Digital torque wrenches - any good?

[Blink]

The scale on my existing Draper torque wrench is very tricky to use (I can hardly read it) so I'm thinking of getting a digital one to replace it.

What do we all think of digital wrenches? e.g. this one - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Torque-Digi...57-spons&psc=1

Short handle version (1/2 inch **) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Baoblaze-Di...%2C163&sr=8-42 / https://www.amazon.co.uk/KESOTO-Digi.../dp/B07FSV7CWY

** Same pic as the above but this says it's a 1/4 inch drive and not 1/2 inch - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-4-Drive....c100005.m1851

[SCP440]

I have one of these and have found it very useful
https://www.amazon.co.uk/KKmoon-Elec...81016549&psc=1
It turns any ratchet handle or bar into a torque wrench.

[kaiser]

torque wrenches can be very tricky if digital or even graduated adjustable ones. You have no idea of whether or not the calibration is correct.
It i nice to get a "click" but what if the click happens at the wrong point?

An old fashioned straight bendable bar with a physical scale is far safer.

Some years back, there was a string of failures of MG engines. The story was that one of the two torque wrenches at the engine factory was out of adjustment, and half the production had sprockets fitted with incorrect torque. They subsequently proceeded to fall off, and initiated as far as I know a recall for quite a number of cars!

the problem was compounded by the fact, that no-one from the serial numbers could see if the engine had been made using the working or the faulty torque wrench.

[Blink]

Originally Posted by SCP440

I have one of these and have found it very useful
https://www.amazon.co.uk/KKmoon-Elec...81016549&psc=1
It turns any ratchet handle or bar into a torque wrench.

I've been looking at those but I think it's adds too much bulk for use in tight spaces.

[Blink]

Originally Posted by kaiser

torque wrenches can be very tricky if digital or even graduated adjustable ones. You have no idea of whether or not the calibration is correct.
It i nice to get a "click" but what if the click happens at the wrong point?

An old fashioned straight bendable bar with a physical scale is far safer.

It's a good point - but I'm having real trouble reading the scale on my Draper (tiny markings) so I'm just as likely to set it wrong as an electronic one is to be out of calibration. Catch 22.

[macafee2]

Originally Posted by Blink

It's a good point - but I'm having real trouble reading the scale on my Draper (tiny markings) so I'm just as likely to set it wrong as an electronic one is to be out of calibration. Catch 22.

Time for glasses

A previous post about being accurately calibrated is a very valid point and Draper do not offer a calibration service as far as I know.

All I can do with mine is treat them very gently

macafee2

[kaiser]

Eyesight!
Not an easy one.
But in most cases there is help around the corner.
The time is to go to an eye doctor and get some information, or better two, to make sure the calibration of their payment scale is up to scratch!
But I have a good friend, and the transformation after a cataract operation was really life changing, positively.
Something to ponder.

[Blink]

Originally Posted by macafee2

Time for glasses

Already got them.

[Blink]

Originally Posted by kaiser

...or better two

I've seen more than two (double) and none of them have got the specs right.

[SCP440]

Originally Posted by Blink

I've been looking at those but I think it's adds too much bulk for use in tight spaces.

I have never found that to be a problem, a short extension or long socket is all that is needed if space is tight.

The only problem I have had with it is the beep is not very loud but the number show as the torque increases so I usually use that.