Review on 🔧 VANPO 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench, 25~165 Foot-Pound/34~224.4 Newton-Meter, Dual-Direction Adjustable Torque Wrench with Quick Release Reversible Head, Maintenance Kit Tools for Automobiles/Motorbikes by Robert Byrd

This VANPO 1/4" Torque Wrench, Socket and Screwdriver Set is a beautifully crafted set in a handy storage box containing a variety of attachments for maintenance of a typical bicycle, as well as many other important nodes. The torque wrench is well designed, beautifully finished and features a locking setting for torque adjustments. The scale is correctly labeled for lbf-in (common when known erroneously as "in-lb") and Nm (Newton meters). Be aware that with a torque rating of 1.5 lbf-in per division and two scales engraved on the barrel (lbf-in and Nm), this torque wrench needs a bit of learning before setting the correct torque takes second place. It's not very clear in the instructions that came with it. This confused me to be honest, but one full revolution of the barrel changes the torque by 15 lbf-in (10 divisions of 1.5 lbf-in each), and the key axis scale markings match. Unfortunately, to accommodate both imperial and metric gauges, the barrel goes to 7.5 lbf-in, then starts from "0” for a half turn and goes back to 7.5 to make a full turn, which is 15 lbf- in corresponds to . Working in Nm makes the scale almost useless as one division equals 0.17Nm (one full turn = 1.7Nm) and setting the torque correctly in this metric scale is a mathematical exercise which I believe one should do after a calculator is needed. If your spec is in Nm, I found it easier to just convert it to lbf-in and use that scale instead. Manufacturer claims accuracy, but the upper end of the scale I've been able to test shows excellent accuracy, so I accept the measurements on the attached calibration certificate without much hesitation. Be sure to store this wrench with the spring untwisted to keep it accurate. The ratchet head has 45 teeth, making this a "fine tooth" ratchet that only requires 8° of rotation between clicks. The ratchet was a little sticky when I first tried it and disassembling the ratchet showed that it came with no lubrication. After carefully applying some Lubriplate 130-AA to the ratchet, it smoothed out nicely. My measurements show that the sockets and bits are precisely stitched and sized, advertised as "Chrome Vanadium Steel" and are beautifully chrome plated. The hex head broach is a slightly modified hex similar to the patented "side drive” broach, designed to better protect the object's hex nuts from rounding when rotated. All sockets, bits and adapters are designed to lock into place once fitted onto the ¼ inch square drive torque wrench, requiring a push of a button on the back of the ratchet head before they can be removed. This reliably prevents the coupling from accidentally falling into the complex assembly when tightening. I consider this a highly desirable feature of this torque wrench as there is nothing more frustrating than having the head slip off the ratchet, fall into the cylinder head return passage and disappear requiring disassembly of the engine again to retrieve. Ask me. The blown body is reasonable and nothing special except that the locking latches are fitted with real hinges so they don't break easily from repeated flexing as I've had other cheaper designs that use a 'living hinge', only one of which Part thinned is the plastic case. Conclusions: This is a very useful kit for small assemblies that require critical fastening torque in the 20-200 lbf-in (2222.6 Nm) range for a ¼-inch wrench. It comes with a good selection of bits and metric sockets. Individual parts fit perfectly and are of good quality. Very desirable is the fact that the attachment snaps onto the ¼" drive. Conversely, the odd 1.5 lbf-in per pitch, somewhat "sticky" unlubricated ratchet head, and difficult-to-understand Nm scale at which the Instructions help a little, for me only a 4 star rating.