I've used both digital and mechanical torque wrenches for my job as an aircraft mechanic and building engines on the side. I personally prefer the mechanical type because 1: I like the feel and audible clicking sound. 2: I dont like having to change batteries. However not knocking the video, everyone has a preference. You're video is very informative.
I always preferred the ole click torque wrenches the click noise makes me happy lol. Torqued. I got the 3/8 and 1/2 inch craftsman torque wrenches they are very nice for the money I’d say a deal. Not bad price nice quality. Some say they overrated but I gotta hand it to snap on tools.
@@DannyDrives yeah they can show you the numbers on a screen and other measuring maybe I’m used to the ole click ones I like the sound also so I stick with them. It’s an opinion I may try a nice digital one soon!
Thanks for posting this! I bought this wrench and was curious do you set a particular torque angle when tightening lug nuts on your wheels? Do you just use the default torque angle that comes with the wrench?
Thanks for sharing your time. I recently purchased a craftsman 1/2” digital torque wrench from e-bay. It came with no box or instructions. So my question is how do you shut off the wrench? I pretty much understand how it operates but struggling to shut it off. Any help would be greatly appreciated thank you, Joe.
Thanks for commenting. It should go to sleep after a short while of not moving. I don't remember the exact time off the top of my head, but it isn't too long. I can tell you if you are swapping a set of wheels on, by the time you move to torque another wheel it will already have fallen asleep.
@@DannyDrives can you over tight with digital or not. With a click it will not go pass set amount but i think if you miss a light or a sound you can go pass that set number.
I mean I never tried. Like it gives you a green light, then red. I stop when red pops up. I would never try to go past the alert to stop. Unless you had some medical emergency, not sure the situation you would accidently pass that situation
You would have to be a mindless gorilla to over torque so much you break a bolt. Like he said you just listen or look, when the tone goes to a solid beep you stop.
Sorry this is a foolish question but you see the switch isn’t it supposed to be on the right instead of the left how you have it? Sorry I know it’s a dummy question
No that’s why I’m asking because I’m confused. I have the same machine but you see how your select lever switch is facing left. I thought it was supposed to be on the right side when you’re trying to make it tight. That’s why I know it sounds like a stupid question…
So looking at these the operation buttons display and even the batteries are the same as the kobalt, which is the same as the harbor freight Quinn torque wrenches. The only difference is the kobalt and quinn go down to 12.5 ftlb. and the grip is different. Oh and the price.
I purchased one and it have to be careful not to press the units button too many times or else it'll get stuck in degree mode until it turns itself off or I pull the battery out. Really annoying
From my understanding you don’t want to leave your wrench torqued up and are supposed to torque it down below 15% before storing. Is that the same on this one?
that is correct for click type, where you twist a handle, because you are basically putting stress on a spring in the handle. Overtime that stress can mess up its +/- on how much torque it is actually putting down on something. With these digital torque wrenches there is no need as it is all digital, nothing to twist.
How would you go about testing the calibration on a digital torque wrench? Do you put it in a vice and check it with weights or a luggage scale like you would a regular click-type torque wrench?
Oh one question and that is as soon as u get to red or even barely a red, that means to stop, right ? One your first try it went click after your green light shown. When u torcked it again it clicked then went to red. Was that it? Wait til it clicked to green then torch it again to red ?
Green is good, red is the hey you might go too far warning light, basically once you get to green red should pop right after, so depending on how strong you are that morning is why you saw a difference between
Good video. I have a few questions. Do you have to calibrate it on a level surface every time you turn it on? How long before it turns itself off? And lastly, how long do the batteries last?
Yes, but it doesn't have to be a completely level surface, just has to be horizontal in your hands. Turning itself off, I never timed it. And batteries last I have had these torque wrenches for 8 months and have not needed to replace them. I however am not a career mechanic, they only get used when they are needed.
The manual states that the wrench will auto sleep after about 5 minutes to save battery power. FYI - The manual also states that when the wrench is not going to be used for an extended period of time you should remove the batteries.
I bought the 1/2 model because I needed one ASAP and I wanted a digital this time. It seems to be good so far. I have to tighten some bolts to 140-170 ft lbs on some equipment we maintain.
