The Best Digital Torque Wrench? Gearwrench 1/2 Interchangeable Head Torque Wrench E-Spec

[@danielZ32]

As someones that buys/reviews/researches & uses tools more than most i would say - just like your youtube channel - this looks like one of the best offerings out at the moment & just isn't well known by the masses yet! I wasn't aware this existed & only last month purchased a snap on tech angle that gets used daily & i love it. This looks on another level though, I'm certainly keen to try it.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah it will be interesting to see how it holds up, seeing its a totally new wrench. But it looks promising and is easy to use.

[@gts5930]

WOW. Great review, awesome! I don't think you can think of anything else to make this torque wrench any better, makes me want to buy it just to build an engine. Just as I was losing faith in Gearwrench... I own their 20 year old full sets ratcheting SAE and metric and their reversible offset wrenches, was at Tractor Supply a week ago and saw the 20 piece set on sale for $55, considered getting them till I picked them up and looked at them, they looked SO cheap, the lettering and engraving varied SO much from wrench to wrench couldn't pull the trigger, even if they were for a kick around set. Let's hope they keep building stuff like this torque wrench.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep lol it sweet! Seems like GEARWRENCH has been a roller coster ride over the years. The first products we're well made then you have the cheap tools like you seen at Tractor Supply. Hopefully they keep making tools like this, at the vary least have an economy line and then a higher quality line.

[@garrettgiuffre5653]

I wish they would incorporate those rechargeable batteries into some of that other tools so you can actually have in a modular system with one type of battery instead of having 20 different types of batteries like that be great for a little electric screwdriver flashlights headlights rangefinders temperature gun stuff like that they could have all those same battery rechargeable docking station would be awesome take notes gear wrench till then I'm not buying your damn electric products

[@garrettgiuffre5653]

Idk if they Incorporated a mechanical charging system so it never needed a battery would be pretty cool it'd be like the Rolex of torque wrenches is

[@misterphuzz]

For that price, the wrench should be able to auto detect which head is on it without asking.

[@harry8506]

I have the snap-on, it accumulates the angle, very handy in tight spots

[@Shade_Tree_Mechanic]

That's an extremely useful feature to have

[@mikeacuna6077]

I was all about this wrench until he said you will lose angle once you stop. I use the accumulating angle often.

[@EZ_shop]

Would love to see the test for the 1/4" and 3/8" to see if they are just as incredible. Good video. Ciao, Marco.

[@Tools-Tested]

Hopefully in a few months! I need to buy the tester's for 3/8 and 1/4 which are about 2K each... and the wrench.... But I plan on getting them and the wrenches! Thanks!

[@WhiteVaille]

@@Tools-Tested Would an adapter not be adequate? Most other channels seem to go that route with a single calibration device. I suppose the hard part would be figuring out how much of a loss of force there is, but it should be a consistent value, if any loss at all.

[@WhiteVaille]

Ah, sorry, I revisted a video from a few months ago where you explained your reason for purchasing the CDI calibration device, and dislike for the digital adapters. But I I still don't believe a drive-size adapter should affect hand-torque (though it will negatively affect impact torque)

[@Tools-Tested]

I do have the adapter, the issue is I won't be able to test the bottom end of the torque wrench accurately with this stand. This tester is accurate 25-250 ft lbs and most 3/8 torque wrenches go down to 5 ft lbs.

[@WhiteVaille]

@@Tools-Tested Ah, right! Yeah, that's actually what I was realizing just a bit ago with the Quinn adapter and my other tools. I realized I don't have the range to cover, say, spark plugs. So, might grab a 3/8" Pittsburgh Pro for $10 tomorrow, since you suggested those are surprisingly accurate? I'll upgrade in the future! Ideally to a split beam, but I'm not seeing 3/8"-drive variants.

[@FordSeniorMaster]

VERY SWEET John!!!!! This thing is D.O.B. !!!! (Dead On Balls) Thanks for making this video. Patrick

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah this thing is crazy, I don't think you can get more accurate then this! Its almost double the Icon, but I think it's a great value compared tho the tool truck torque wrench's. No Problem!

[@acetwotimez4029]

Awesome tool!! I have an unused one on ebay for $525 “Gear wrench E-spec 85246” if I didn’t need the money, I most definitely would leep it!

