Old school torque wrench or digital?

[earthman]

I'm looking at getting a new torque wrench, anyone got/recommend one of these fancy digital types?
I've only ever had/used the old type,....my gut feeling makes me think that the digital type could be more trouble than they are worth in the long run, sensitive electronics and batteries maybe the weak link here?? Am I totally wrong in thinking that?

For the money and torque range this 'adapter' could be an option I guess although the additional bulk will mean that it's a no go in tight spaces.

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/040...MIndPHw9TU3wIVzr3tCh0szQ_YEAQYBCABEgKA7_D_BwE


I'm tempted by this old school one but it only goes to 200Nm

https://www.screwfix.com/p/teng-tools-drive-torque-wrench/22796#product_additional_details_container

 

[pondy]

Bloke I used to work with work with had a digital snap on torque wrench. Was constantly changing battery's, didn't have a nice feel, I'm too used to a click rather than the unit vibrating and making a noise.

https://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs...goryId=318448&productId=1393693&storeId=10001

I've been using the above every day for 9 months, can't fault it. Got it on a trade card which knocked a fair bit off

 

[mr haynes]

Digital ones are interesting, mine records the actual end torque applied. Amazing how much extra tightening you can add by "making sure" you've reached your preset. Made me think more when using mechanical ones

 

[mr haynes]

Norbar usually one of the go to brands for mechanical

 

[Bullet2012]

Digital, since trying one a while ago. had To buy one at the next opportunity.
It’s great to be able to switch from one type of setting to another.

 

[earthman]

It’s great to be able to switch from one type of setting to another.

I must admit, I do like the idea of that feature.

 

[Gragson]

I've got a 1/4 & 3/8 digital ones, I never use the 1/4.. and always use a mechanical one on 1/2" big stuff
As already said digi ones do have nice features like data hold etc, but the downside is batteries, I find if I don't take them out after use they just go flat, and I always forget to take them out..

 

[RonA]

Anything digital doesn’t necessarily mean it’s more accurate than an analogue device. It all depends on the resolvabilty of the measuring sensor. The display may read to 3 decimal places but if the sensor only gives repeatable accuracy of 1 decimal place (or less) then the display readings are meaningless.
RonA

 

[daleyd]

I have to confess to never having used a digital one but the thing that would put me off one is the infrequency of which I use a torque wrench. I may use one loads in the space of a week, then the next time I use it might be 6 months away. I think I’d get frustrated at having flat batteries whenever I went to use it, though if I was using one more regular I guess it would make more sense.

 

[roofman]

Would never use a digital type again as i was traumatized by one years ago... I had a Mitsubishi Delica van cylinder head half buttoned down with a new set of stretch bolts and head gasket and it decided to have screen Cancer on the last hurdle..could,nt see the mini screen as it went black and lost a set of half stretched bolts and a half compressed gasket...Mechanical ever since

 

[earthman]

Would never use a digital type again as i was traumatized by one years ago... I had a Mitsubishi Delica van cylinder head half buttoned down with a new set of stretch bolts and head gasket and it decided to have screen Cancer on the last hurdle..could,nt see the mini screen as it went black and lost a set of half stretched bolts and a half compressed gasket...Mechanical ever since

Maybe you were just unlucky but that's a very good point.

 

[123hotchef]

manaul norbar or britool for me

 

[Gragson]

I have to confess to never having used a digital one but the thing that would put me off one is the infrequency of which I use a torque wrench. I may use one loads in the space of a week, then the next time I use it might be 6 months away. I think I’d get frustrated at having flat batteries whenever I went to use it, though if I was using one more regular I guess it would make more sense.

And if you don't have spare batteries you don't have a torque wrench
Got a 3/8th manual for backup as well, makes a nonsense of having the digis really

 

[hotponyshoes]

The snap on ones that do angle as well as torque are pretty usefull.
If you need to angle tighten a bolt 180deg then it will add up the angle as you use the ratchet on it!

The batteries do seem to last fine whilst they are in use but yes, they do seem to drain down quick if left in the toolbox. Easy enough to take the end off to stop them doing it though.

I find a lot of battery tools in the workshop drain down so it might be the cold or something?

 

[earthman]

I'm surprised what they say under the 'maintenance & calibration' section,...never having to send it back somewhere for re calibration??

https://dccf75d8gej24.cloudfront.net/documents/PRO238_Digital_Torque_Adaptor_040215238.pdf

 

[p0689109]

Britool anyday of the week for me. Basic engineering and will last forever. Can pick them up at auctions too!

 

[earthman]

Britool anyday of the week for me. Basic engineering and will last forever. Can pick them up at auctions too!

When it comes to precision tools I prefer to buy new, just looking at these funny enough but this brand is out of my budget.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Britool-EVT3000A-2-inch-Torque-Wrench/dp/B004ZFCIT2

 

[Robotstar5]

Or if you're feeling flush, get one of these runs the nut/bolt down and automatically stops when the correct torque/angle is achieved.

 

[zzr1200]

2nd vote for Norbar here...regarded by industry as top notch equipment.

https://www.norbar.com/en-gb/

 

[Robotstar5]

2nd vote for Norbar here...regarded by industry as top notch equipment.

https://www.norbar.com/en-gb/

3rd vote for Norbar, I bought mine in the 70's, took them into work a couple of years ago to check them on the calibration rig and they're still near enough spot on