@Bill Reynolds thats because the 3/8 only goes up to 100ft lbs, those head bolts set at 30ft lbs, pulling two 90degrees on them your exceeding the working range of that wrench, you were pulling closer to 150ft lbs thats why it kept erroring out on you
Just purchase the 3/8 torque wrench from Lowe’s. How do you read the inch pound display? Should it be a decimal point in between the zero? For 19 inch pounds of torque?
I just purchased Craftsman the 3/8” digital torque wrench from Lowe’s. The exterior packaging states 1 yr limited warranty, but the owners manual (found inside)states a 90 day warranty? I’ve used good quality clickers for a long time, and always liked the tactile “click,” and not having to watch a LCD screen or light. I’m not sure that I’m going to keep this digital torque wrench because of the limitations in terms of placement and screen visibility. How close to your preset setting are you if you stop when you get the beep? Thanks for sharing this video. Good job.
Start turning, when it's getting close it will beep beep beep the closer you get the faster it beep beep beeps, then when you get to the specified torque it goes Beeeeeeeeep. One solid beep.
Ive been using the half inch version for. A few months. Similar although the batteries have been drained and now I get to figure out how to calibrate it if it’s out tomorrow lol. Fine wrench but like every other non adapted torque wrench in that drive.....fucking long and awkward
I got the 3/8s an 1/2 inch torque wrench like this one for 20$ each what I did was I took a tag off a 1/4inch craftsmen ratchet an I put it on the torque wrench’s an went threw the self checkout an they thanked me as I walked out the door like what a deal I got
How do you change your battery in the sumbitch I own a model 9 13918 torque wrench Craftsman digital someone tell me how to change the f****** batteries really
I've used both digital and mechanical torque wrenches for my job as an aircraft mechanic and building engines on the side. I personally prefer the mechanical type because 1: I like the feel and audible clicking sound. 2: I dont like having to change batteries. However not knocking the video, everyone has a preference. You're video is very informative.
Thanks for taking some time to share insight. Check out more of my content, perhaps our opinions align on something else.
Same! I prefer the mechanical
I gather most seasoned mechanics like click type
Good point, but for the average user, digital seems as though it will do the job pretty good.
I can’t wait to try my craftsman 3/8 wrench I just bought
Be sure to report back what you think!
Great Torque wrench, just purchase one not long ago. Learning how to operate it.
Good choice!
Still working fine today 2021 ?
yep, used it when I did track prep for VIR a weekend or two ago
What are some of the cons about this tool? Thanks in advance
I always preferred the ole click torque wrenches the click noise makes me happy lol.
Torqued. I got the 3/8 and 1/2 inch craftsman torque wrenches they are very nice for the money I’d say a deal. Not bad price nice quality. Some say they overrated but I gotta hand it to snap on tools.
I love these new digital ones
@@DannyDrives yeah they can show you the numbers on a screen and other measuring maybe I’m used to the ole click ones I like the sound also so I stick with them. It’s an opinion I may try a nice digital one soon!
Thanks for posting this! I bought this wrench and was curious do you set a particular torque angle when tightening lug nuts on your wheels? Do you just use the default torque angle that comes with the wrench?
I don't mess with the angle, I specifically use ft-lbs and nm
Got it, thanks for the reply. Cheers! @@DannyDrives
Does an adapter on a half inch wrench make the wrench inaccurate
I think it increases the +/- on it. I am not sure the exact equation though.
So question how do I set it to torque down my oil pan gasket bolts. For 2011 e90 338i
What is your oil pan gasket torque spec?
What's the minamal nm? Can it be used for chaging oil filter?
I used mostly in ft-lbs.
I used ft-lbs mostly
U did good on the video. Thank u for that. I will purchase one of these. This will come in handy to work on rear diff.
Glad I could help
Hi do you know what types of battery the 1/2” wrench use? Thanks
Should be this kind: amzn.to/3rOnpvm
I use electronic snap ons on top of classic torque wrench Yes they work I calibrated both
how do you like it?
Does this torque wrench work at an angle?
yes, by degrees
Thanks for sharing your time. I recently purchased a craftsman 1/2” digital torque wrench from e-bay. It came with no box or instructions. So my question is how do you shut off the wrench? I pretty much understand how it operates but struggling to shut it off. Any help would be greatly appreciated thank you, Joe.
Thanks for commenting. It should go to sleep after a short while of not moving. I don't remember the exact time off the top of my head, but it isn't too long. I can tell you if you are swapping a set of wheels on, by the time you move to torque another wheel it will already have fallen asleep.