[@FAMOUSSLICKRICK]

Excellent review my friend. I love your KZbin channel and these types of videos too. I loved to get one of these Gearwrench digital torque wrenches. This one seems to be very accurate then there other models. 🇺🇸😎🇺🇸

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Yep looks like the best one on the market right now for sub 1%, the price really goes up when going for 2% to sub 1%. Also has a lot of nice features like rechargeable battery's, its nice to be able to remove the battery easily and be done instead of unscrewing the cap on other wrenches.

[@FAMOUSSLICKRICK]

Yes sir those are great features that your Gearwrench digital torque has. I can’t wait to see your 3/8 and 1/4 reviews. Now I know those will be awesome reviews, but very expensive too. You are awesome my friend. 🇺🇸😎🇺🇸

[@three-phase562]

Another great video. Torque wrench looks like a great kit, but retailing over here in the UK for £577. It looks like they do a different version that is much cheaper but seems to have a lot more plastic involved.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Yeah defiantly not cheap at all, but still cheaper then Snap-On. They make a few different ones, and still sell their first digital torque wrench. Someday I will have to test them also. But it looks like they made a lot of improvements along the way. Its nice this is also offered globally.

[@gtramerica4565]

I bought my snap on digital half off thru school and just sold it used got icon digital and split beam for the life time warranty snap on only offers 2 years I also was able to get a good dinner and pack of Modelos lol

[@Munchiie]

Great video and review!Man your channel is by far one of the best ones out there ..

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks!

[@Supra_Mickey]

I like the sound it makes when you start to torque and the build up definitely a different sound than most torque wrenches can definitely help differentiate when others around are torquing at the same time

[@garrettgiuffre5653]

Oh God your tool storage is just a w s o m e

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Luckily I bought it before everything got crazy.

[@alfredbernal8603]

Thank you for your updated review..much appreciate it and interested

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem 👍!

[@timmortimer19861]

Great review, have you tried and reviewed Sturtevant Richmond torque wrenches, they are really amazing

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks I haven’t yet, but I did buy one a few months ago.

[@colbymonroe6131]

Yeah. But the snap-on doesn’t zero the angle when you let off. You can ratchet the head, and it will still accumulate angle until you reach the desired angle. Most guys don’t have room to swing a torque wrench 80-180 degrees.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep very valid point!

[@ttamn92]

I've been looking at the gear wrench digital torque wrenches close... I'm a 25+ year auto technician and I recently had somebody steal $47k replacement cost of tools and my insurance is flaking on me so all that being said I'm really trying to pinch pennies when I can because that's a lot of money for me anyway and I had all my tools paid off finally so I refuse to go back in debt if I can possibly help it..... Are they really a good tool? Do you think they would survive in a busy shop environment everyday??? I will admit I was a Snap-on snob all the way 99.9% of my tools are\were Snap-on so ya this is not what I'm used to .but I'm not paying 1800 for all 3 torque wrenches from snap on again..... Any input from you or the folks here in the comments will be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks

[@Tools-Tested]

Dang sorry to hear some AH stole your tools, there are some worthless people out there. Its truly hard to say being it just was released a few months ago, but after 1000 cycles it was still accurate. Gearwrench is claiming this one is designed for industrial applications being used everyday. They even claim 100,000 cycles before it needs not be recalibrated. But my pick would defiantly be this or the Icon which is basically a Cornwell for half the price....

[@Mushroomhaus0001]

Have you picked up the 3/8 yet? Would love a review even if it’s not about testing or accuracy. My current digital torque wrench for 3/8 is made in Japan (KTC), and while it’s accurate, it’s short and doesn’t give much leverage. I’m looking for a new 3/8 digital wrench. Your review convinced me to grab the Icon, and I’m very happy with it considering I got $50 off, it’s such a deal. Couldn’t pass that up even though I like the e-spec better.

[@Tools-Tested]

Not yet, the 1/2 e-spec actually failed last week, and is on its way to a repair shop... went to use it and the display won't light up.... So we will see how that goes.. but I do currently still plan on getting the 3/8 but its probably going to be in a few months. I really think the icon probably is the way to go, hoping they come out with a 3/8 soon!

[@Mushroomhaus0001]

@@Tools-Tested that’s a real bummer for how expensive it is. Even the 3/8” one is super pricy. If Icon comes out with a solid 3/8” like their 1/2”, I’d probably pick it up. If you’re interested in making a video of the Japanese one, I could send it to you to try out. Not many videos out there on it and people always seem to like Japanese tool reviews.

