 lb-ft
Micrometer torque wrench: 153.2 ~ 162.8 lb-ft

This assumes rounding up the 1% error (of 158 lb-ft) to 1.6 lb-ft, and both wrenches would provide a final torque value that falls within the factory spec.

 

[Tughill Tom]

I've never used those torque sticks but have seem them in the service bays at car/truck dealerships and mechanic's shops for many years. No doubt they're great, particularly for those taking wheels on/off all day long. I'm surprised that @The Evil Twin hasn't pushed me into buying more EWK products such as the set shown since he's done pretty well so far getting me to buy things. I'll take a look at that EWK set for sure.

I ordered the TEKTON 3-wrench set shown above since I do need some decent torque wrenches ASAP.

I use them on Snow cat tracks when doing the Annual maintenance and checking torque on 1500 or so bolts. Talk about have a good time.... NOT.

 

[The Evil Twin]

I've never used those torque sticks but have seem them in the service bays at car/truck dealerships and mechanic's shops for many years. No doubt they're great, particularly for those taking wheels on/off all day long. I'm surprised that @The Evil Twin hasn't pushed me into buying more EWK products such as the set shown since he's done pretty well so far getting me to buy things. I'll take a look at that EWK set for sure.

I ordered the TEKTON 3-wrench set shown above since I do need some decent torque wrenches ASAP.

Torque sticks aren't bad, but they aren't a replacement for a wrench. They also don't work as well with electric impacts and tend to overclock the fastener more than a pneumatic one. They are more for get it close. Or in German "Gutentite". For wheel service, they would be ok. Most wheels are spec'd for xx- xx lb-ft. So, a vehicle that needs 75- 90 lb-ft would get the 80 stick.
I do not personally use them. With my own tools, I can get fasteners to 95- 98% every time. I'm not against torque sticks. They have a place. Just know that they can over torque a fastener.
Edit- one more point. Even torque is more important that exact torque on multi fastener parts. Things like wheels, heads, flanges. Even if the stick is "close", repeating your drive over and over is the important thing. Don't go BBBBBRRRRRT Brrrt Brrrt on one bolt and then just do 3 short bursts on the next one.

 

[McMXi]

Here are some photos of the three torque wrenches that I've had for decades. I've taken care of them and am always diligent about backing them off to their storage settings. I don't use them to remove fasteners or use them as a hammer. I've got a lot of use out of them over the years so I'm not complaining.

From top to bottom: 1/2" drive (lb-ft), 3/8" drive (lb-ft) and 1/4" drive (lb-in).

 

[The Evil Twin]

Here are some photos of the three torque wrenches that I've had for decades. I've taken care of them and am always diligent about backing them off to their storage settings. I don't use them to remove fasteners or use them as a hammer. I've got a lot of use out of them over the years so I'm not complaining.

From top to bottom: 1/2" drive (lb-ft), 3/8" drive (lb-ft) and 1/4" drive (lb-in).

View attachment 168870

View attachment 168871

View attachment 168872

View attachment 168873

My Craftsman wrenches like the one in your 2nd photo has been VERY accurate over the years. I check them occasionally using Olympic plates.

 

[McMXi]

My Craftsman wrenches like the one in your 2nd photo has been VERY accurate over the years. I check them occasionally using Olympic plates.

It's been a good torque wrench but the ratchet system broke. No doubt I can find a repair kit, and I have a number of other older Craftsman ratchet wrenches to fix too. The broken drawer is filling up fast.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Isn't Lowe's a Craftsman seller ? If so ... it should be lifetime warranty ??

 

[WI_Hedgehog]

My Craftsman 1/2" drive torque wrench that I bought at least 20 years ago broke today, or to be more specific, the ratchet mechanism broke. It's been getting steadily worse over the past few years and today it had enough with 155 lb-ft lug nuts. It's a micrometer type wrench with a plastic window and plastic handle. I think it's time to buy a new 1/2" torque wrench and maybe a 3/8" drive too to replace the other Craftsman that I've had for 30 years. The lock ring on that 3/8" drive wrench broke many years ago but I "fixed" it with a hose clamp and it's worked fine for decades. Not pretty but it works. I've noticed the ratchet mechanism in that wrench having issues too. I have a 1/4" drive in-lb Craftsman that still seems to be working ok and that one is probably 25 years old.

So are electronic torque wrenches all they're cracked up to be? The ability to store values, measure torque, angle or torque and angle, program in calibration reminders etc. They are expensive and I just don't know if it's worth the cost for the casual home user. Decisions, decisions.

I'm looking at my favorite tool brand which is TEKTON.

I have that type of Craftsman 1/2" (with the windows for Socialist and Freedom units), and "highly dislike" it because the rubber grip moves and therefore so do the windows.

I bought an impact torque limiter set (of 8) for the rattle gun (initially I verified the wheel lugs final torque with a torque wrench), they work pretty dang well!

Also bought Tekton 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4", all work very well. No batteries to leak either, and since I progressively torque to the final value on mult-fastener things (like aluminum wheel rims) it's easy to dial up instead of messing with buttons that don't always respond.