Snap-on's TechAngle torque wrench

Snap-on's TechAngle torque wrenches come in 3/8" and 1/2" drive sizes, rated at 5 to 100 foot-pounds and 12.5 to 250 foot-pounds, respectively. Members of the Snap-on TechWrench series, both models that were evaluated feature a reversible-ratcheting flex head and a vinyl grip. The grips include digital readout screens and small control buttons that hint at sophisticated internal goings-on. 

The 3/8"-drive model, P/N ATECH2FR100, lists at $405. The 1/2"-drive, P/N ATECH3FR250, lists at $468.
For more information, click here.

The TechAngle: A torque wrench that eliminates the need for a protractor. (Photo: Snap-on Tools)

Reasons for these wrenches
This design is more than a torque wrench with a digital readout of how hard you're pulling. As the name "TechAngle" implies, it also tells you how many degrees you've cranked it past the point when set torque was reached.

Back in the cast-iron era, a beam-type torque wrench was adequate for making sure the head bolts flattened the gasket evenly without squashing it or damaging the head; if you used a click-type wrench, even better - you didn't have to watch the scale. Those days are history.

Today, accurate tightening of fasteners is critical on more than just head gaskets; brake rotors are often ruined by improperly-torqued lug nuts. Ham-handed tightening can wreck anything from intake manifolds to transmission valve bodies.

But even the most sophisticated torque wrench has limitations. Accuracy is bedeviled by variations in friction. Anything from foreign objects or unwanted lubricant on the threads, interference between the screw shaft and the hole, or even a rough surface where the screw head contacts the part can throw off a torque reading.

Truth is, we set torque not so much to gauge how tightly we've pulled the wrench but to measure how much the fastener has stretched. That's why many specs are now "torque-plus-angle" readings; engineers call these more accurate in determining preload on a bolt by reducing inaccuracies caused by friction variations. (It's also why fasteners in certain applications should be replaced, not reused.)

Okay, but when the spec says the bolts should be torqued to 105 foot-pounds, then cranked another 45 degrees, the job has become more complicated. Once you've tightened a bolt to the foot-pound spec, you need to watch a protractor to accurately crank the wrench the right number of degrees. This can be time-consuming and if the assembly is nearly buried under the cowl or some other obstruction (all too common) it's tough to nail down.

These wrenches do away with the protractor. Once set for a specified torque, each also displays the number of degrees of rotation as you continue tightening.

THE TESTERS

Chris & Ron Koziol Broadway Transmission and Auto Repair Central Falls, RI Chris Koziol (right), manager of Broadway Transmission and Auto Repair, has been certified by ASE in Engine Performance, Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission and Manual Transmission. The shop is family-owned and located off-Broadway, in Central Falls, RI. His father, Ron Koziol, started the business and remains active. They evaluated the 1/2"-drive model. Hal Lewis HR Auto Services Kennett Square, PA Hal Lewis operates HR Auto Services, Kennett Square, Pa. He's been in auto repair 35 years, 30 of them as a shop owner. Hal test-drove the 3/8"-drive version.   Bill Burke Burke's Automotive Seekonk, MA Bill Burke operates Burke's Automotive on US Route 6 in Seekonk, Mass., virtually across-the-street from Seekonk Speedway. A 30-year veteran of the trade, Burke holds ASE CMAT, L1 certification. He test-drove the 3/8"-drive version.

Visual inspection
Bill Burke characterizes the TechWrench as "sharp looking," and conveys the impression that it's a "precision instrument - the kind of tool you want to take good care of." He also describes its case as well-designed to do just that.

Both models feature a reversible-ratcheting flex head and a vinyl grip

Hal Lewis found the directions understandable, the storage container useful and the tool's quality fine.

Ron and Chris Koziol were impressed with the wrench's appearance, even though Chris also thought at first that "It looked too complicated to be a torque wrench!" Both were a bit apprehensive early on, based on problems experienced with a Snap-on digital fuel-pressure gauge about 15 years ago.

Chris had heard about the TechAngle wrench beforehand and also was concerned he would be buying a lot of batteries for it. His and Ron's fears proved unfounded.

Performance
Each tester found the tool performed as promised. Hal Lewis says the TechAngle wrench lives up to Snap-on's claims, characterizing it as easy-to-use and a time-saver, calling it "near perfect" and "easy to handle" with an easy-to-read display. His sole complaint was that it vibrates and beeps, rather than clicks, when the set torque is reached. 

The tool reads out the precise number of degrees that it has been turned.

Both Koziols were enthusiastic about the Snap-on TechAngle TorqueWrench they evaluated. Chris found that the wrench did more than he expected and was impressed that it can be set to compensate for extensions or swiveling the flex-head. He reports that the wrench worked flawlessly and that battery life was extended by loosening the battery-compartment cover when not using the tool (a tip he got from his local Snap-on driver.)

Bill Burke says he's gotten used to estimating angles in his head when tightening torque-plus-angle bolts, then cranking the wrench the amount he's estimated. "The big advantage to this wrench is accuracy," he notes, because it reads out the precise number of degrees it's been turned without the need for additional measuring devices. Bill found the 3/8" model's inch-pounds readings especially useful when installing GM 3.1-liter V6 manifold bolts, where it's easy to overtorque bolts, leading to problems.
 

THE COMPANY

Founded in 1920, Snap-on is headquartered in Kenosha, Wisc. Automotive product lines include hand tools, power tools, tool storage products and shop equipment as well as electronic diagnostic tools and software. Products are sold through franchised-dealer vans, company direct sales and distributor and Internet channels. Snap-on also provides tools for the industrial, government, education, agricultural, construction and electrical sectors.

Evaluation
Hal Lewis feels the Snap-on TechAngle wrench's pricing is appropriate and was impressed by its operation overall, but he's not ready to own one. "I had a hard time getting used to the vibration as opposed to the normal 'Click' of a standard, old-fashioned torque wrench," he says.

That characteristic - plus his attachment to his old torque wrench - were the deal-busters for him. Hal says he'll happily keep using his 35-year-old, click-type Snap-on torque wrench, which he has calibrated on a regular basis.

Bill Burke says he likes the 3/8" model fine, just the way it is. The price is right where he expected, and he would definitely consider buying one because it would give him greater confidence that he has accurately tightened fasteners.

Chris Koziol says he certainly would consider investing in a Snap-on TechAngle. His dilemma, though, is whether to get the 3/8" or 1/2" model. "If you're torquing down heads all day, sure, use the big one," he says. "If you're doing 3400 intakes, you'd definitely want the 3/8 drive!"

Ron Koziol suggested one modification because he found the screen on the handle hard to read in some cramped, underhood situations. He would like to either see the display swivel or - even better - be separable from the wrench: "Put a little transmitter in the wrench to an external display!" he proposes. But overall, Ron was favorably impressed - and he hopes Chris buys one for the shop!

For more information on this tool, click here.