[@mediocreman2]

Besides the price, my other hesitation is the battery system. Just one more thing to keep charged. Speaking of the ICON, do you know what the battery life is? I think I'll always need to keep a click wrench around just for that reason.

[@Tools-Tested]

What’s nice is you can also us AAAs in it if you don’t want to use the rechargeables. I do agree hate having another charger. Its hard to say with the icon, I think it would be more so a shelf life of the AAs. Versus the draw from the torque wrench. Yeah I think there is always a need to have a click style on hand.

[@smaksymiv4950]

Is it as obnoxious as the digital gear wrench 1/2" drive 15-250 ft lb. Does it warn 25 ft lb. Ahead AUDIBLY ,CONSISTANTLY till target tourque ??? Cause I bought that P.O.S. and sent it right back .

[@Tools-Tested]

I know what you mean.. no this one is not like that. That being said the screen failed for me so I probably wouldn't recommend this one either. I really like the Icon, haven't had any issue and has great features for the price.

[@celeslopez6727]

So if it comes with a certificate of calibration, we don't need to calibrate no more?

[@conmanumber1]

Hi from Oamaru Sth island New Zealand. What's your take on the Eastwood?

[@Tools-Tested]

Hello, I haven’t tested it yet. I hope to next year. I know others have left comments that they like the Eastwood.

[@dainsmart6237]

Say you made the handle hallway down the torque wrench could you make be 1/2% back instead of 1% for the full Handel (would it work ❓) or is it too sensitive ❓

[@Tools-Tested]

I don't think so, it would too sensitive.

[@daves7775]

Hello - I have 3 of the CDI Torque Testers... and I very recently purchased Two GearWrench electronic (3/8 & 1/2 drive ) - and have not used them yet. But did test them on the Tester. The 3/8 drive (20 - 100 lbs/ft) was WAY off. Even though it came with a 'calibration cert.' I took it up to a Calibration Service Shop - who confirmed that it was WAY bad - and have now spent the $30 shipping for Warranty service... Wrench was NOT cheap. Anyway - with regards to your testing - this might work slightly better - if you used a Weight which you have weighed and can calculate by distance what the torque should be - and gently lower the weight - and see what the wrench states compared to the CDI. This is how I found out about my 3/8. Also - you mentioned that your E-Spec is rated for 68 to 340 Newton Meters. You also state that you CHANGED the accuracy - and that it came rated at 4% & you set it to 1%. Did this also change how low it goes, etc.? Because you also say that in Lbs/Ft - it only goes as low as 50.7. However - 60 Nm = 50.15415 Lbs/Ft or commonly expressed Ft/Lbs. So, the wrench should have been able to be set to at least 50.2 And 340 Nm = 250.7708 Lbs/Ft - and your wrench could not even be set to 250! It should have allowed at least 250.7 So, I wonder if your changing the 'accuracy' caused the lack of proper range. You also mention more than once - that this wrench is calibrated for 100,000 cycles. Ok. But not really. It is warranted for 90 days with regards to Calibration. And since they are made in Taiwan - sometimes that Calibration Cert - doesn't mean crap. I am not happy that after spending over $250 on a wrench - I have to spend more money to ship it to a calibration service company - to hopefully eventually receive what I actually purchased. The wrench has not yet arrived at the Service Place (Angle Repair & Calibration) - it is doing that this coming Monday 4/18 And I had to wait several MONTHS for the wrenches I ordered to be available to be shipped because of the current junk going on with product availability. Most people do not have a CDI torque tester such as you (& I) have purchased... But you would do better (imo) - if you would place a weight on the handle at the proper location and see your results. Thank you for your efforts and the video.

[@Tools-Tested]

Hi, im curious which model is this? The range did drop when I changed the accuracy from 4% to 1% which I agree is not the greatest on their part, kinda false advertising. I defiantly don't trust calibration certificates from torque wrench's made in Taiwan or China. Some other wrench's I have tested (Tekton) and others have been way off from the calibration certificate.... The 100,000 is more of a mandatory calibration point, should be occasionally. But there are some digital torque wrench's that lock you out at 5,000 (Matco). They just recently changed that to 20,000. I agree the weight method is probably more accurate and defiantly a lot cheaper, CDI testers are not cheap..... Thanks!