2 minutes
How do I store it just let it cutt off on its own and what do I set it on before I store it
I hook it up and put it on a Auto battery
How do you set the 3/8 to newton meters? All it say is FT LB
press the U/S button
@@DannyDrives I only have the up down and the C buttons
I wonder if digital is any better or worse than the regular torque wrenches. I wonder how accurate they are.
I would imagine slightly better, but only slightly.
Thanks for the vídeo I just bought a torque wrench craftsman nice 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
thanks man! glad I could help!
So you can over torque on digital but not on click ones. Planning to get onw but for basically regular car repairs nothing crazy
what do you mean?
@@DannyDrives can you over tight with digital or not. With a click it will not go pass set amount but i think if you miss a light or a sound you can go pass that set number.
I mean I never tried. Like it gives you a green light, then red. I stop when red pops up. I would never try to go past the alert to stop. Unless you had some medical emergency, not sure the situation you would accidently pass that situation
You would have to be a mindless gorilla to over torque so much you break a bolt. Like he said you just listen or look, when the tone goes to a solid beep you stop.
Sorry this is a foolish question but you see the switch isn’t it supposed to be on the right instead of the left how you have it? Sorry I know it’s a dummy question
I don't understand what you mean?
The select lever on top it’s the little switch…
So you are saying it is wrong? then how did I torque the wheel?
No that’s why I’m asking because I’m confused. I have the same machine but you see how your select lever switch is facing left. I thought it was supposed to be on the right side when you’re trying to make it tight. That’s why I know it sounds like a stupid question…
There are no stupid questions, but I really don't understand it or the context.
So looking at these the operation buttons display and even the batteries are the same as the kobalt, which is the same as the harbor freight Quinn torque wrenches. The only difference is the kobalt and quinn go down to 12.5 ftlb. and the grip is different. Oh and the price.
Yep they all have their own unique quirks
I purchased one and it have to be careful not to press the units button too many times or else it'll get stuck in degree mode until it turns itself off or I pull the battery out. Really annoying
Thanks for the tip!
From my understanding you don’t want to leave your wrench torqued up and are supposed to torque it down below 15% before storing. Is that the same on this one?
that is correct for click type, where you twist a handle, because you are basically putting stress on a spring in the handle. Overtime that stress can mess up its +/- on how much torque it is actually putting down on something. With these digital torque wrenches there is no need as it is all digital, nothing to twist.
Danny Korecki yeah that’s what I curious about is if the full digital style needed to be spun down or not
Danny Korecki thank you good sir
Did you fall asleep or not watch the video? Maybe you were drunk or stoned.
Try watching 0:55 up to 01:27 AGAIN to answer your question.
How would you go about testing the calibration on a digital torque wrench? Do you put it in a vice and check it with weights or a luggage scale like you would a regular click-type torque wrench?
I just passively test it against my other wrenches. I have non-digital ones as well, so the chance of them all failing is minimal.
Oh one question and that is as soon as u get to red or even barely a red, that means to stop, right ? One your first try it went click after your green light shown. When u torcked it again it clicked then went to red. Was that it? Wait til it clicked to green then torch it again to red ?
Green is good, red is the hey you might go too far warning light, basically once you get to green red should pop right after, so depending on how strong you are that morning is why you saw a difference between
I don't look at the lights, the tone tells you when to stop.
Good video. I have a few questions. Do you have to calibrate it on a level surface every time you turn it on? How long before it turns itself off? And lastly, how long do the batteries last?
Yes, but it doesn't have to be a completely level surface, just has to be horizontal in your hands. Turning itself off, I never timed it. And batteries last I have had these torque wrenches for 8 months and have not needed to replace them. I however am not a career mechanic, they only get used when they are needed.
Whats Calibrate ?
when you make sure it is in spec
The manual states that the wrench will auto sleep after about 5 minutes to save battery power. FYI - The manual also states that when the wrench is not going to be used for an extended period of time you should remove the batteries.
I bought the 1/2 model because I needed one ASAP and I wanted a digital this time. It seems to be good so far. I have to tighten some bolts to 140-170 ft lbs on some equipment we maintain.
It is definitely good for lug nuts! what stuff do you maintain at 140-170?
