[fal308]

Was wondering what you guys thought of this. Electronic torque wrench thaat can deal in in/lbs, ft/lbs and nm. Accuracy is 3.5 % though, seems high? Indroductory special $99 (includes shipping)
I've already got a nice 25 yr old Craftsman click unit so I don't really need this but....
Any thoughts and/or observations appreciated.
http://www.brownlinemetalworks.com/product.php

edited to add;
Received this in response to a question on another board I frequent.
The ratchet and the steel components of the wrench are manufactured in Taiwan, and the electronics and assembly are done in Malaysia. Our repair / calibration facility is located in Chicago in case anything ever needs to be done to the wrench.

Our wrench is manufactured using our patented technology, which is inherently much less expensive than our competitors. That is why we are able to offer the wrench at such an attractive price.

BLMW

[dave-r]

Our wrench is manufactured using our patented technology, which is inherently much less expensive than our competitors. That is why we are able to offer the wrench at such an attractive price.

BLMW

Patented technology my arse. It is cheap because the workers get paid $5 a month.

Having said that, Because of the way it works it should be a lot more accurate than the "click" type.

It is more important to have all the bolts on a part the same torque rather than a specific exact torque. Except for con rod bolts. But without something to calibrate it you have no way of knowing if your mechanical wrench is even close. Being mechanical it is bound to wear with age and vary with temp.

[RedRaven]

Our wrench is manufactured using our patented technology, which is inherently much less expensive than our competitors. That is why we are able to offer the wrench at such an attractive price.

BLMW

Patented technology my arse.
quote]

Just so you all know, this is "Toon speak" for........The stated claim is questionable.

Love it Dave....

[Eddie]

Barc, the accuracy of 'only' 3.5% is actually quite high and not really accurate enough for precision work. My Snap-On digital model#TECH 3FR-250 is accurate to .25% both clockwise and CC although I never use it for loosing fasteners but do use it on my lugnuts on my 1970 which means both ways. I would suspect this wrench you linked due to the lack of accuracy,(3.5% isnt very good).! I do like the digital wrenches, they use the same mechanism that calibration machines use to set a measuring standard. But only quality wrenches! My Snap-On cost 650.00 but I got it for 450.00. Another wrench you might consider if ultimate accuracy is what you are trying to achive, is a beam type of wrench. They ARE difficult to read however, placing the correct torque and reading the gauge at the same time can be frustrating, of course a good set of bi-focals can help. I dont like clicker wrenches they are notoriously inaccurate, the mechamisms sometime stick or are notchy.

[Eddie]

Here is a pic of the Snap-On Tec 250

[Eddie]

Also, if you are contemplating using this wrench on Con Rod fasteners you should use this tool or one like it. You WILL need a set of offset crows feet in 3/8 or 7/16 12 point for aftermarket ARP or SPS fasteners, the crows feet attachments can be had at all the major tool suppliers,(we have many here in terry hut),, the attachments are need due to the deep block crank centerline, unlike gm and phord which place the crank CL much lower than the side of the block. This is what the stretch gauge looks like and measures the actual stretch or pre-load of the fastener. It's 100% accurate.

[dave-r]

I think 3.5% is very good compared to mechanical wrenches Eddie.

If, for example, you were torquing up your rocker shafts to 25lbs. I don't think it would matter if they were just over 24lbs or just under 26lbs. Which is what it would give you.

Same with those wheel nuts. Even at the max deviation you would be less than 3lbs out at 85lbs (Yeah i know the manual probably says 65 or 75 lbs or something but that is not enough). I think that is more than acurate enough for 99% of home mechanics.

For the price it has to be a good buy. I couldn't afford a $500 wrench that's for sure.

[Eddie]

Actually, mine is calibrated, and shows only a .06% deviation (the worst). Yes. you are totally right Dave. For what he trying to accomplish it probably is good enough. My Machinist training has me pretty anal anymore

[Pat]

If you whant a new toy in the garage buy it but i would vote for the old clicking wrench if it has been handel´d corektly by taking of the spring load after useing it every time ! I do love tool´s that i can put to good use like when i build engine´s but my experience is dont buy to hi tech

[drewcrane]

Here is a pic of the Snap-On Tec 250

Jim has one of those bad boys,if needed I can always borrow his

[Jon]

I'm back to the beam type wrench after loosing confidence in my clicker. Seems to works better with my intuitive torque meter.

[fal308]

Thanks guyss, knew I could count on you. i actually have an old beam Craftsman that I bought before my click wrench.
Was thinking of getting this as more of a "cool toy' tool than anything else, to be perfectly honest with myself.
Maybe I'll just get a couple over AR lowers instead. they would get used a lot more