Anir

torque wrench? Something akin to an open-ended wrench that can accurately measure torque?

Or, has anyone found a good source for spanner heads that can be fitted to a standard torque wrench to allow it to fit into narrow spaces (something like the silver spanner in the pic below)?

Sometimes, I encounter situations where a torque measurement is needed, but there is not enough room in which to insert a typical torque wrench with a socket.

Thanks!

<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/torque.jpeg" alt=" - " />

johnfm

Anir

you probably know this, but you can try crow foot spanner heads. They are like the thin silver ones in your pic, but look just like an open ended spanner head for use on a 1/2" or 3/4" drive. You can use them with your torque wrench, as the torque value is unchanged even if you use one of these. Seen them on various tool sites - do a google for crow foot spanner.

amfp

Anir,

One source may be <a href="http://www.eppys.com/." target="_blank">http://www.eppys.com/.</a> Think what you are asking for is in their catalog, page 18.

I have no affiliation with Eppy's, but know they are one source for a large variety of quality mechanic's tools.

Anir

John and mo,

Thanks for the help! I ordered a catalog from Eppy. A crow foot spanner might be the most cost effective solution, since it could be used with my existing two torque wrenches. However, I found a slimmer-headed possibility at Snap-on (see below), that would fit into tighter spaces.

The following Snap-On adjustable torque wrench (for interchangeable heads, 5-75 ft lbs) is available for $157. Not too bad.

<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/28552.JPG" alt=" - " />

Heads such as the one below are available to fit into the end of the torque wrench. The only problem is that the 17 mm head shown below is $42 - just for one head! Yikes!
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/torqueheadnsapon.jpeg" alt=" - " />

The set-up above is perfect in that it provides torque-setting ability in an open-ended wrench. I just have to keep looking for a more reasonably priced option. BTW, the Porsche Special Tools Catalog, which I received yesterday from Samstag, shows a similar torque wrench with interchangeable heads. I might check with Suncoast to see what that would cost, but I can't imagine it's cheap.

And, <a href="http://www.stahlwille.com/torque_wrench.htm" target="_blank">Stahlwille</a> sells torque wrenches with removable heads that will allow you to insert a crow's foot. Unfortunately, the torque wrench is $330, plus each head is also $40-50 like with the Snap-On unit.
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/sf721_5web.jpg" alt=" - " />

Found another slim-headed model that looks promising from <a href="http://www.markserv.com.sg/inter1.asp" target="_blank">Sturtevant Richmont</a> . Have to hunt down pricing info.

<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/inter.jpg" alt=" - " />

Ray Calvo

Rather than get super-fancy, you checked the Sears Craftsman tool catalog?

I'll let you find a web site or drive down to your local store.

Anir

Ray,

Our local Sears did not have anything like this, and the website was down today.

Plus, I've had two Craftsman tools snap in my hands this week, so I'm starting to lose a bit of faith in their products. I read somewhere that they are now owned by Stanley, who is using cheaper steel.

viperbob

Anir,

I know what you mean about the tools these days at Sears. I have started buying mostly Snap-On tools via eBay. You can find some good deals at very reasonable prices. Just received my new 3/8 and 1/2 torque wrenches last week....

Edward

Nice thing about Craftsman, as opposed to Snap-On, Matco, and the like, is theat Sears is open 7 days with locations and at hours far more convenient when that tool does, unexpectedly, give out. Just my 2 cents, FWIW.

Edward

Pete K

With regards to torque values not changing when using crowsfeet. This is a little misleading, the value does not change if the crowsfoot is at a 90 degree angle to the wrench. It does however change when in line with the wrench.
We have tables on this at work but I will not be there for at least a week or I would look them up for you. This does not apply to the crowsfoot wrenches that Anir found as those are designed for the wrench.

HTH's,
Pete

alan911sc

Just a thought, any one try cutting a six point socket with a dremel tool or the likes so it is open on the side to allow you to slide it over the offending bolt. It would sort of look like a socket which is used for O2 sensor removal. It would be a cheap experiment.

Ray Calvo

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Our local Sears did not have anything like this, and the website was down today.

Plus, I've had two Craftsman tools snap in my hands this week, so I'm starting to lose a bit of faith in their products. I read somewhere that they are now owned by Stanley, who is using cheaper steel.
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Interesting; I have both Craftsman and Snap-On Allen -head sockets. The Snap-On have been more prone to stripping than the Craftsman. Then again, these are about 10 years old or more.

I know the store might not have them, but I do remember Sears having a specialty tool catalog for special-order.

Anir

Ray,

I have some older Craftsman tools that are excellent, but my recent Sears tool purchases ain't faring so well.

I'm not crazy about the action on my regular Craftsman torque wrench (5-75 ft lb, I believe) either compared to its Snap-On big brother. Of course, the Craftsman one was $80, and the Snap-On about $240.

Greg Fishman

I bought a cheap(er) torque wrench from a client of mine that owns a NAPA auto parts store. It was around $100 retail and it has been perfect. No change in the calibration and compared to a friends Craftsman, that was 10lbs off calibration it has been a bargain. Though I have to admit that I am slightly jealous of the Snap-On torque wrench that Anir has. Anir better keep it under lock and key!

amfp

It may have been me, but with a recent 8 point wrench purchased at Sears, I nearly stripped the bolt. Switch with a Snap-On wrench and had no problem removing bolt. Not sure if they are downsizing on previous quality. However, been pleased with their Int'l batteries and garage door openers.

ApexL8

Anir,
Just use the torque wrench you have and buy extensions in the sizes you need. Or a set of crowfoot wrenches. Like Pete mentioned it changes the effective torque if the length is changed, but it is easily calculated:

M1 = M2 x L1 / L2

Where:
M1 is the torque setting of the wrench.
M2 is the actual torque applied to the nut.
L1 is the normal length of the wrench.
L2 is the extended length of the wrench.

See this applet:
<a href="http://www.norbar-usa.com/twec/" target="_blank">http://www.norbar-usa.com/twec/</a>

You can use the extensions at anywhere from 0 to 180 degrees to get access to where you need, just measure the length.

I know you want the best for your car, but after my MAC torque wrench went missing I settled for a Gorilla (about $60 ?) for my lug nuts. As far as wheels are concerned it is more important to have even torque across all the lugs rather than know what the exact torque is within 1 ft-lb.

I picked up another torque wrench from a tool recycler 0-35 in-lb Norbar for $10, still in the box, never used. It doesn't have a head on it, but still a great deal.