[@daves7775]

@@Tools-Tested The defective 3/8" was the #85195 And you can easily use a 'Weight' and the CDI... that is what I was mentioning - not the put a weight on and see if it clicks... I found this removed all of the pushing pulling distortions, etc; and became very easy to check. Our weight is not accurate - it is just some 'weight' - but it becomes a CONSTANT. And the Constant on the Torque Wrench going into the CDI - can give some very repeatable results.

[@daves7775]

I posted a question - seems to have disappeared. So if this is a 'double' my apologies. @ Tools... Did you purchase the #85246? Or a different unit? The only Torque Wrench I could find at GearW matching yours seems to be the #85246. If that is what you purchased - you should probably submit for Warranty - because that is supposed to have a range of 50 - 255 Ft/lbs on the Alternate Scale. And the stated accuracy is 1.5% CW and 1% on the Angle. Thank you for posting Video's - they take time.

[@Tools-Tested]

@@daves7775 yep it’s the 85246, you are correct box is even labeled 68-340. No problem! Yeah they can definitely take hours to make. I will have to test the model you have some time and see if I get the same results you did. I know some viewers were asking about that one. Thanks for the info!

[@daves7775]

@@Tools-Tested My 3/8 was messed up. Hopefully most are not. With regards to your 85246 - the "Target Tolerance" which you changed in the settings - is not changing the accuracy of your wrench. The accuracy is 1.5% CW & 2.5% CCW & 1% on Angle The "Target Tolerance" is changing the % of your targeted torque - for when the Wrench starts giving warnings. For example: 50% of a 100 ft/lb setting - the wrench would start giving warnings at 50 ft/lbs. You changed that setting to 1% So at a target of 100 ft/lbs - the wrench would start going off at 99... this is to let you know via lights sounds - when you are getting close to your value. It does NOT affect the accuracy; and your wrench should be capable of being set to 50 or 255 respectively. Per GearWrench website spec statements. If it is at all possible for you to post the included pdf of the user manual - which you stated came on the thumb drive - I would appreciate it. But maybe that is not legal... Cause GW certainly does not make this readily available. But from my understanding - you cannot change the 'accuracy'. It is what it is. Supposed to be +- 1.5% CW. You CAN change the 'target tolerance' which is not changing the accuracy of the wrench - but the indicators for approaching your targeted value.

[@WhiteVaille]

Regardless, thanks for another great overview and review!

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks!

[@Sable.Noah99]

I feel like I shouldn’t have to mention this but any students in school for anything automotive the snap on 1/2 tech angle is 430-470 if I remember correctly if you have the discount

[@BlueMax717]

Thats a cool torque wrench. Problem is I don't know if my meteorology lab could figure out how to certify this thing. lol

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep and sadly it failed here about a month ago, its off being repaired now... The display all of a sudden stoped working.

[@nordiccowboy3430]

I’m watching another channel and they’re saying this tool is over $1000. Where did you buy it?

[@Tools-Tested]

I bought it off amazon amzn.to/3CCPmHY but it looks like now the price is near 1K

[@brandonknight7240]

I know who to borrow a torque wrench now

[@Tools-Tested]

Lol yeah I have a few.

[@justaregularguy3827]

I also want a 3/8 one

[@Airman..]

Amazing tool

[@Tools-Tested]

Only issue is the display failed and it had to be sent out for repair.

[@Airman..]

@@Tools-Tested your video convinced me to go for a 3/8 unit, what do you think the failure is it a fluke or a design issue, didi they provided any info?

[@Tools-Tested]

@@Airman.. Sadly they didn't say. I haven't had any issues with after I received it back. Kinda weird, it just wouldn't power up all of a sudden.

[@Donnies_Garage]

I just went to Amazon to check it out and it is up $940.00 Guess i'll go with the Icon @ $350.00

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah the price has gone way up on this one. It also failed on me, just received it back. I hope to do an update video soon. You cant beat the icon for the money, I haven't had any issue with it!

[@gl9500]

A split beam will do the same job. With no stupid batteries or failures.

[@johnnylinoleum]

Nice!

[@BlueMax717]

Thats a cool tq wrench. Problem is I don't know if my meteorology lab could figure out how to certify this thing. lol

[@gdgallegos]

Where to buy this at that price

[@Tools-Tested]

Sadly it seems the price has gone up, I originally bought it from amazon...

[@AraceaeFanatics]

Currently at $545 on Amazon.

[@rayleung1]

Sadly this torque wrench is now $820 on Amazon, $100 shy of Snap-on.

[@Tools-Tested]

Dam, I really like the Icon. Best bang for the $ IMO.

[@ayooo7412]

Now $940.99!

[@E1337Jerk]

Very cool I wonder how I'll sneak this one past the wife?

[@Tools-Tested]

Lol that's a good question, best bet is to buy it and ask for forgiveness?

[@FAMOUSSLICKRICK]

Hahaha!!! LOL!!! 🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@FAMOUSSLICKRICK]

First!!! 🇺🇸😎🇺🇸

[@WhiteVaille]

👀

[@WhiteVaille]

This seems incredible. Certainly getting value for that high price. However, I think I'd stick with the ICON digital angle wrench. I just wish it was available in a 3/8" variant. I personally own a 1/2" Snap-On Techwrench torque wrench, and a 1/4" click-style Husky torque wrench, but still have yet to acquire a 3/8". Not sure what the best option there is, for a hobbyist. (Formerly professional, thus the Snap-On kit, but I'm honestly considering selling off a portion of my SO kit in favor of cheaper and better options)

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah in all reality anything under 4% in accuracy, will get most jobs done. This seems to be a great value but its still almost double the cost of the Icon! I agree, hopefully Icon will come out with a digital 3/8 and 1/4. I think the design work is already done seeing they look almost identical to the Cornwell Digital's and they have 3/8 1/4. Just a question of when we see them! I think there are a few people considering selling some of there SO and buying alternatives. Yes most are not made in the US, but like you said they are a lot cheaper and in some cases better.

[@WhiteVaille]

@@Tools-Tested I just learned of Tohnichi, which apparently is Japan's biggest maker of torque devices. Their prices seem reasonable, middle of the road. Not budget options, but also not ridiculously expensive. Maybe they'd be worth your consideration at some point? I think I'm personally eyeing their "MTQL" series. Digital wrenches are nice, but I think I might prefer clicking wrenches. Waiting for an audible beep and haptic vibration seems more likely to overtorque if one goes too quickly, whereas clicking types give you a little buffer when they break-over before they continue rotating the fastener. Though perhaps to the best of both worlds, I bought a Quinn digital torque adapter today with HF's Spring "Black Friday" sale. On that note, do you have a video explaining differences in torque wrench technologies, and perhaps a demo of accuracy and precision? If not, could be a good content piece.

[@Tools-Tested]

Interesting I will have to check them out and test them someday. I agree, you can make more mistakes using a digital than a click style. Also to me a click style is a lot faster because you can keep a constant force until the click were as digital I find my self slowing down. Thanks for the info!

[@butkusrules08]

I just cant spend 3x as much as the ICON.

[@Rickster8800]

$580- fast forward one year and it's $940 smh

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah the prices seem to vary. $400 on Ebay right now from a good seller ebay.us/vquPVa

[@playstereo]

This is way to complicated for what it is ? working on cars with you grease up hands you are not going to stop. to do all the settings and start messing with it.

[@mrvang8077]

The accuracy is terrible for a $500 dollar torque wrench. Hardly worth the asking price. Gonna have to pass on this.

[@emiliog.4432]

For over $500 for Gearwrench, I’d rather buy a SnapOn for a bit more. Over $500 for made in Taiwan? No way. I’d also look at Gedore or Norbar. Way overpriced.

[@incith]

Taiwan makes amazing tools.

[@whatfreedom7]

Haha $500! No thanks. I’ll go with no digital for way way less.

[@sergiikalinichenko7442]

This wrench is not good, very difficult to use. The instructions provided are not clear. The display menu is not user-friendly and is VERY complicated to operate. You need a degree to use this wrench. Tech support is non-exsistent. This is made in China. Feels cheap and wobbly. Bought for over $1000. Will sell 50% off, let me know if you want it. There are no videos online on how to operate the display for this particular model anywhere. STAY AWAY.

[@heartsky]

Who buys a wrench for $550? I know mechanics and none of them has that expensive of a wrench.

[@strikeforcek9149]

You must not know tons of mechanics lol. I personally have a 3/4" torque wrench that cost around $1400. My 1/2" cost $760, and my rolling torque wrench set (3 wrenches) cost nearly $1500. When dealing with high precision work by nature (aviation, jet mechanics, large watercraft and Naval vessels, etc) you have to have EXCREMELY accurate torque wrenches with accredited certifications. Otherwise, it can end in serious injury or death of you make a negligent error. Thus, extremely precise tools cost extreme money.

[@40motomike]

what model number

[@Tools-Tested]

85246