Best 3/8 Split Beam Torque Wrench?

Testing the new Icon and updated Tekton vs the old school Precision Instruments.
Product links
Icon 👉 www.harborfreight.com/collect...
Tekton 👉 amzn.to/43tFZ8E
Precision Instruments 👉 amzn.to/3NXej6A
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[@themessygarage]

I appreciate your approach and the information it generates! Based on your earlier vids, I picked up the Icon 1/2", and grabbed the 3/8" the day it came out because of how happy I am with the 1/2". I'd note that the Tekton has a 10° flex head vs. 15° for the Icon. The extra flex is very useful to me, though I'd be interested to know how that affects accuracy (Tekton warns about possible impact of accuracy when not straight). When I did my quick video on the 3/8", I gave you props for the work you do in offering a post-cycled view of accuracy - thanks for the work and information you offer!

[@thelaw300]

Thanks for the test. I recently picked up the Precision Instruments 3/8 as a little gift to myself and your test results just burst my bubble! LOL. I will go have it tested.

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem, yeah it was sad to see. Hopefully this was a fluke.

[@dogsbyfire]

I ended up buying the Tekton. It’s a nice tool. It’s not in the same league as my 30-year-old Craftsman half-inch drive torque wrench, but it was a fraction of the cost. Really appreciate your video.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep Tekton is a good option for the $. Thanks!

[@alfredbernal8603]

Thank you for the review of these 3 split beams. Very interesting!

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem! Yeah I was surprised the Precision Instruments didn't pass, defiantly a shocker.

[@alfredbernal8603]

@@Tools-Tested I was also surprised by the 32 teeth it has which doent live to the name. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

[@Tools-Tested]

@@alfredbernal8603 Yep looks like they made it 40 years ago and never changed the design. You too!

[@thomassmith2239]

I've had a pair of Snap-on split beam torque wrenches in my toolbox for more than 40 years. They were used when I got them as my brother saw them at a pawn shop and figured I needed them. I'll pass them on to my nephew when I'm gone. I'd love to see a calibration video if anyone knows of one.

[@purplegreendave]

Thanks!

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem! Thanks for the support! I appreciate it!

[@stevenclark8533]

Great video. One issues with accuracy of setting the dial which is in 5 ft. lb. So in practice you can only set it on a mark or somewhere in between. So it's hard to set an odd number. But I do love a split beam and I can live with it for the most part. They do make digital torque attachment if you need to be spot on a odd number and it also helps you not go over torque. Thanks for these reviews.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Yep very good points on the split beams. Like you said, you can always get a digital adapter if needed.

[@jaywronker7636]

Not sure if this has been mentioned, the PI is where snap on ised to have their torque srenches made.

[@chrisb9478]

I just picked up the Icon the other day. It’s awesome, I should’ve got 1 of these years ago!

[@Tools-Tested]

Nice! yeah it’s an awesome torque wrench for the money.

[@shawnellsworth7623]

I just picked up the icon split beam for $78 Was marked down to $99.99 and I used a 25% off Very good deal 😀

[@Tools-Tested]

@@shawnellsworth7623 nice buy! really worth it IMO

[@njackson18]

ICON 90 tooth is a big advantage in tight spots. .

[@three-phase562]

That Tekton looks pretty respectable, and as you pointed out a bit more easily available outside of the USA. Still quite a price compared to a click style wrench though.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah the Tekton tested well, definitely a premium of 2x though when comparing the price to a micrometer wrench.

[@joshuaramos9676]

@@Tools-Tested what’s the difference really is one more accurate I don’t mind setting it back at the lowest setting as well, I’m looking at the tekton 3/8 split and the tekton click style 3/8

[@matthewnorris203]

I have the ICON and that sucker is nice. It DOES ONLY go in FORWARD. No reverse.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep best value IMO.

[@alvilla701]

Does anyone know what is a good torque for low measurements, from 60 in/lbs (5 ft/lbs) to 360 in/lbs (30 ft/lbs)

[@aclaudio1969ify]

will these be ok to torque lug nuts being is only a 3/8 drive?.....can you use adapters with it?

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah it will work for lug nuts, and adding a adapter or extension is fine.

[@gregtodd6988]

Hello! Canadian here in the West. I'm looking at going south for the sole purpose of getting an ICON torque wrench for both 3/8 & 1/2 inch drive. Now, I'm torn between the split beam, digital and traditional click type. Could you do a video showcasing the differences, which one is better and which one you'd suggest?

