Customer Reviews

Precision Instruments (PREC3FR250F) 1/2" Dr. "Split Beam" Torque Wrench w/Flex head (40-250 Ft./Lbs)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My main concern with this product is that it comes in a case that it does not fit, and the wrench will bang around inside it.

I think this is because the case is manufactured/shared with other torque wrenches that precision instruments makes.

I think this because:

1. There is a gap under the handle of about 2 inches that has no purpose.

2. There are slight gaps next to the wrench (in width) in the case.

3. The wrench bangs around inside its own case.

I wish it had foam patting in the case like snap-ons do.

Because of this, it is difficult to care for the torque wrench.

Also,

When shipped, it comes in a oversized box, and even though there are air pockets, I am not sure how much shaking the box took before getting here, and inside the box is the wrench in its case that it already bangs around in.

The accuracy of mine was not off, but it could have been better. But definately not "precision instument" or (approx $200 w/shipping) accuracy. It was roughly as precise as my regular craftsman micro-torque click type in that, it did not indicate the exact amount of torque every time, and the range was not as small as i liked. I suspect that maybe the calibration is off from all the shaking this took in its own box.

About the wrench itself:

The wrench is well made, and heavy.

The length is long enough to easily get maximum torque out of it, and the heaviness of the wrench makes torquing very smooth and easy.

The handle is covered with a blue rubber material that gives you better grip.

Setting up the torque is very easy.

The wrench has a little rattle though if you were to shake it.

The outer cover rattles apart from the inner components. But I don't think that affects anything much.

You get a certificate of 4% accuracy when you first get it.

The wrench feels well made within your hands.

This purchase was disappointing for me because it's such a great wrench. It really is. But ruined by something easily overlooked, so cheap, its case.

I bought this wrench about six months ago. This is a great quality wrench and it comes in a nice plastic case. I've used this wrench to put on 36mm hub nuts and lug nuts. The wrench is long enough to make applying 220 ft-lbs very easy. I think I'll have this wrench for a very long time and I am very pleased with my purchase.

The split beam torque wrench is easy to use and has the bonus of not having to be zero'ed. I had purchased the 3/4-inch drive one 3 years ago to torque the wheel lug nuts of a motor home and liked it. When I needed to get a 1/2-inch drive torque wrench, I again bought the Precision split beam one and its reliability and ease of use is the same as the 3/4-inch one.

This is by far the best torque wrench for the money out there. It's comfortable, long and very accurate. My Cornwell dealer was selling these for nearly $250 (which is still worth the money), but I was ecstatic to see the price here. After using many torque wrenches in the auto industry, I realized right away that this was the one. A coworker had one and I found myself asking to borrow it more than I use my own. Once you see it in person, you can tell it's a quality piece. Don't let the low price fool you, this wrench is top-notch!

This wrench is too good: It has a strange feel to it if you expect it to be a "clicker" its not it is much sturdier and torques perfectly every time. I am picky about torque and this tool never turns a nut the second time it's used on it. I trust it.

The bad: it is in graduation of 5 ft-lbs so smaller adjustments are out of the question and sometimes it will move up or down slightly when the adjustment cover is snapped down and I have to set it again. However it never moves while i'm using it. And I just move my torque to the range the wrench can handle i.e. a spec of 93-106 ft-lbs would get 100 ft-lbs.

overall this is the best torque wrench in my toolbox and I spent twice as much on my mac.

If you're in the market for a torque wrench this is the best bag for your buck. It's a well built tool, much more convenient to use then a micrometer wrench (doesn't need to be dailed back to zero) and has a very definite click when it reaches the desired torque. These three points are important, first I've read about a lot of torque wrenched that failed after a few uses. BTW Sears torque wrenches only have a 90day warranty (not lifetime like their other hand tools) vs the one year warranty for Percision Intruments. Next the split-beam style doesn't use a spring so you can set it to the torque you want a forget it and if you do forget it's not a disaster like the micrometer wrenches. Finnally, the click is so pronounced that I've never had to worry about over torquing. I actually liked this model so much I just purchased its little brother (3/8" 10-50ft/lb). The only down side is that these tools are in demand (still waiting for my latest purchase) so if one is in stock don't hesitate. There are torque wrenches that cost half as much but you'll probably end up buying several of them over time as they break and they won't work as good as this one (place I bought mine from had just sold a number to a helicopter maintance company).

Very solid construction. Everything you could ask for in such a tool...affordable, sturdy, easy to use, and accurate. Made in the USA. I use it to tighten up lugnuts on my wheels to 140 ft-lbs. It's over 2 feet long with a rubberized handle, so you don't need to be a powerlifter to accomplish this. What I found out AFTER it was delivered was that the "1/2 inch drive" refers to the square thingy that fits into the socket. You will need to get a 1/2 inch socket that matches your lugnuts...$3 and easily available.

I needed to build engines again. Split beam is the only way to go so I bought this one. I am not sure how much I trust this thing yet. It feels ok if you are really carefull. Im not completely trustworthy of this thing in the hands of an everyday guy