@Bill Reynolds thats because the 3/8 only goes up to 100ft lbs, those head bolts set at 30ft lbs, pulling two 90degrees on them your exceeding the working range of that wrench, you were pulling closer to 150ft lbs thats why it kept erroring out on you
How do I set it to 100 ft lbs of torque so I can tighten my wheels
The 3/8 goes to 100, the 1/2 goes up to 200+
so is the torque wrench bought, depending on which socket set you buy?
nah you can buy a 3/8 socket set and have a 1/2 torque wrench then just buy an adaptor to use the 3/8 sockets
Danny Korecki ty!
no problem
It's depending on the torque you're trying to achieve as torque ranges vary between the two.
Just purchase the 3/8 torque wrench from Lowe’s. How do you read the inch pound display? Should it be a decimal point in between the zero? For 19 inch pounds of torque?
I would have to get out to the garage to check for you. With a newborn that would be a while lol
Mybe im not understanding how this works? But what is the ft. lb. on a wheel supposed to be?
the amount of force needed on the bolt to keep it tight
I just purchased Craftsman the 3/8” digital torque wrench from Lowe’s. The exterior packaging states 1 yr limited warranty, but the owners manual (found inside)states a 90 day warranty? I’ve used good quality clickers for a long time, and always liked the tactile “click,” and not having to watch a LCD screen or light. I’m not sure that I’m going to keep this digital torque wrench because of the limitations in terms of placement and screen visibility. How close to your preset setting are you if you stop when you get the beep? Thanks for sharing this video. Good job.
The way I see it is lets say you want 90 ft lbs. The colors leading up to are 87, 88, 89, then RED at 90. And thanks!
But it beeps as well so I dont know that having to look at the LCD screen is a must.
Start turning, when it's getting close it will beep beep beep the closer you get the faster it beep beep beeps, then when you get to the specified torque it goes Beeeeeeeeep. One solid beep.
Torque specs was the only thing from stopping me doing my bmw work myself lol can we rent these
haha you should do some of the work to bond with your BMW! lol
Don’t be cheap. You need this every oil change for lug torque. Its worth it man
You didn't show how to set it to reverse mode. This is not used very often but it is an option.
Good call out
Would you recommend this 3/8 craftsman torque wrench or the Kobalt 3/8 torque wrench? Why one over the other?
Having owed both, you cannot go wrong with either, but I vote Craftsman, simply because I am vested. I have a Craftsman box, sockets, etc.
Do the digital torque wrench still need to calibrate? Maybe at least once a year?
Best practicies would be to calibrate, but many weekend warriors do not.
Would the 3/8 be good for a challenger ?
Dodge challenger?
@@DannyDrives yep 3.6 v6
How much and where did you buy them?
You can get them at Lowes for just under $200
Angle? Memory?
It does angle, but only remembers the last you put in. It doesn't have save-able presets.
What is the tooth count on the ratchet head?
I couldn't find that on the specs for you
Danny Korecki I found out, they are 36 tooth heads.
so it needs a battery and charger and has a screen. several things to go wrong which would negate its usage.
no charger, the batteries were AAA if I remember, if that helps at all lol
Ive been using the half inch version for. A few months. Similar although the batteries have been drained and now I get to figure out how to calibrate it if it’s out tomorrow lol. Fine wrench but like every other non adapted torque wrench in that drive.....fucking long and awkward
I wish they made 1/2s in the size of 3/8s.
Have to see for myself
Be sure to report back!
I got the 3/8s an 1/2 inch torque wrench like this one for 20$ each what I did was I took a tag off a 1/4inch craftsmen ratchet an I put it on the torque wrench’s an went threw the self checkout an they thanked me as I walked out the door like what a deal I got
thanks for sharing, what do you plan to use them on?
@@DannyDrives Lol there probably most likely going to collect dust until I find another flip car that needs head gaskets
@@DannyDrives Did this guy seriously just admit to theft? Or am I reading this wrong? 🤔
I think you are right. I read it wrong the first time.
@@zayzay7653 jajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajaja
Why are you whispering
Are you sure your volume isn't low? Lol
1” you mean 1/2”. They don’t make a 1”
probably
Talk a little lower
Need more detail?
How do you change your battery in the sumbitch I own a model 9 13918 torque wrench Craftsman digital someone tell me how to change the f****** batteries really