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| | | | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 10 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 10 | I am going to replace my old Sears torque wrench, am considering SK and was wondering of a flex head model is worth the premium on price, e.g. an SK 74251 1/2" 25-250 ft-lbs retails for about $83 and an SK 74256 flex head 1/2" 25-250 ft-lbs retails for about $137. It may be that other factors add to the price but I am unaware of them. How often is a flex head really handy and wouldn't using an extension work in most cases?
Don Lewis
1946 Chevy Panel..1946 GMC Suburban..1953 GMC Suburban..1946 Ford pickup
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 314 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2005 Posts: 314 | I find flex heads hard to use. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,029 Member | | Member Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,029 | I haven't seen anything with a torque spec that would be easier to tighten with a flex head. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2000 Posts: 2,074 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2000 Posts: 2,074 | I agree with the above, also ask about the accuracy of the units if SK even has this data. I'd still get it to a cal lab for complete service/lube and calibration before you touch your engine with it. When I worked in the calibration lab we'd find many new torque wrenches that were way off with the exception of Snap-On. More so than just about any other tool, treat torque wrenches with great care. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 | I use my long handled flex-head from Mac Tools every day. Keeps me from needing to use an extension with the socket which increases stability and accuracy. Even my 3/8 drive is a flex. I use mine professionally and it cost well over (about twice) what you are considering on paying and I send it in once or twice a year for recalibration. So, if you think you can use it enough to make it worth while, I would spend the extra, in my opinion,
Scott | | | | | Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 476 Moderator | | Moderator Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 476 | The only torque wrench I have is the one my stepson owns because his late father left him a fair set of tools. It's just a pointer type, and I can't ever seem to hold it steady enough under load to get a good reading. I have thought about investing in a good one (or 2, 1/2 and 3/8)
Don, If you upgrade, I would consider buying a used Craftsman if the price is right. (Assuming Sears can get it calibrated...)
Don't lose your head to save a minute,
You need your head, your brains are in it.
Burma-Shave (1947)
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 | I have used a Snap-On flex head torque wrench since the late 80's. The flex in the head is minimal on mine and has never posed a problem. I know the flex head has allowed me to get into several spots without finding another length adapter. I guess it depends on how much flex the torque wrench allows. Too much flex will change the torque values. If memory serves me, the flex on my wrench is 15 degrees or less in either direction. | | |
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