6 replies to this topic

[ChrisA]

My current 3/8" drive torque wrench, a Kolbalt wrench, is feeling a little wonky. The handle is getting a little loose and the setting indicator is no longer lining up accurately, so it's time to replace it. I have a couple Snap-On QD wrenches, an in-lbs & big 1/2" drive model. They are nice wrenches, so I'm considering getting the QD2R100 or perhaps the Techangle ATECH2FR100A to replace the Kolbalt. Is the Techangle worth the extra $$ or overkill? I'll be rebuilding a spare trans this fall and may have an engine rebuild coming up too.

[Glenn]

My current 3/8" drive torque wrench, a Kolbalt wrench, is feeling a little wonky. The handle is getting a little loose and the setting indicator is no longer lining up accurately, so it's time to replace it. I have a couple Snap-On QD wrenches, an in-lbs & big 1/2" drive model. They are nice wrenches, so I'm considering getting the QD2R100 or perhaps the Techangle ATECH2FR100A to replace the Kolbalt. Is the Techangle worth the extra $$ or overkill? I'll be rebuilding a spare trans this fall and may have an engine rebuild coming up too.

I have been using the 24" unit from Home Depot because it i gaurentted for life. Been replaced 2 ties in 1 year! The ratchet head keeps failing. I would steer clear!

[dstevens]

I posted a thread a while back asking the same thing.

http://mazdaracers.c...ch=1

I ended up getting the regular TECH in 3/8" and 1/2". Been contemplating getting the 1/4" too if I can find a good deal. It's the same as the ATECH but no torque to yield. So unless you have an app where you need to torque to a value then add a specific angle, the TECH series works just as well. I'm very satisfied. Excellent tool.

I got some good deals on eBay. The guy in my area has a device to check the calibration in the truck so after I got them I saw he was at the local Firestone joint and stopped and had him check.

[ChrisA]

I posted a thread a while back asking the same thing.

http://mazdaracers.c...ch=1

I ended up getting the regular TECH in 3/8" and 1/2". Been contemplating getting the 1/4" too if I can find a good deal. It's the same as the ATECH but no torque to yield. So unless you have an app where you need to torque to a value then add a specific angle, the TECH series works just as well. I'm very satisfied. Excellent tool.

I got some good deals on eBay. The guy in my area has a device to check the calibration in the truck so after I got them I saw he was at the local Firestone joint and stopped and had him check.

I believe the Miata engine does not use torque+Angle in its' assembly. Correct? If so, I guess the angle feature would not be of benefit. Do you think the regular Techwrench is worth the investment over the standard Snap-on QD wrenches?

[dstevens]

I know for sure there are no torque to yield fasteners on my 1.6. Our street cars are a different story. I think it's worth the extra money, particularly used. On eBay for not much more than a clicker. A couple of good features for me are the tone when you are at spec, the ability to change the indicator to in/lb or ft/lb or N m on the same wrench. It also will read what the torque is on a particular fastener and if you are torquing one how much you actually did apply.

There is a QD2R100 now for $150
http://cgi.ebay.com/...=item2565c601b8

I paid just over that for the 1/2" and just over a couple hun for that 3/8". The clickers usually go for 100-150 or so.

[joeg5982]

I own several Snap-on torque wrenches, including the (hi)Tech angle one, but if you looking for the best click style, find a Williams in new condition.

Those are great click-style torque wrenches!

[ChrisA]

Well, the adjustment stop on the Kolbalt (which was made by Williams) jammed on me yesterday. I was finally able to get it loose, but the thing is dying, so I picked up a Techangle. I really love the fact that it has the 80-tooth ratchet head. I've been caught many times is tight places that just could get that next needed click. Plus, the angle ability will come in handy with the Tow Vehicle as it uses torque+angle at various places, which I hope I won't need to deal with anytime soon.