December 2021 - 76

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
VIM Tools
Digital Torque &
Angle Meter
Reviewed by Tanner Brandt, owner of
Auto Diag Clinic in Greenville, South Carolina.
THE REVIEW:
Q: How did the tool function as far
as saving you time?
A: Being able to complete the torque
and angle with one piece of equipment certainly
saves time. The only way to do this
normally is with a digital torque wrench.
Using this tool may also allow a smaller
ratchet to be used to get into a tighter
space. One thing I found to be handy with
this tool was I no longer need to carry a
torque wrench in my truck - I replaced it
with the VIM digital torque meter. I own
a mobile diagnostic business and I carry
a torque wrench with me in case I get a
flat tire while I'm on the road. Some days
I can cover up to 250 miles. If I get a flat,
I'm not a fan of guessing on wheel torque.
This tool fits easily in my tool bag where
a torque wrench wouldn't. So, if you are a
mobile technician this tool is a must!
Q: What kind of setup was involved
before using the product?
A: All that was needed was to read
the instructions and install the batteries.
Without reading the instructions,
the functions can be confusing since
some buttons you need to hit multiple
times to move to different functions.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: The product was very easy to use,
there's no special tool or ratchet required,
and it comes with a 3/8 adapter.
76 PTEN
DECEMBER 2021
Q: How was its packaging?
A: The packaging is nice
and the foam tray that comes
with it is a really nice
accessory if you are going
to keep it in a toolbox.
Q: Was there a manual
included?
A: Yes, a manual came
with it and it was easy to understand. Read
the manual when you receive this tool.
There are several functions that you may
not realize it has if you don't. The tool can
track torque as you go and then also show
peak torque instead of live tracking.
Q: What features did you like?
A: I like the ability to do angle and
torque with one tool. The memory settings
are also a nice touch.
Q: Is there any way you would
improve this tool?
A: It's slightly large. A smaller size may
make it easier to use it tight spaces. If there
was a 3/8 and 1/4 version of this tool that
may help bring the size down. I could see
a use for both when trying to tighten small
bolts in tight spaces.
Q: What types of jobs did you use
this tool for?
A: Torquing wheels, brake calipers, and
other jobs where correct torque specs are
crucial.
www.VehicleServicePros.com
The VIM Tools' Digital Angle and Torque Meter
1/2 " and 3/8 " Sq. Dr., No. DATM1238, is designed
to turn any ratchet or breaker bar into a torque/angle
measuring tool. The meter can be used to recalibrate
any type of torque wrench and has 30 memory settings
for torque and 30 for angle. Peak and track
modes are available for torque reading and ratchet
mode is available for angle reading. A color-changing
display and audible alarm indicate progress when
reaching the target value (green backlight below 80
percent, orange above 80 percent, and red at 100
percent or above). The compact and lightweight tool
also has a power-saving mode that turns on after two
minutes of inactivity.
136
Q: Have you used a
previous version of this tool?
A: I have used angle gauges before that
were magnetic and sat on top of the ratchet
or whatever you were trying to track the
angle of. This tool was better because
since it is attached directly to the ratchet
or breaker bar, you don't have to worry
about finding a way to get it to sit just
right like we did with the magnetic ones.
Also being able to use this to do the entire
torque process - the actual torque as well
as the final torque to X angle - is nice.
This is significantly cheaper than a digital
torque wrench and takes up less space.
TANNER BRANDT is the
CEO of Autodiag Clinic. He
is an automotive diagnostic
technician and technical
trainer. Brandt has spent his
career focused on researching
automotive systems and strives to diagnose
problems efficiently and accurately. When he isn't
working on vehicles, he can be found training and
consulting. Brandt works with various companies
throughout the automotive industry on solving
problems, beta testing diagnostic equipment,
and helping companies break into the automotive
industry.
http://www.VehicleServicePros.com
December 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of December 2021
