Which Torque screwdriver?

September 27, 2024, 05:33 PM

I would definitely not use one a lot but am thinking of a few good uses for one.
I (foolishly) ordered a cheap one off Amazon and regret it. The instructions on using it are confusing. Thought I had it figured out for 12 Inch pounds. Screw got tight enough I was afraid of breaking it and the tool was not "breaking free".
So what next? Is the Wheeler an acceptable tool for low usage?
While I am willing to spend a bit more then I did but some of the prices I see are just more then I think are needed.

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September 27, 2024, 05:40 PM

Lt CHEG

I’m sure the Wheeler tool would be sufficient. Personally I have 2 SnapOn and 1 Matco digital torque wrenches in different drive sizes and torque ranges that I use. It’s most certainly overkill but I use 2 of them for car stuff often enough to want a high quality torque wrench, and then I decided to add the 1/4” drive SnapOn precision unit primarily for gun stuff which has actually occasionally come in handy on car stuff too. I just use the appropriate socket bit with one of my torque wrenches.

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September 27, 2024, 05:45 PM

parabellum

The Wheeler Fat Wrench will do what you need. It's made in the USA (no instruction manuals written by someone whose first language is Mandarin) and the company has quite good customer service.

The manual model is fine, no "digital" anything required.

https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler...h/dp/B0012AXR4S?th=1

Just remember to return the tool to its zero setting so that you do not fatigue the spring while the tool is stored. Per Wheeler, failing to do this may result in inaccurate torque values.

September 27, 2024, 05:50 PM

smschulz

If you can afford it CDI is an excellent one.
I use mine all the time. I also have a couple CDI torque wrenches as well.

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September 27, 2024, 05:52 PM

ag111ga

I use Fix It Stix all-in-one adapter and I'm very happy with it.

I also own a similar adapter from Topeak but in Nm.

They don't click, just turn lines to a chosen value and you're done. They're really small, easy to pack and work straight with screwdriver or 90deg. with a ratchet.

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September 27, 2024, 06:13 PM

Bytes

Dang, I wished this thread would have come up before I did our KC house repair

I spent $ on a Klein torque screw driver for breaker box work. Learned my lesson, always ask SigForum first.

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September 27, 2024, 07:59 PM

rangeme101

Watch this YT channel comparing using digital scale system to verify values. iirc the FAT wrench was one of or the best overall. I've had a FAT wrench for years with no issues, easy to use.

I believe there are 2-3 vids with various brands.

https://youtu.be/YPP5Y1o0lU0?si=ZOJZo4Gk9Yr_PHm0

" like i said,....i didn't build it, i didn't buy it, and i didn't break it."

September 27, 2024, 08:17 PM

jer830

I’ll echo everything Para posted regarding the Wheeler FAT wrench, especially the part about returning it to zero when done. I bought one a couple of years ago and I’ve been happy with it.

As to their customer service, I recently installed a red dot on a MOS Glock. The screw, being too long, bottomed out and I didn’t realize it at the time. I twisted the Torx bit. I contacted Wheeler about purchasing another. They sent me three for free.

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September 27, 2024, 08:53 PM

Blue Dog

quote:
Originally posted by parabellum:
The Wheeler Fat Wrench will do what you need. It's made in the USA (no instruction manuals written by someone whose first language is Mandarin) and the company has quite good customer service.

The manual model is fine, no "digital" anything required.

https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler...h/dp/B0012AXR4S?th=1

Just remember to return the tool to its zero setting so that you do not fatigue the spring while the tool is stored. Per Wheeler, failing to do this may result in inaccurate torque values.

this is what i have. no prblems

September 27, 2024, 10:56 PM

sjtill

I have one Wheeler Fat Wrench that works OK.
Then I ordered a second one, and it did not work right at all.
Now I have a Vortex, and would never go back--much better build quality, more precise.

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September 28, 2024, 01:01 AM

iron chef

quote:
Originally posted by parabellum:
The Wheeler Fat Wrench will do what you need. It's made in the USA...

Every Wheeler tool I've ever examined is made in China including their FAT Wrench. Every American-made torque screwdriver I've seen ran around $200+, although you can get them for much less used.

The FAT Wrench is fine, but its gauge is marked off in 5 in-lb increments. If say you want to set to 12 in-lb, you have to eye it out between 10 & 15. I prefer other models that allow you to set your torque value to the round number you want.

You can get a Husky digital torque screwdriver at HD for $70.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hu...er-H4DETSD/320878881

September 28, 2024, 09:59 PM

redleg2/9

I used the Wheeler FAT for several years, then switched to the Vortex Optics Torque Wrench last year. The Vortex is a major upgrade and the Wheeler sits unused.

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September 29, 2024, 05:04 AM

dry-fly

These are awesome.. kinda spendy but very handy.

quote:
Originally posted by ag111ga:
I use Fix It Stix all-in-one adapter and I'm very happy with it.

I also own a similar adapter from Topeak but in Nm.

They don't click, just turn lines to a chosen value and you're done. They're really small, easy to pack and work straight with screwdriver or 90deg. with a ratchet.

"Attack life, it's going to kill you anyway." Steve McQueen...

September 29, 2024, 03:43 PM

Lefty Sig

Proto Professional torque limiting screwdriver here. 6 to 36 in-lbs in 1 in-lb increments. Bought it from Grainger.