[@Tools-Tested]

Hi, so personally Split Beam is the way to go unless you are doing a ton of engine work when angle comes into play. The digital Icon is nice, but 9/10 I will grab a split beam. Faster adjustment and use, digital you have to slow down when approaching desired torque vs SB just apply force till u hear the click. Only thing I hate about the SB is single unit scale of FT-LBS which it also was in NM. I would stay away from the micro meter wrenches though, yes they work but the accuracy isn't as good and they are harder to use IMO.

[@dorhocyn3]

I have an old snap on like precision model that and I have treated it like it was made from gold, but now I am sad, and I will need to take it and have it tested probably. Probably should just go with a new digital one, I want things made in USA to be awesome.

[@Tools-Tested]

Hopefully mine was a fluke, but none the less probably worth getting it tested. Yeah really depends, I do like a split beam for the reliability stand point and I actually find it easier then using a digital. Yep me too, hopefully this was just a fluke.

[@purplegreendave]

Been refreshing all week waiting for this one. Seems like Tekton have figured it out with their revision since you first saw their split beams. Pity they couldn't make the head a touch smaller or match the Icon's 90 tooth ratchet but I think for those who don't have a HF nearby the Tekton Split Beam 2-Pack at $245 is a great price, and especially if you're a student when the 15% off brings it down to $208. I do actually like the PI handle aesthetically but for the price, tooth count and now the accuracy you've seen it just doesn't make sense. One last question - do the 3 torque wrenches in this test have the same amount of "flex" in the ratchet head? Is it 15 degrees on all?

[@knottybone]

According to a different video the Tekton is only 10

[@eddiepadilla01]

Can you test the Quinn 1/2 Preset Lug Nut Torque Wrench. Thank you

[@Tools-Tested]

I will check it out, thanks!

[@CelsiusAray]

Greetings. I have a big doubt that I think could help us dispel. Is there a difference if a 20nm tightening is performed using an impact socket vs a non-impact socket? Is the same tightening value transmitted?

[@Tools-Tested]

The socket won't have a noticeable impact on the torque when using a torque wrench.

[@Jynx0406]

What does the warm up cycle consist of for a split beam? Since they are not under spring tension i didn't think they needed anything. I have heard of doing a couple of clicks to distribute lubrication inside. Not sure if that is necessary.

[@Tools-Tested]

So normally you don't need to for a split beam, but I still cycle it like a micrometer torque wrench just because it's an old habit.

[@Jynx0406]

@@Tools-Tested thank you for the response. What is your preferred warm up for click style? I have heard running the adjustment from lowest setting to highest setting 3 times, or some people set it to the middle setting and click at least 3 times, or some variation of those.

[@Tools-Tested]

@@Jynx0406 no problem, normally I will cycle it 3x @20% and then 3x @100% toque range.

[@kimwellington9608]

Any chance on testing/reviewing low torque 1/4" 2nm-20nm, torque wrenches for use on bicycle fastners. I would say the Park TW-5 is the industry standard at $100, but their are also dozens of budget offering on Amazon. I have been turning wrenches for 50 plus years and know how to snug up a small fastner by feel. My bike has a mix of carbon and aluminum parts so i am thinking its time to actually torque these fastners correctly. Anyway I know these test are nothing but work, but also greatly appreciated. Thanks, Gary

[@Tools-Tested]

I hope too but it will be a while because the 1/4 tester recently failed on power up. So I need to ship it off to snap-on for repair, no telling how long that will take for the repair. No problem!

[@hobbes3]

I used the "TEKTON 1/4 Inch Drive Dual-Direction Click Torque Wrench (10-150 in.-lb.) | TRQ21101" and it's perfect for bicycle bolts.

[@jusimplicit]

I’ve used a spin doctor torque wrench on my carbon MTB and my Ti road bike for years

[@rudydaberry122]

I need a 1/2 drive torque wrench and I am looking at the icon split beam or The precision instruments but I don’t like the low tooth count of the precision instruments. Is the icon or tekton good for shop use?

[@Tools-Tested]

I think either icon or tekton would be good for shop use. Both seem built very well. Probably with the icon if you walked in HF they would give you a new one.

[@rudydaberry122]

@@Tools-TestedI just bought the icon 1/2 inch. I love it but after seeing this test the precision instruments one seems in accurate and that’s the one I have for my 3/8 torque wrench. Should I get it recalibrated?

[@Tools-Tested]

@@rudydaberry122 you could test it in comparison to the Icon by setting both to 100 and torquing a bolt with each. But it probably wouldn’t hurt to get it tested, if u are working in a shop that a snap on truck stops at they have a tester on the truck.

