When You Need More Torque Than Your Wrench Can Provide, Look to the GearWrench Torque Multiplier
For those working on large diesel engines, trucks, rigs, or other oversized mechanical equipment, torque requirements soar. A tool like the GearWrench Torque Multiplier which generates up to 1,200 ft-lbs of torque can come in handy. Under normal circumstances, we don’t usually work on projects requiring a tool like this. However, we recently used this 6:1 torque multiplier extensively for testing tools in our best impact driver article. Here’s what we learned about this specialized tool.
Pros
- Robust planetary gears
- All-steel construction
- Made in the USA
- “Cheat chart” located on the handle
- Anti-backlash feature maintains the multiplier’s input torque
- Angle of turn protractor spins freely when you touch it, but not otherwise
Cons
- The chart on the handle could peel off over time
Build Quality
The GearWrench Torque Multiplier features all-steel construction. It makes some sense that the important, business-related bits of the multiplier would use steel, considering the material strength needed for torque generation. Still, we were happy to find this tool avoids plastic even for the less-stressed parts.
Initially, this workhorse tool feels just a little unwieldy to use. After all, it has some heft to it, and the general design doesn’t worry itself with supplying a whole lot of ergonomics. However, we attribute this more to the purpose of the tool. The all-steel construction brings weight, but also durability and strength. The handle needs to be braced during use when torquing. A handle more concerned with rigidity and stability makes sense over something comfortable.
I do wish that the 6:1 torque conversion chart was etched into the handle, as opposed to existing as a sticker. The problem is that you’ll likely start to wear out the sticker through regular use. Having it laser-etched into the handle, or having the chart on a metal plate mounted to the handle, would ensure that the input/output values didn’t get rubbed off.
Suffice to say that this is one solid, well-built tool. As a matter of fact, should you ever tire of setting your fasteners at high torque, this multiplier can double as a bludgeon (On second thought, don’t do that—you could knock it out of calibration).
Applying Torque
The simplicity of this tool makes it that much better. The internal planetary gear system lets you apply up to 1,200 ft-lbs of torque with only 200 ft-lbs of input. Consequently, relatively little effort is required to generate a lot of torque. When setting torque, both the input and output rotate in the same direction while the reaction bar moves in the opposite direction. Brace it during use for an accurate reading.
In the event of over-torquing, the square drive will shear off at 3%-10% to protect against any internal damage. GearWrench sells replacement square drive heads if this ever occurs.
The GearWrench 64-832G torque multiplier also features some anti-backlash measures that maintain the input torque. This allows you to use a ratcheting torque wrench for better efficiency.
Featured on the torque multiplier is a built-in angle of turn protractor. It displays the outward angle which helps when your fasteners require a specific angle of rotation (torque-to-yield). The protractor spins when you physically move it, but stays in place when applying torque and moving the arm.
Value
The GearWrench Torque Multiplier retails for $1,299. This might sound expensive but not for a precision specialized tool. It also doesn’t have a ton of competitors on the market. Here’s what we found:
- Proto J6212 1200 Foot Pound Torque Multiplier: $1355
- Wright Tool 9S391 1200 Foot Pound Torque Multiplier: $1442
- GearWrench 1200 Foot Pound Torque Multiplier: $1265
While we didn’t compare this torque multiplier to its peers (perhaps another day), it worked perfectly in our shop setting. We have performed well over 600 precise torque adjustments with the tool, verified by a calibrated digital torque meter. This repeatability gives us a lot of confidence in the tool.
Recommendation
The GearWrench Torque Multiplier is a pretty specialized tool that works simply and well. While not too many of our readers will likely need the kind of torque this tool produces, some will. Should you ever need to apply massive amounts of torque, the GearWrench 1200-foot-pound torque multiplier should do the trick reliably and repeatably. It has an excellent build quality and a straightforward design. Its planetary gear system might be able to turn the foundations of the earth…at least 1200 foot-pounds of it.
GearWrench 1,200 Foot Pound Torque Multiplier Specs
- Model Number: 64-832G
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 14.125 x 3.94 x 4 in.
- Torque accuracy (20-100% of full range): +/-5% Clockwise
- Material: Steel
- Made in the USA
- Price: $1265
