Digital Torque Wrench Adapters - AcDelco Vs Quinn - Which Is the Best? Tested After 1000 Cycles

I have always wondered how accurate these adapters are.
So I bought the two most common and tested them on a torque wrench tester.\
Amazon AcDelco
www.amazon.com/ACDelco-ARM602...
Harbor Freight
www.harborfreight.com/12-in-d...

[@milindkhurd]

Thank you for the detailed tests. Very useful for one time users like me.

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem!

[@GunNut37086]

Great testing!! Very useful. I had the AC Delco in my wish list on Amazon and it went on sale today. I'm glad I watched this video first, because I bought the Quinn for a lot less with a Labor Day coupon. The AAA vs 2032 batteries was almost as big of deciding factor as the test results.

[@Tools-Tested]

Glad it was helpful! Yep the Quinn is a much better value IMO and has the AAAs!

[@jkunz27]

I love the music you use! It reminds me of a 1960s industrial film!

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks!

[@dogfather68]

Great test to verify both products. I liked the old west fanfare music between discussions too.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MarzNet256]

Excellent video. I have had the Quinn Adapter for a couple of years and it has been great. I use it in the following three ways: I set it to peak and use it to calibrate my old second hand Proto 1/2" torque wrench that apparently was stored all wound up and weakened the spring. I get 76 ft lbs out when set to 84 (it works great). I also use the torque adapter with the torque wrench to quickly double-check calibration when doing tire rotations. Finally, it works great stand alone. Never had to change the batteries.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Yep you cant beat the accuracy for the money. Yeah I hate the coin battery's, I was happy to see the Quinn has AAA's. Hoping to test the Gen 2's soon, HF just released a new 3/8, 1/2 and 3/4 version. Just waiting for my store to get them in stock! You can pick up another one like this on clearance for 25 dollars now.

[@chriskunsak3963]

Excellent analysis. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! No problem!

[@dalltex]

Nice! Thanks for doing this comparison.

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem!

[@johnstewart5621]

Good video, answered my questions. Thanks for doing that

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Glad to help!

[@gts5930]

You are killin it with these videos! Heading to HF tomorrow to get one. Thanks!

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks!, yeah the Quinn is defiantly a good deal!

[@rogergroover4971]

Really appreciate the testing. I was very curious. Thanks!

[@fredreed7202]

VERY USEFUL TEST REVIEW. THX!

[@Tools-Tested]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sailawaybob]

great review been looking at these and prices are sorta crazy but saw you say HF $28. buck and just a shade tree fixer upper so that's a deal .

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep don’t think you can beat the price! I couldn’t believe how accurate it actually is

[@garybermudez6392]

Great review!

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks!

[@kca698]

Would love to see torques tested at the lower limit of the stated measureable range, similar to your testing at the maximum capacity limit. The product pages claim measurable range lower limits which fall below the mimimum torque in the range over they are calibration certified. Deviation between measured and applied torque is expected due to non-linearity; however, these characteristics are of interest. This information could broaden understanding of digital torque adapter performance, which would be on-par with the level of viewership and testing on this channel. Noone else has done this yet.

[@fitch8363]

Excellent test and data presentation. I added the Quinn to my wish list, not to use as a torque wrench but as a calibration check for my other torque wrenches. Good comments about the batteries. My plan is to get Lithium AAA cells which have extremely low internal leakage and very long shelf life - ten years in most cases. Since this would only be used a couple/three times a year, shelf life is the critical specification. On that basis, the non-rechargeable Lithium cells ought to last a long long time in that instrument. The Lithium cells are also much less likely to erupt and corrode the instrument into junk.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks, yeah definitely don’t care for coin batteries. But Lithium AAA’s would be a good upgrade.

[@fredastaire6156]

LoL!! So this explains why all the Quinn digital torque adapters are always sold out at my local HF. For a steal of a price I need to pick up one of these bad boys ASAP!!

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep I was surprised, its a good value for the price.

[@foxwood67]

I have the 1/2” AC Delco for a couple years and use it occasionally. It’s been okay but I had to clean the batt contacts when it wouldn’t power up. I recently purchased the AC Delco 3/8” 5.9-60ftlb and compared the two. The 3/8 was consistently 1.5-2 pounds lower throughout range. I compared it to three torque wrenches and it had same low torque results I sent it back for exchange. We’ll see. Like that CDI tester BTW yes they eat batts fast

[@Tools-Tested]

Im surprised the 3/8 was that far off. Yeah I did a lot of research and this style CDI DTT looked like it was the best for the amount of money. Don't get me wrong at 2K its not cheap. But most in this price point have a cheap display and are +-1% not +-.5%.

