Torque Wrench Upgrade part deux??

"atfsgeoff" (atfsgeoff) 03/13/2020 at 00:00 • Filed to: None

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Someone on the tool forums linked me to this, the Warren & Brown Deflecting Beam Torque Wrench.

G uaranteed accuracy within 2% throughout the range, and it has an audible click that’s positive enough to feel through the wrench when you reach the desired torque. Pricey though, I don’t think I’ll be getting one unless I start doing engine rebuilds as a side gig.

glemon > atfsgeoff 03/13/2020 at 00:14

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I have a cheap clickey torque wrench and an old fashioned dial pointer model. I figure the dial pointer is ballpark not precise, but I don’t trust the cheap clickey  at all. But same place as you, don’t think I am upgrading unless hobby becomes a full time gig.

atfsgeoff > glemon 03/13/2020 at 00:49

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The dial pointer wrench you have is probably much more accurate than your clicker. It’s easy to test it, just clamp it into a vise with the handle parallel to the ground and hang a freeweight off the hand grip part of the handle, and see what it reads in lb-ft. Then measure the distance in inches from the center of the square drive to the middle of the handle where you hung the weight and divide by 12, and multiply that quotient by the weight in pounds. They should match (the reading and the product of that equation) , the closer to a perfect match the more accurate the wrench is.

Urambo Tauro > atfsgeoff 03/13/2020 at 08:55

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Neat! Looks like the average going rate is around $250. Too rich for my DIY blood. I see Powerbuilt has a similar version for about $100 though... https://www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-649972-Deflecting-Torque-Wrench/dp/B00X6DJQ1M

atfsgeoff > Urambo Tauro 03/13/2020 at 11:19

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Yeah I saw that too. Not guaranteed nearly as accurate though at +/- 4% instead of 2% like the Warren & Brown wrenches.

In the mean time, I just scored a 1960s-era Williams S-57 beam wrench, which is quite possibly the most art-deco torque measuring device ever made. $36 with shipping. Similar to the Warren & Brown wrenches, it has an option for audible feedback as well as visual. Can’t wait to try it out and calibrate it!

Urambo Tauro > atfsgeoff 03/13/2020 at 11:37

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Nice find!

Yeah, I saw somebody claim that “+/-4%” in the Q&A section of that Amazon page, but FWIW the item description says “+/- 2%”. The Powerbuilt Tools site also states ±2%:

I’m seriously considering getting one now. Seems like a good upgrade from my old Craftsman clicker.

atfsgeoff > Urambo Tauro 03/13/2020 at 11:57

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if it’s guaranteed +/-2%, a hundred bucks is a good deal. That wrench should outlast you.