In Focus: Central Tools 1/2" Drive Torque Wrench

Aug. 4, 2016

This tool is designed for wheel and brake work, and it is well suited for any other task that requires precise torque in the 30 to 250 lb-ft range.

Professional Distributor staff

97353 A Final Pre Production 576fc9b39b2da

The Central Tools 1/2" Drive Torque Wrench, No. 97353A, which offers 250 lb-ft of torque, has been redesigned for easier use and improved durability. The push-through head design loads in one direction whether used in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, creating space for an asymmetric design of the clicker and ratchet mechanism. This design improves the wrench's durability and the improved lock collar design is easier to grip and improves impact resistance, according to the company. Scale legibility is improved by shading the background to improve contrast. This torque wrench is made in the U.S.A.

Application

This tool is designed for wheel and brake work. Lugnuts need to be properly torqued. Under-torquing can cause the wheel to come off and over-torquing will warp the rotor. The tool is also well suited for any other task that requires precise torque in the 30 to 250 lb-ft range.

Selling points

Most popular size of torque wrench.
Torque wrenches are an effective way of putting lug nuts on.
The number of fasteners that need torquing keeps increasing on vehicles.

Features and benefits

Asymmetric design of clicker and ratchet for a more robust and durable wrench.
Push-through head instead of reversible ratchet means one less thing to break and better accuracy in the counterclockwise direction.
Improved lock collar design with overmold is easier to grip and improves impact resistance.
More legible markings due to a shaded background instead of roll marking them.

Origin

This tool was created with the idea to improve the quality of the company's existing wrench and bring the production back into the company's factory.

Manufacturing specs

The wrenches are made in the U.S. and meet ASME B107.10-2005 and B107.300-2010. Accuracy is +/- 4 percent both clockwise and counterclockwise from 20 percent to 100 percent of capacity.