Tool Review: Digitool Solutions Portable Torque and Angle Meter

Oct. 8, 2012

Simple-to-use, digital readout device displays real-time torque values

The Digitool Solutions Portable Torque and Angle Meter is a simple-to-use, digital readout device that displays real-time torque values in any of the three torque units: ft/lbs, in/lbs and Nm. This tool can conveniently be used with any current ratcheting wrenches (regardless of the length), breaker bars or sliding T-handle tools.

Features include a five-alphanumeric digit LCD display, a rechargeable li-ion battery that holds up to 300 hours of continuous use, three-light LED/tone/vibration notification system and ratcheting angle memory. Three modes available: Track, Peak or Angle, with a charging adapter included.

The review

Tom Karagianis, owner of Tarkus Automotive in Milwaukee, WI, found the Portable Torque and Angle Meter very accurate, and easy to use.

"It beeps when it gets to the torque that you want," says Tom. "And if you’re in a loud shop and you can’t hear it, a light turns on when it beeps too." The tool also vibrates to indicate the set torque has been reached, which can be helpful in noisy environments.

Tom demonstrated how to set the torque on the digital LCD display, explaining the angle limit can be set anywhere between 5 degrees and 360 degrees -- a full turn.

"When you’re in tight spaces, such as inside of an engine compartment doing cylinder heads or intake manifolds or main bearings or rod bearings, it’s easy to get at. It’s a half-inch drive. Very handy tool. Much better than earlier (digital torque and angle meter) designs."

Tom appreciated that the unit came with its own charger, that charges "just like your cell phone charger."

"It tells you when its charged and it shuts off by itself, so it doesn’t drain the battery."

Tom didn't have any improvements for the tool.

"Great design. Turns off by itself. Comes with a charger, just like your cell phone. Easy to use. Charges fast."

About the Author

Erica Schueller | Editorial Director | Commercial Vehicle Group

Erica Schueller is the Editorial Director of the Endeavor Commercial Vehicle Group. The commercial vehicle group includes the following brands: American Trucker, Bulk Transporter, Fleet Maintenance, FleetOwner, Refrigerated Transporter, and Trailer/Body Builders brands.

An award-winning journalist, Schueller has reported and written about the vehicle maintenance and repair industry her entire career. She has received accolades for her reporting and editing in the commercial and automotive vehicle fields by the Truck Writers of North America (TWNA), the International Automotive Media Competition (IAMC), the Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards and the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) Azbee Awards.

Schueller has received recognition among her publishing industry peers as a recipient of the 2014 Folio Top Women in Media Rising Stars award, acknowledging her accomplishments of digital content management and assistance with improving the print and digital products in the Vehicle Repair Group. She was also named one Women in Trucking’s 2018 Top Women in Transportation to Watch.

She is an active member of a number of industry groups, including the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), the Auto Care Association's Young Auto Care Networking Group, GenNext, and Women in Trucking.

In December 2018, Schueller graduated at the top of her class from the Waukesha County Technical College's 10-week professional truck driving program, earning her Class A commercial driver's license (CDL).

She has worked in the vehicle repair and maintenance industry since 2008.