[@chungloankenny]

mine have lower reading as well . the different is it reading too low around 6flblt compare to 3 other torque wrench returned for quinn

[@danr1920]

Take one apart. Simple is an understatement. You won't have any problem reassembling it.

[@doom3380]

Would've been nice if we got a shot of the reading on the digital torque adapter as you did the tests

[@jamestennimon9974]

One plus for the 2032 battery is that they don't leak if they are left in the unit for an extended time.

[@elizabeththompson4424]

GREAT review! I shy away from HF, had some bad experiences but some of their tools are good and it looks like their quality is going up I might just get the Quinn I like that it takes AAA Batts those coin cells are getting EXPENSIVE! FYI: all this PUSH BUTTON CRAP it's ON all the time even when it's OFF! so there's always a bit of a drain on the batts I've had flashlights & stuff go dead just sitting I like a REAL ON/OFF switch is possible my digital tools, if they're going to sit for a while, the batts come out!

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep you definitely have to be selective at HF some of the tools are junks. Yeah really like it has AAA over coin! They did just release a new version which looks to have a bigger screen but I haven’t tested it yet.

[@Tools-Tested]

@Okay yep the extreme battery’s are a good value with Samsung cells

[@nbmufc94]

Could you use an impact wrench or driver with these devices or does the vibration make it a no?

[@lyianx]

Sadly, HF doesnt sell this Quinn version anymore. They split it up into two models with lower and higher torque ranges and jacked up the price :(

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep and still don't offer the 1/4.

[@jal1797]

I have the Acdelco one but I have seen the rebranded Quinn with other label.The weight and the quality of palstic case of AcDelco is much better and it seems is for professional use.

[@hotandnasty]

It seems a little more compact and user friendly in tight spots.

[@ZhmiKnopa]

The Monty Python music made it so much more dramatic. I almost thought we were storming a French castle.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah I had to make it more exciting LOL.

[@justingreen4450]

Good job.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks!

[@jeromeearnest5385]

Watching this I'm going for the Quin. That's my next tool for next weekend. I love tools there like toys on the weekend. I'm thinking the expensive ones where better we'll I think your channel because I'm definitely not get the AC because that made alot if sense not having them CR 232 laying around easily to find

[@Tools-Tested]

The new version of the Quinn is better yet, yeah the coin battery is the biggest drawback of the ACdelco.

[@jerryp2433]

I just bought a 3/8" craftsman torque wrench from Lowes for $50. Regular price is $90. Should I return it and buy this thing? I need something in the 30ft/lb range. I like this cause it can go lower for like spark plugs and stuff.

[@lookalikehuuh]

Looks like Harbor Freight has a new version of the Quinn torque adapers with 3/8ths 1/2 and I think 3/4 inch size now. You planning on testing these new versions? BTW keep up thr great work!

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah I seen that, hopefully soon. Just waiting on my HF to get the 3/8 and 1/2 in stock. I do have the 3/4.

[@Jarahako1]

Good video

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks

[@RK-kn1ud]

What happens if you exceed the operational range of each adapter a few times? How accurate will they be after?

[@DrunknOdin]

Does it matter how long your breaker bar is? Do instructions specify how long it should be? I need to torque something to 350 ft/lbs amd plan on buying the 3/4 inch adapter. And picking up a 36 inch breaker bar.

[@user-xx4gm3sq5p]

You can do some more digital torque adapter comparison videos. Sbv (4-203 Nm) and kiwav (3-200 Nm) offer a good torque range that i can use on my motorcycle. Would love to see how they perform in a test.

[@Tools-Tested]

Im hoping to do an updated adapter video soon just waiting for Icon to release theirs, which should be soon because they have the spots marked for them in the store.

[@user-xx4gm3sq5p]

@@Tools-Tested okay thank you. I appreciate it. ✌🏻

[@three-phase562]

Sweet, they both had pretty respectable accuracy. The only thing I would be wary about with the Quinn are the AA batteries. Alkalines do have a tendency to leak, so probably better off removing them if the unit is not used for long periods, whereas the button cells are much less likely to leak, but shorter life if the electronics isn't designed to well.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep I wasn't expecting them to be very accurate. That's a good point with the alkaline battery's.

[@daishi5571]

You could always switch them out. I personally use Energizer Lithium in just about all my devices and have never had a leak.

[@three-phase562]

@@daishi5571 Yes, that is a good idea, Lithium will not leak, although to be honest, I would never leave batteries in anything I wasn't planning to use for a long time.

[@VOODOOphg]

Try NiMH rechargeables, instead - that’s what I do, now. Totally agree with you on the leaking concern.

[@solomonshv]

i use rechargeable AA batteries for all my tools, i take them out when i'm done to charge. so for me this isn't an issue, in fact this is a great plus side. easy choice, especially since HF often throws around 20% coupon.

[@MrDaleStroud]

With the adapters, is it necessary for the breaker bar to be at the 90° angle? I have a few 40ft/lb bolts that require an extension and an angle where a normal TW just won’t work…

[@Tools-Tested]

No anything after the adapter (breaker bar side) douse not matter, just keep the force on the bar constant until toque is reached. If extensions are added on the front side (by bolt) of the adapter then a torque loss calculation should be run.

[@MrDaleStroud]

@@Tools-Tested Thanks for the confirmation.

[@Tools-Tested]

@@MrDaleStroud No Problem!

[@iwin1833]

Great video thanks

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem 👍

[@alvilla701]

Are there more of this torque wrench adapters from? I don't have much room in my truck, so this adapters will save me some space

[@Tools-Tested]

HF now has a 3/8, 1/2 and 3/4 version.

[@FD-dh2fu]

Would you use any of these in a low torque application? Less than 20lbs all the time? Thx.

[@Tools-Tested]

Probably not, I would look at using a 1/4 version amzn.to/48Ucakl

[@davidedgerly]

I was thinking of using the digital torque wrench adapter to calibrate my snap-on & craftsman torque wrenches I have 1/2", 3/8" and 1/4"... What are your thoughts on calibrating my torque wrench's using the adapter to maintain accuracy of my wrench's? Thanks for all your hard work creating this info video...

[@Tools-Tested]

I think it would work well for that, if the torque wrench is consistant I would expect sub +-4% even with the adapter being +-2% claimed accuracy. HF has a 3/8 version now as well, but my store never seems to have one in stock. Hoping to test the gen 2 versions soon, 3/8 1/2 3/4. No Problem!

[@davidedgerly]

@@Tools-Tested Thanks for getting back so quickly... I'm headed to HF today... The store near me has an 3/8" adapter on clearance for 24 bucks... It only goes between 25ft to 150 ft pounds. But I think if I calibrate starting at 30ftP and calibrate up to 140ftP and stay within say the +/- 4% thru the ranges I should get a good result. One more question. Can I use an adapter to increase from 3/8" to 1/2" on the torque adapter itself or will that skew my results and I'll be required to purchase a 1/2" torque adapter for my 1/2" torque wrenches? Thanks again for your insights...

[@user-dc3mp7up3x]

Wondering the same thing…

[@GNX157]

Have you evaluated the VIM VIMDATM1238 Digital adapter on your channel?

[@Tools-Tested]

Not yet, looks just like the matco CTA270

[@3NCodeGaming]

They are currently having a clearance sale on these got one for 20$

[@ernestsharkey2867]

Just got one today

[@cameltoeinspector6015]

could I just use a 1/2 inch breaker bar with these or is a ratchet better?

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep either will work, but you will have more leverage with the breaker bar, unless you have a long handled ratchet.

[@999acan]

how does the length of the ratchet wrench affect getting the correct values on this adapter?

[@Tools-Tested]

Only things after the torque adapter will impact accuracy.

[@DiligentDave1966]

Do you have a recommendation for a low torque wrench (5-80 foot pounds)?

[@cashflowsam4752]

There’s a AC Delco and 3/8 that goes from 6 pounds to 69 pounds I believe!

[@Omnivorous1One]

Do these Digital Torque Adapters have that 20% accuracies range the same as Click Torque Wrenches?

[@Tools-Tested]

Sadly yes, the lower 20% isn't as accurate.

[@Oly6t1]

I have the Quinn/ Pittsburgh pro 68283 that takes the 2032 battery, used it 2 times. Took the batt out and stored it in the case a year ago and now it stopped working altogether with a new battery. Tested the new batt and it has a full charge. The screen went dead.....Shelf Rot I guess....

[@Tools-Tested]

Sounds like you have my luck, I had the same thing happen with a Espec Gearwrench. But it seems people had more issues with the ones using 2032's VS the AAAs maybe they also made an update internally as well?

