Flex head torque wrenches

[MountaineerTom]

What are your thoughts on flex head torque wrenches? I’ve always thought you wouldn’t get an accurate reading unless it was static, or in a straight line.

 

[John Cooper]

What are your thoughts on flex head torque wrenches? I’ve always thought you wouldn’t get an accurate reading unless it was static, or in a straight line.

No clue as all I own are fixed head ones.

Like you I don't know hiw well they would work.

 

[Rubiconned]

Never heard of them probably because they're not popular because they suck.

 

[RHanna]

Quick google

Does flex head affect torque?


The flex will affect the torque, but, at fifteen degrees, probably no more than 5%. Take the extreme case, when the flex angle is 90 degrees. All the force applied to the handle will be used to 'bend' the stud you are tightening a nut onto, none of the force will be applied as torque to turn the nut.

 

[MountaineerTom]

No clue as all I own are fixed head ones.

Like you I don't know hiw well they would work.

That’s all I have too. Just happen to see some flex head ones and wondered about them.

 

[Peppergat]

I have two. 1/2” and 3/8”. Both snap on not that it really matters as there are other brands as well. The don’t flex like a flex head ratchet. Just a little flex. The don’t flex 90*. I have always found them to be very handy. Seems like I may have noticed some at harbor freight like in their icon brand.

 

[TJ Jim]

Needle torque wrench for the win.

 

[TRevs]

I have these and I think they’re great:

https://www.tekton.com/3-8-1-2-inch-drive-split-beam-torque-wrench-set-trq99902

 

[TRevs]

The flex has helped multiple times, most recently on my kid’s Accord starter. Made the difference between using a torque wrench at all and just going 34 ft. lbs by feel.

 

[TJ Jim]

34 ft. lbs by feel.

Is that one ummpf or two?

 

[TRevs]

Is that one ummpf or two?

Depends if it’s a 3/8 drive or 1/2

 

[MountaineerTom]

I ended up getting an ICON 3/8” flex head torque wrench. The amount of flex isn’t much after seeing it. Less than what I imagined in my mind. It’s already come in handy torquing the belt tensioner bolt and working around the fan shroud.