[@rudydaberry122]

@@Tools-Tested yeah there’s a snap on guy but he comes very Rarely. Next time he comes I’ll ask him

[@DownloaderVideo]

Those Icons are very nice, picked up both 1/2 & 3/8 with the 25% coupon today, $180 plus tax…Not bad at all.

[@Tools-Tested]

Nice! Yeah they are a good value IMO even before a coupon.

[@txvet7738]

How do you go about getting your torque wrench recalibrated on the civilian side of mechanics. In the military we just turn it in to the tool room guy and they take care of it. Who do I turn it into as a civilian now?

[@Tools-Tested]

So most mechanical style wrenches you can calibrate without having special tools. Most people use Quinn digital torque adapters to test the mechanical wrenches they have. Digital ones are tricky and will have to go to a calibration shop. Most manufacturers recommend “Angle Repair & Calibration” Becky WV. Snap on uses it’s daughter company CDI.

[@maloosecat123]

I can't decide between getting a split beam or a digital torque wrench. Which is more accurate? what are the advantages/disadvantages? anyone?

[@Tools-Tested]

I personally would go split beam unless your are doing a lot of engine work. SB is cheaper, no battery's and faster to adjust. Only advantage with a digital IMO is you can switch between units and almost* all can do angle, they are also a little more accurate but that also depends on the user unlike the SB accuracy.

[@shawn7913]

Wait? When did icon release the 3/8?

[@Tools-Tested]

Just over a week ago.

[@GTRliffe]

Precision Instruments Is best quality..

[@someperson7]

Now if I could just find a 3 foot 30mm ratcheting wrench

[@labrat810]

Sad to see American Made hand tools have fallen, too. 'Limes vs. Oranges' but, Louis Rossman found US-made "Professional" Soldering Stations are sub-par vs. Asian Imports, just like these 'premium/professional' Torque Wrenches.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep, I was shocked by the results. Hopefully it was just a fluke, overall I think PI makes solid torque wrench's.

[@nordicpride9708]

Like anything, USA made doesn’t guarantee quality. Then delve deeper into a tool manufacturer like Snap On or Mac. Not every single tool these TOP TIER companies make is the absolute BEST! And that’s to be expected. This testing shows the Taiwanese tool companies are doing a great job competing. Competition is good for you and I the consumer! Win/win

[@marcoluna4293]

Looking to get both 1/2 & 3/8 torque wrenches. Since you have tested both what is better icon split beam or craftsman digital torque wrench ?

[@Tools-Tested]

I personally would go split beam, I prefer mechanical over digital.

[@grantsdad177]

Very disappointed in the precision instruments wrench at least it seemed consistent though so I’d imagine it’d be fine after calibration

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep me to, I was shocked by it. But agree after calibrating it should be good.

[@HT-jn8uh]

I bought the Icon 3/8 split beam torque wrench and the manual said "AFTER EVERY USE, open the Latch and set Torque Knob to lowest torque setting, then close Latch to lock Torque Knob". It is a real bummer.

[@Tools-Tested]

Im surprised it stats, after every use. I will say mine haven't been zeroed and don't show any change in accuracy. Im going to set them at max for a few months and test them again. Seems strange because the design internally is the same as other split beam wrench's.

[@jeff95ta83]

The consensus on the Garage Journal is that the wording was copied from their micrometer style torque wrench (including the instructions to exercise the knob three times before use).

[@TheRealitarian]

What does “warm up cycled” mean? Thanks!

[@Tools-Tested]

Before you use a micrometer torque wrench you supposed to cycle the wrench a few times before actually torquing a fastener.

[@TheRealitarian]

@@Tools-Tested gotcha…thanks for the response…does that apply to split beam wrenches as well?

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem! no split beams use a different mechanism but I normally do it anyway

[@GTRliffe]

would love too see the hazet torque wrench tested.. It’s $200AUD! there’s just no way a german tool that size is that much… there are big brand taiwanese ones that are twice that.. would love too see if it’s accurate…

[@Tools-Tested]

Interesting, yeah that seems cheap for a Hazet. Do you know the model?

[@danescottstephens]

I would bet my life that the Icon and Tekton come out of the same factory in Taiwan.

[@Tools-Tested]

Good chance

[@GTRliffe]

You guys don’t get it!!!! Buy the colour you like!!! they can ALL be adjusted too perfect proportions!!!! Buy the tool with the best material qualities!!!!

[@dogsbyfire]

Thanks!

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem!