How do you get a $440 torque wrench for less than 1/10 that price? Buy a broken one and fix it!

I’ve been wanting an electronic torque wrench for a long time. They are great because they are accurate at the extreme ends of the scale (unlike click type torque wrenches). Electronic torque wrenches typically have  another neat feature, they beeps and vibrate when you reach the set torque, and then tells you the exact torque that was reached.

While browsing eBay one day I found a Snap On Techwrench under $40 and with a few days to go on the auction. This particular one was listed as non-functional, even with a new set of batteries. I noticed the photos showed some extensive corrosion on the battery contacts and took a gamble it would be a cheap fix.

The torque wrench arrived and it was every bit as corroded as the pictures showed.

Getting rid of corrosion caused by leaking batteries is pretty simple. To dissolve the corrosion (potassium hydroxide) a acidic solution is needed, I used vinegar.

Before

After

A fresh set of batteries and the big moment.

It works!

I used the wrench as is for awhile then shipped it back to Snap on for calibration and a retrofit to the newer battery cap style. The new style is much less prone to intermittent battery contact issues. Snap on charged a flat fee of $85 for this service.

Old style:

New style: