BrownLine Torque Wrench Review

[vtwoodsman]

Hi Folks,

Now that I've used the Brownline Digital Torque wrench for a year or so, I felt it necessary to share my first hand views of this tool.

Overview:

Pro's:

-- Handy storage case
-- Well constructed, durable
-- Nice audible alert beep for torque limit
-- Easy programming

Con's"

-- Digital Display does not like very hot or cold conditions
I work outside often; and while torquing lug nuts in the hot
sun the display goes blank, plus loses the torque memory setting.

During cold outside conditions the LED display is very dim or blank.

-- Battery Compartment: Requires two philips head screws to remove the
battery cap to reveal three slots for AA batteries. Ok no biggie, but
the cap tension via the two screws is critical to get power to the unit.
Too tight or loose--no power.

-- Reset Time is 2 minutes: That's way too short and limited. Should be adjustable by the user. Sometimes I need to set the torque wrench down
for a few minutes while reinstalling a wheel, or intake manifold. I'd like to
be able to pick up the torque wrench without starting the digital input process AGAIN !!!!


Overall a very nice tool. Would I buy again? Not really ! I'd go for
the mechanical clicker torque wrench that will work in any temperature environment. (Limitations of electronics due to temperatures).

:)

[justbob]

If I could add some info on mine I would also agree on the reset time. It is very annoying.

Perhaps it's just me but I also have to press a button in between every bolt for it to work. Kind of like once it's set up, it's good for only one torque? That gets really old when torquing heads down.

My only other con is batteries do not seem to last. I only use new brand name ones and for as little as I use it I'd think they would last longer.

Pros: customer service!

Mine started doing some really weird stuff. I called them up, figured out how to send it in under warranty and it was back in my hands less than a week later!




Sent from my iThrone using Tapatalk

[vtwoodsman]

Yes, the batteries age quickly, top brand alkalines. I'm sure my warranty is past, but I'm changing to the mechanical type anyway.