Brown Line Metalworks BLD0212BM Digital Torque Wrench in Black Case

This thing is massive and I mean massive. Its 22 inches long , I did not realize it was this large. I did need something that goes to 150 ft pounds, and this starts out at 15 which is good. I have to say, the AC Delco digital torque wrench adapter has got me second guessing my purchase and that I should have bought that. It starts at 4 foot pounds and goes to 147 ft lbs and is so compact it will fit in your drawer.If you already have a mechanical torque wrench like I do, you could just slap on an extension, use the AC Delco adapter , then another extension, then your socket and you are setup. It sounds like more steps than you would need, but you would need an extension anyway on this long digital 22" monster. For smaller adjustments you would simply need a half inch socket wrench. All trade, and Harbor Freight's Pittsburgh both make a similar product, and cheaper,but those start out at 29 foot pounds and AC Delco starts at 4ft lbs. If you are thinking you can use the track mode to start reading at lower increments from 0 to 29 you cannot , it won't register until it hits that 29 mark. This brown is the same way, it starts at 15 and goes from there on track mode.If you do not have any long mechanical torque wrenches , then stick with this Brown. If you do, buy the adapter for half the money and all of the accuracy. I do like Browns digital readout , the green back lighting ,and the loud buzzer that goes off. The others appear to just be black and grey regarding the LCD display, and the alarm cannot be that loud with a CR 2032 Coin size battery, unlike 3 AA in the Brown. Update, it is loud enough.Update 9/26/13I own the ac delco adapter now. Both go to 150 foot pounds. 147ftlbs on the Ac delco adapter. Also regarding the ac delco adapter, it says it starts at 4 but that is only tracking, you cannot set a memory until 15 ftlbs. The problem that I have is which one is correct ,the Ac delco is 8 pounds off the brown digital tq wrench. When the Brown reads 45 ft lbs, the Ac delco is at 37ft lbs. Obviously as you go higher , the discrepancy becomes larger. 8 foot pounds is massive when you're tightening something only to 20 foot pounds. You could easily strip/ break a 1/4 " bolt over 20 ftlbs. Not sure that any torque wrench is accurate now, my mechanical torque wrench that clicks isn't even in line with these two. It is closer to the brown. The brown also changes depending on the handle position. I put the adapter on the end of the brown to watch the difference in motion, the brown was off more toward the end of the handle, and less toward the middle, when the ac delco obviously stayed the same being attached like a socket. I guess you get what you pay for. These both claim accuracy within .10%. An 8ftlb difference at 45 ftlbs is a whopping 20% error. Both units have new batteries.I guess I will have to take them both to a shop that has a high end digital snap on and see which one is closer. As far as function, I prefer the smaller ac delco adapter with ext. It keeps memory after shutting off, but takes twice the time to scroll through settings then the Brown. 0-147 will take you twice the time scrolling to 147. No biggy.if I had to choose one and that is providing it was accurate, I would choose the AC Delco.

I did a lot of research before getting a digital torque wrench and the Brown Line Metalworks product seemed like the best fit. This came with a case which I'm happy about! The wrench itself is extremely easy to use and takes 3 AA batteries. I do a lot of car maintenance myself and since I bought aluminum (rims) wheels for my car, you need to make sure you have the correct torque for the lug nuts otherwise you can damage your wheels if you hand tighten the nuts too hard.Product SpecificationsPatented Technology Double Gear Sensing System Designed, engineered, and tested by Brown Line Metal Works, the patented* D.G.S.S. technology ensures repeatable accuracy of +/- 3.5% both clockwise & counter-clockwise *Patent No.: US 7,367,250. Additional patents pending Accurate from 20 - 100% of full scale (7% accuracy from 10 - 20% of full scale)Microprocessor Controlled 8-bit electronics ensures accurate readings and simplicity of use Allows for both Peak and Track mode Individually calibrates each wrench Supplies unique serial number for each wrenchRatchet Head 1/2" drive reversible ratchet 32-tooth gear provides an 11.25º arc while handling high torque loads Forged from Chromium Vanadium alloy to ensure strength Conforms to ASME B107.10 2005 standardsRange 15 - 150 ft/lbs 180 - 1,800 in/lbs 20.3 - 203 NmDigital Control Large backlit digital display shows both target torque and current read-out Intuitive button design makes operating torque wrench simple LEDs and digital display provide visual feedback when operating wrench Buzzer creates audible feedback when target torque is reached Easily switch between ft/lbs, in/lbs, and Nm Automatically powers off when not in use for 2 minutes Low battery indicatorHandle Soft-touch overmold provides comfortable non-slip grip Engineered plastics ensure an impact resistant housing

This torque wrench is a great improvement over my old fashioned 'click' wrench. The display is easy to read, the LEDs change color as you get close to your desired torque, and the buzzer sounds when you reach it.The handle is comfortable and easy to grip, even with oily hands. It is slightly larger than a conventional 'click' style torque wrench, but too large to be of use.My only complaint is the wrench loses all settings when you power it off, or it powers off after 2 minutes to preserve the battery. You not only need to set the required torque again, but also need to select the desired feet/pounds, inch/pounds, or nanometer. I work in ft lbs, and sadly this is not the default option. Had this wrench the ability to remember the last settings it would be a 5 star wrench.

I was leery of an electronic torque wrench but I ordered one anyway based on the customer reviews I read for the product. It arrived in a short amount of time and was in perfect conditon, no shipping damage, packaged very well. It performs as advertised and I especially like the fact it alerts you with a beep when the target torque is achieved. The old style torque wrenches (I have one over 50 years old) cannot be read when the needle plate faces away from you but the audible alert resolves this problem nicely. I have had little sucess with cheaper clicker style torque wrenches. The price was right thru Amazon and I have recommended the product to friends who also work on old cars. I have used it extensively since it arrived and have experienced no problems. Just be sure to keep it in the case when not in use and don't order one without the case.

Great torque wrench, very nice case that has some pretty good protection. I haven't used it much but it is easy to use and works great.

Keeps switching away from set torque and has to be restarted. Annoying.