Best 1/2 Torque Wrench? Icon, Precision Instruments, Snap-On After, 1000 Cycles Tested EACH 

Sadly yes lol, got 250 cycles in on the first one and was like this was a bad idea lol 😂 but turned the music up and grabbed a beer. Yeah it’s surprising how accurate they are after 1000 even the Icon stayed well within spec. Thanks!

I'm reading this comment four months after it was written. Your statement is a lie! I'm one of those who asked for torque wrench testing on your Torque Test Channel.

10,000 cycles at 250 lb-ft next and retest, please. Just joshing you. Great video and channel! Thanks for all you and TTC do!

@@mikeconnolly4296 I’d buy him his beer for the next 9,000 cycles 😂😂

Well at least he did not try to say hand position changes the tools out put like most do.. Short video showing the truth ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mk95F0hHS3U.htmlsi=vdS4hI08-O6Tjshk

Thanks for the sub! The thought has crossed my mind, I just don’t currently have the time.

Understandable seeing you're working at a high end dealer. For the price I don't think you can beat it, then you can leave the SO at work. Thanks!

Yep I was shocked, just goes to show you don't have to spend $400 for a quality torque wrench. The tester is expensive, but yeah its sweet, it has a special setting just for digital torque wrenches. Tomorrows video will be dremel tools and then the following week will be professional digital torque wrenches. The new ICON vs Snap on. Thanks!

Thanks!

I appreciate the support!! Yeah hopefully one day YT will recommend my channel more. Thanks!

No problem! Glad it helped!

No problem! Glad it helped!

Thank you very much! Yeah that's what others have said, hopefully it grows soon.

No problem! Yep it surprised me.

Glad you liked it!

Thanks!

No problem! Yep I am surprised how good the ICON did.

Thanks! No problem!

Thanks! Good choice! Hoping we see 3/8

Thank you very much!

Thanks!

No problem! Nice 👍, definitely a nice wrench with just as good accuracy.

It is a nice tool to own how do you like it so far??

No problem!

Thanks for the support!

Thanks! It’s definitely worth the money.

Yep good value for the $

Thanks!, Yeah I agree the numbers are really close.

Thanks!

Nice! Yeah can’t beat them for the $.

Glad you like it!

No problem!

Thanks!

Yeah you really cant beat the Icon for the $, glad to hear this video helped.

Nice 👍, yeah that’s really the only drawback but it’s better then China

No problem! If the accuracy is correct it’s probably a good deal, knowing Tekton it’s probably correct. But hopefully next month I will test the Tekton split beam!

@@Tools-Tested is the Tekton split beam torque wrench review coming soon?

@@AlejandroMartinez-qb6jl video should be up the first half of this week just got it yesterday

I've used the Tekton warranty before. It's nice just snapping a picture and having one come in the mail. To be fair, SK has done the same thing for me before and not required me to send a tool back when I had an issue.

Nice, can’t go wrong. That’s the one I ended up keeping. The icon split beam is my go to torque wrench.

Thanks!, yeah I can imagine seeing the PI is made in the USA. Just looked up the Stahlwille, interesting design. Yeah I think the Icon is the best value for DIY and even Pro’s by the results.

Yep consistency is a big deal.

Yep hope we see a 3/8!

Yep I really wish manufactures would make the wrenches longer, It would surely make using it a lot easier!

​@@Tools-Tested i keep these in my car, so i appreciate them being short. i keep a pipe that i use as an extension when i need more torque. it's not an ideal solution but it's the only way it would fit in the toolbox

@@solomonshvyou’ll under torque using a cheat rod to extend engineered length.

Thanks!

Thanks!, Yes I have the digital icon and have been waiting on the Snap-on equivalent for about a month now... the backorder just keeps getting pushed back. I'm probably going to unbox the icon this week and then we will do a more in depth test when I get the Snap On. Probably in a few months I will compare Gear wrench, Kobalt, Olsa etc etc.

Yep, precision is us made so it just goes to show how much margin snap on is making.

So you’re not a professional, cool. Professionals buying pro-level tools are buying the service- free calibrations, replacement when damaged, etc. ‘you get what you pay for’

Lol voiding the warranty……. Thanks!

Thanks! Yeah the Icon line seems to be very good quality. Im sure its hurting Snap on, Mac and Matco. Hopefully they continue adding tools. Really wish they made wrench's below 8mm and a 3/8 split beam or 3/8 digital. Thanks for the Sub!!

No problem a few subscribers were curious, and that got me wondering. I agree, definitely try and stay away from anything made in China. Hopefully Taiwan can stay its own country. I like to see US made but in this case it’s 2-3X more for the same accuracy.

@@Tools-Tested Since you have the tester, you might want to consider testing some other brands. I was checking some other videos and saw some folks testing Proto and SK torque wrenches, both American made. I'm strongly considering getting an SK torque wrench after seeing the test. It was Project Farm that did the test. Some of the tools my grandfather handed down to me are Proto and SK, so they've been around a hot minute.

@@musician445 I have lots of Proto and SK tools in my Snap-On tool box. (got it cheap) I'm a huge fan of US made industrial brands. Great tools without the tool truck markup, and I have rarely used the warranties, but at least with SK, they absolutely honor them and send me a new tool, no matter how old it is.

I'm with you brother. China is a deal breaker to me these days unless there's literally no other option. They aren't our friends, and if you care at all about the environment, supporting fair wages, worker rights, etc. you're a hypocrite for buying their junk. I spend a lot of time and hard earned money researching and supporting American made brands. Taiwan is definitely not bad stuff in the more affordable category. I have a few Taiwan made tools, and all are much better quality than the Chinese options. It's not that you can't find nice stuff made in China, but you have to pay them a whole lot more to build it nice. If you're gonna pay more, you may as well support the US, Canada, Germany, etc. and Taiwan for the budget stuff. I won't pay higher prices for shitty product. Especially looking at you Craftsman...

@@ChevyConQueso Agreed sir, i do what i can to research and find better quality stuff that isn't made with slave labor. It doesn't mean it won't stop happening, and it doesn't even make me a "better person", but i'd like to do what i can. Additionally, i want tools that last and won't give up on me when i'm in the middle of a project.

Nice! Thanks!

I would be confident in either one, but if you don’t mind spending a little more I would go with the Precision because of it being made in USA. Also precision was making them for snap on until snap on bought CDI.

If it's the one I seen using a craftsman torque adapter in a vise it is hard to agree with the results. I know most people test torque wrenches with torque adapters because they are inexpensive compared to a proper test installment. Adapters have an accuracy anywhere from +-2-4% so that also has to be factored into the results. Compared to somthing that is designed to test torque wrenches, and has a accuracy of +-.5% No problem!

@@Tools-Tested You are spot on. That guy is giving bad information so I called him out and let others know about your professional presentation here. I’m all about data and I recently bought a ICON split beam. It’s been great, I’m super impressed by their lineup. And I own numerous different tool brands. I don’t believe it unnecessarily spending money on a tool truck offering when it’s not needed. Keep up the good work👍🏻

Yep I tested the digital Icon and found it a lot more user friendly vs the Gearwrench.

Yeah they work great in tight places, but like you said if you really torque on them they don’t last as long compared to a lower tooth count. Thanks!

This is what I tell my wife so I can buy more ratchets.

Lol well played sir!

I have a 24" Snap-On ratchet with the 36 tooth head. Proto 18" ratchet with 24 teeth. I have abused the living hell out of both in a HD truck shop and in my own shop, and never broken it. The gap is narrowing, but low tooth count has it's place. It's tough to beat for strength. You shouldn't be using a torque wrench for installing fasteners anyway; it's a finishing tool.

​@hellsfavoritesaltyberserke4724and it has a lifetime warranty.

It's a nice split beam for the $.

Nice!, Yeah I think its the best value out there for a split beam, now they just need to make it also in 3/8! Thanks for the sub!

Lol, Thanks for the sub!

Thanks! I would go split beam for lug nuts. It’s fast and easy. I know most want digital, but I really only prefer digital when doing engine work. Split beam is my preferred pick. No problem!

I did 1/2 budget ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-O-47BM01peA.html the results weren't good.

Thanks!

That's a very valid point, I will have to see what the manual says for Icon and Snap-On

Huge point in it's favor. It's the all around bang-for-the-buck wrench in my opinion, and I'm about to buy 2 of them. I would rather support my countrymen and get a quality product at the same time, as it's not much extra for something I'll have for decades. That said, Icon is pretty good quality. For budget stuff I tend to point folks at Tekton, and they have a split beam now too. Curious how comparable it is to the Icon or if it's potentially made in the same facility. There are a lot of quality Taiwanese tools these days, and for a starting mechanic on a budget, they're hard to beat.

Really? Is it being used in a high volume aircraft shop? Just about the most absurd point I’ve heard all week. Close to the “only buy American” bs crap. Not all American products are good. Again good luck using a torque wrench 1,000 times in your life let alone 60,000…. The Taiwanese make some very high quality tools wether you accept the facts or not.

Yes - as tools slowly go out of calibration you won’t always notice it by feel. Cycles can add up quick…one tire rotation job can put 40 clicks on easy. PI does not go cheap and continually tests and fine-tunes their products to be top-notch for their customers. IMO the copies function well and look shiny but do not last as long.

@@larsonmk1 Your “opinion”. Means zero 👌🏻

Wish I could but thats a lot of $

@@Tools-Tested I think he means, try 3 of the Icons, test 3 new Icons + the used one, show deltas between them, then give away the 3 Icons or something. I don't think anyone wants you to shell out the money for 3 snapons. lol

@@giant81256 yeah that’s possible, either way still $$$$. I do hope to test the new snap SB at some point though.

Yeah I like the 90 tooth head, Snap on just released an updated version which is 80. Seems most manufactures are moving in that direction.

Thanks! for the click style, it is set in 1st peak.

@@Tools-Tested Thanks for the reply, great channel! I have the CDI 2503-f-DTC. I’m using it to check 10 torque wrenches. Surprisingly the Powerbuilt deflecting beam is on top with the Olsa and Precision instruments split beams close behind. Will post video next week. I did post a review of the Powerbuilt. Check it out! Thanks!

@@johnnylinoleum Thanks! Seen the powerbuilt, definitely a interesting looking wrench. I will check the video out!

Not at the moment, maybe in a few months I could. But they do claim better accuracy. Knowing Tekton it’s probably a quality wrench.

How much was it with the coupon?

@@turbobuick33 $111.99

@carlosavila1155 Nice! yeah its an awesome TW for the $$$.

$112ish + tax

Yes sir, yeah u really can’t beat the icon for the price.

The digital ones are nice but really expensive. I plan on testing some, I haven’t owned one. But this video shows you don’t need to spend 4x the money for the same accuracy.

Overspending? Higher league? Are you serious? Two years ago I purchased Sturtevant Richmont DTC-75 electronic torque wrench for the 1000 US Dollars. Four years ago I purchased two Jetco Superduty REVO electronic torque wrenches, a smaller one 25 - 250 Inch Pounds (2.08 Foot Pounds - 20.8 Foot Pounds) and a bigger torque wrench 15 - 150 Foot Pounds for 500 US Dollars, each. Back in the late 1990s, I purchased three torque wrenches micrometre clicker types made by Proto. The little one is good for 40 - 200 Inch Pounds (3.3 - 16.6 Foot Pounds), the next one is good for 16.6 - 83.3 Foot Pounds and a big one is good for 50 - 250 Foot Pounds. I paid for each one roughly between 200 - 400 Canadian Dollars. It was a lot of money for me back then but I don't regret it. Good stuff like Proto stuff was made for life if you take care of it. I'm no mechanic and I never made one penny with my tools but I saved thousands of dollars working on my cars.

@@MrCROBosanceros I was born with two Gunertight elbows 😝

@@MrCROBosanceros Same here. Buying quality tools actually saves time and money for long term. If one buys cheap one at beginning, it might end up spending more later. I just ordered the same Snap-On torque wrench today, as I found my Proto J6125F Dial Torque Wrench is not very easy to use. I enjoyed repairing my cars, it's not just saving money, but it's a passion - using some fine tools working on well designed/built cars from BMW or Volvo, and bring the car condition to its original operating condition as it was new is fun to me.

Maybe that should be your next video

Yeah I have been thinking about that. I need to find a old lathe or heavy duty table then I could attach a hand crank to keep the force consistent much like the tool holder on a lathe.

That would be smart

But fr tho you should do a video of the difference between pushing and pulling tho. That does matter because I have seen the difference when I was in college. At some points it was a 5 to 8 lb difference. Might not matter to much when it comes to a half inch torque wrench but it might when it comes to inch lbs

@@robertbrisk9382 it's much easier to push on a torque wrench.. Especially when you're doing something up to 1000ftlbs trust me your back will thank you

Correct, you can store split beams at your desired toque without damaging the wrench.

Don’t worry I didn’t pay msrp for it lol, it was 1300 new. But I plan to use it in future videos

Thanks! I would say the best bet would be precision instruments if your worried about longevity. They came up with the split beam design and Snap-on still sells them with there name on it in the older design. It’s been the go to in shops for years. Now most techs have digital ones but it’s hard to say how long they last. Personally I would stay away from the coil spring style torque wrench’s. (Round handles)

@@Tools-Tested Micrometer wrenches are fine and an old standby, but the cheap ones can lose calibration pretty quick if the torque block moves out of alignment, or you loosen the spring to the point that there's no tension on it at all, which can let things move. You wanna return them to the lowest setting, not loosen them up. Design is super important here and all are definitely not equal. I use Sturtevant Richmonts for my lower torque click type units. The flat tube units are the way to go.

@@ChevyConQueso Exactly! The problem is that 99 % of the people (including RU-vidrs) don't have a clue what is Sturtevant Richmont. If Snap-on torque wrenches are "Rolex" than Sturtevant Richmont is Vacheron Constantin. Yes, flat tube design is important like on my old Proto micrometre type torque wrenches.

It's been good, I cant complain. I have retested it multiple time over the past year and its held accuracy. Yeah I tested a 3/8 precision which was low right out of the box brand new. Also Icon now has a 3/8 version so it makes for a nice set.

I haven't yet, trying to work up the courage to drop another almost 2K (MSRP for 3K) on another tester. The one I have is only good for 25-250ft-lbs I could get away with mid to the high range on most 3/8 but not the lower end. I hope to have all the testers I need to do 1/4-3/4 by the end of this year.

I would go with the SB, its faster and easier to use IMO.

IMO I prefer split beam, it’s faster and easier to adjust and you don’t have to deal with batteries.

@@Tools-Tested thanks man!!!

Yeah its a quality wrench for the money.

Really depends on which you can get a better price on in my book, also Tekton offers a 3/8 version.

@@Tools-TestedI need to get a 1/2 drive torque wrench asap and I need it got work at the shop I work at. We have a Matco guy but I don’t wanna spend 400 dollars on a torque wrench. Will the icon be good for work?

Yep can’t beat the value

Yep its been a good torque wrench.

It would be better to lift instead of push. But I wouldn't worry about it unless you are using a digital torque wrench.

I'm using a split beam

Also do you prefer torque wrench or torque stick

@@davidblankenship2686 I have always used a split beam torque wrench for lug nuts. I know using toque sticks is common but I just don’t trust them lol…

Agreed

Yep exactly lol, don’t always have to spend big money for quality.

Dude, they don’t even care about that. They’re proud to blow all their money and get into debt for snap on, even if they just watched a video that shows Icon would give them the same results for $400 less. It’s all about image for them. They’re sheep. Dude just told them straight up, it costs a fraction of the price of snap on, it has a lifetime warranty and if it break or something is wrong, you just walk into the store and get a new one for free. They still don’t care. Guess they need those bragging right to get them through their day. 🤷🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

Dude, they don’t even care about that. They’re proud to blow all their money and get into debt for snap on, even if they just watched a video that shows Icon would give them the same results for $400 less. It’s all about image for them. They’re sheep. Dude just told them straight up, it costs a fraction of the price of snap on, it has a lifetime warranty and if it break or something is wrong, you just walk into the store and get a new one for free. They still don’t care. Guess they need those bragging right to get them through their day. 🤷🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

@@Omardottcom because they are insecure in their manhood, little peewee lol

From my testing the icon is within the 4% accuracy rating for the full range 50-250. For higher accuracy you might look at the 3/8 split beam tekton, that would give you 20-100 @ 2.5% accuracy. I hope to test the Tekton next month

@@Tools-Tested well I done did I got me one today

I agree, but most cant justify the money for a PI or Snap-on. It's sad but it's the truth these day because of poor policy making and corporate greed.

Lol yeah I don't show that anymore.

Yep, definitely when they own the maker of this wrench CDI, I know it’s made in USA but the price should be closer to Precision Instrument bc its also USA made

Always a good option.

Yeah hopefully it stays that way!

Im not saying it isn't possible but just beware he is testing it with a toque adapter from the early 2000's with a claimed accuracy of +-3%. Most YTers don't factor in the accuracy of the testing equipment. While I used a Snap On tester designed for testing torque wrench's, with an accuracy error of sub .5%.

Fanboys are at minimum entertaining. Don’t even understand the psychology that motivates your closed mindedness 🤣

@@nordicpride9708 You get what you Pay for!!!

@@CT9905. Now you are equating quality with the amount spent? I’ve heard it all

@@nordicpride9708 And still you don’t Get the big Picture!

@@CT9905. I get that you are ignorant to manufacturing throughout the world. But sure some big honey boo boo that made your Snap On tool is just so superior to the Japanese or Taiwanese….🙄 I can list countless items made in the USA by some slob eating a candy bar that are total shit products. But bumpkins like you pay more and assume value in it. Laughable. And the funny part is I own some Snap On stuff. The difference is I’m not a close minded simpleton thinking they are the end all be all.

Yep they demand a high price and my expericance hasn't been that great with Snap-On either.