[@MarkWilliams-vp7xw]

How durable are they if dropped? That’s why I steered away and got the icon split beam

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah defiantly not as durable as the split beam.

[@MarkWilliams-vp7xw]

@@Tools-Tested thanks for the reply , I really liked your testing of the split beams, that’s some real dedication and helped me make my decision easier , thanks

[@waimeaguyz9074]

My acdelco quit working. You need one of those packs like damp rid or it won't work. Also the screen is too small to see anything. Quinn!

[@ChrisBranleh]

How accurate could it be if you were to utilize the 3/8 adapter on the digital Quinn included in the kit?

[@Tools-Tested]

You would have very little torque loss using the 3/8 adapter on it. They do now offer the Quinn in 3/8, my store hasn't had it in stock yet though.

[@ChrisBranleh]

@@Tools-Tested I found the 1/2 quin for $25 at my local HF with adapters so I was thinking of picking it up! Well priced

[@Tools-Tested]

@@ChrisBranleh yeah you definitely can’t beat that price!

[@e.s.l5861]

From what I understand adapters wouldn’t change the torque value as long as they are still at 90degrees. It’s things that alter the length of the torque wrench that screw things up

[@jal1797]

You will not have any difference in the asked torque.I use the acdelco adapter which is 1/2 with 3/8 and 1/4 adapters for my motorcycle and I test them before use.There is no difference because there is no change in the angle.

[@BesharMohamed]

Would you use these to calibrate torque wrenches?

[@Tools-Tested]

You can but just remember most adapters are +-2% theoretically if your torque wrench is +-4% you could be actually +-6% worst case scenario.

[@tag_of_frank]

How accurate are they on the lowest end? Can the 5.9 actually get 5.9 accurately?

[@Tools-Tested]

Probably around 6% accuracy, that low I would recommend a 1/4 version amzn.to/48Ucakl

[@wakepe1]

After drilling what sz tap 11x1.5? And can’t I then use 11x1.5inserts Because I don’t have the clearance with the engine in the car for studs, cradle dropped slightly

[@shibaburn7725]

ACDelco also makes a more accurate model, the ARM302-4S 1/2" Digital Torque Adapter which has 6 buttons and claims CW ± 1.5%; CCW ± 2.5%.

[@cletusfinkalburg2594]

hey do you know if that model works at good lower torque ranges? It might kind of double as a 3/8 and 1/2

[@shibaburn7725]

@@cletusfinkalburg2594 Electronic torque wrenches are generally reasonably accurate across their full range. The range of the one I mentioned is 12.5 - 250 ft-lbs (17-340 Nm). For automotive use, it's a good range. For applications like working on bicycles, it would be too high.

[@cletusfinkalburg2594]

@@shibaburn7725 hi thanks. Yes I saw the range. I was worried since most torque wrenches are not accurate on extreme ends maybe digital was too, but I guess it is different

[@shibaburn7725]

@@cletusfinkalburg2594 The calibration certificate for mine has superb results across the whole range. My biggest complaint is that the unit shuts off after 1 minute... which could lead to a very bad outcome if you think that the unit is still on. I also don't like the that battery compartment cover is retained by screws.

[@BlackyBrownDestruction9337]

I want to see inside the delco box lol

[@dennis8736]

Do these devices ever need to be calibrated?

[@Tools-Tested]

Technically no because its a load cell, but I would probably check it every 5-10 years to make sure its still within spec.

[@JVBL1]

Great video of comparison, but would like to see accuracy.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks, Its listed on the graphs as deviation between setting, I probably should reword that as accuracy

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

What part of this video did you not understand?

[@bme7491]

CR2032s is not a good choice for this kind of application.

[@Tools-Tested]

Nope crazy they thought it was a good application....

[@itry2brational]

The Quinn is $50 now.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep new model

[@tucoramirez9729]

Once again harbor freight is simply better, 👌

[@RK-kn1ud]

"Better" depending on what use case? 90% of the people purchasing one of these will cycle it 10 times and not use it again for 20 years...if ever. In that case, The Quinn's batteries will leak and destroy the adapter, but the ACDelco may actually power on and work. That said, the internals of an item like this are basically the same as your kitchen or bathroom scale...all of which are "accurate enough". It's all a simple wheatstone bridge and load cell(s). There is probably a 50% chance that he ran the same demo on another set of units and came up with a different result...which would all would have been fine for torquing some bolts on your engine. There essentially is no "better" here. Even if there was, "better" would be highly subjective.

[@kovalenkoihor4325]

Well.. according to the reviews, all of them just crap.