Learn how four popular tension dynamometers compare so you can select the right model for your application
Tension dynamometers, also known as crane scale dynamometers, are precise yet rugged instruments used to measure force load, tension, and weight. Originally designed to measure telephone wire tension, these tools are now used by professionals across industries – including construction, energy, marine cargo, entertainment, elevator cable testing, and aerospace and automotive manufacturing – to measure heavy loads and ensure cables, wire ropes, and chains are neither too slack nor too tense. By doing so, tension dynamometers help users meet safety requirements and comply with industry and other national and international standards.
This comparison explores different types of tension dynamometers, outlines common applications, and provides the specs for, and pros and cons of, four popular dynamometers: Dillon AP5, Chatillon TD5, Dillon EDjunior, and Dillon EDXtreme.
Common Tension Dynamometer Applications
Dynamometers use C-beams or strain gauges to measure the pulling force – or tension – exerted on the dynamometer’s two shackles. These highly versatile tools have nearly limitless applications. Here’s a snapshot of how select industries use tension dynamometers to measure tension and weight:
Construction
Tension dynamometers play a critical role in ensuring the structural integrity of buildings, bridges, and tunnels, and in keeping workers and the public safe. They are used to test the breaking strength of materials, monitor cable tension on bridges and guy wires, and ensure cranes and other rigging materials aren’t overloaded.
Energy
Those who work in nuclear, wind, and the oil and gas industries use tension dynamometers to monitor and maintain the integrity of power lines and components used in turbines, generators, and offshore oil platforms.
Manufacturing
Tension dynamometers are commonly used in aerospace and automotive manufacturing to weigh engines and other components and test the tensile strength and material properties of suspension systems.
Entertainment
Performers often use guy lines to do stunt work. Tension dynamometers are used to monitor the slack and tension in lines and help keep performers safe.
The Different Types of Tension Dynamometers
Tension dynamometers can either be mechanical (analog) or digital.
- Mechanical Dynamometers: use moving parts to measure; they do not require batteries or a power source to operate, and can be used in extreme environments, including underwater
- Digital Dynamometers: use strain-based gauges to measure; they require batteries to operate, and are more accurate and technologically sophisticated than mechanical dynamometers
Comparing Tension Dynamometers
| Dillon AP5 | Chatillon TD5 | Dillon EDjunior | Dillion EDXtreme | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital or mechanical? | Mechanical | Mechanical | Digital | Digital |
| Capacity Range | 500 to 50,000 lb | Up to 20,000 lb | 2,500 to 25,000 lb | 2,500 to 550,000 lb |
| Display | 5” dial face | 5” dial face | LCD display with 1” digits | LCD display with 1” digits |
| Battery required? | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Battery life | N/A | N/A | 425 hours | 400+ hours |
| Accuracy | ±0.5% of capacity | ±1% of full scale | ±0.2% of capacity | ±0.1% of capacity |
| Proof load | 150% | Unknown | 150% | EDX-1T, 2T, 5T, 10T, 25T, 50T, 75T: 150% EDX-100T, 150T, 250T: 110% |
| Ultimate overload | 5:1 ultimate safety factor | 200% | EDjr-1T, 2T and 5T: 700% EDjr-10T: 500% |
EDX-1T, 2T, 5T: 700% EDX-10T, 25T, 50T: 500% EDX-75T, 100T, 150T, 250T: 400% |
| Safe overload | See above | 150% | 200% | 200% |
| Memory storage | None | None | None | Up to 225 logs |
| Capture rate | N/A | N/A | 10 Hz | 10 Hz, 100 Hz, 1,000 Hz |
| Weight (lb) | 9 | 9 | EDjr-1T: 3.9 EDjr-2T: 7.8 EDjr-5T: 14.3 EDjr-10T: 41 |
EDX-1T: 4.3 EDX-2T: 4.4 EDX-5T: 5.4 EDX-10T: 16 EDX-25T: 25 EDX-50T: 38 EDX-75T: 54 EDX-100T: 70 EDX-150T: 120 EDX-250T: 250 |
| Body construction | 30006-0019, 30006-0027 and 30006-0035: 7075-T651 aluminum 30006-0043, 30006-0050, 30006-0076, 30006-0084, 30006-0092 and 30006-0100: E4340 alloy steel |
Rugged cast aluminum | ~EDjr-1T, 2T and 5T: 2024 aluminum EDjr-10T: E4340 alloy steel |
EDX-1T, 2T, 5T: 2024 aluminum EDX-10T, 25T, 50T, 75T, 100T, 150T, 250T: E4340 alloy steel |
| Operating temperature | -50° to 140°F | -50° to 140°F | -4° to 158°F | -4° to 158°F |
| Radio compatibility? | No | No | No | Yes; select models |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Calibration | Traceable to the NIST | Certificate of calibration with NIST data | Traceable to the NIST; calibration card included | Traceable to the NIST; calibration card included |
| Recalibration | Every 12 months | Every 12 months | Every 12 months | Every 12 months |
| Price* | $1,650 to $2,250 | Without face guard: $1,520.95 to $1,698.60 With face guard: $1,700 to $1,928.50 |
$2,090 to $3,485 | $2,950 to $7,310 |
* Does not include the price of calibration
A Deeper Dive
Dillon AP5
Since it was created in 1937, the Dillon AP5 has been used to adjust tension on guy wires, mount cables for bridges, and field test chains, ropes, and wires. Today, the versatile, mechanical dynamometer is widely used by professionals around the world to precisely weigh and measure tension in a virtually limitless number of applications, from aircraft engine removal to stage rigging and logging to cellphone tower installation.
Known for its durability, the battery-free AP5 can be used in extreme environments and handles capacities up to 50,000 lbs. Many users report getting decades of use out of a single unit.
Pros
- Proven reliability; trusted by professionals since 1937
- Highly durable
- Can be used in extreme environments, including underwater
- Comes with a carrying case
Cons
- Does not have a face guard
- Is slightly less accurate than digital dynamometers
Buy these if: you want a reliable and affordable mechanical tension dynamometer that excels in extreme conditions, can withstand heavy use, and has been trusted by professionals across industries and countries for nearly a century.
Chatillon TD5
The Chatillon TD5 is a mechanical dynamometer that can be used as a crane scale or weighing tensiometer. A solid alternative to the Dillon AP5, the TD5 is a rugged, battery-free dynamometer with a shatter-resistant dial cover and an optional face guard for added durability. While the TD5 can be used in extreme environments, it only accommodates capacities up to 20,000 lbs.
Pros
- The least expensive of the three options
- Optional face guard available; offers additional protection and contributes to durability
- Can be used in extreme environments, including underwater
Cons
- Lowest measurement capacity of the four options
- Does not come with a carrying case
- Is slightly less accurate than digital dynamometers and the Dillon AP5
Buy these if: you want a durable, cost-effective mechanical dynamometer and only need to measure up to 20,000 lbs.
Dillon EDjunior
The Dillon EDjunior is a reliable, user-friendly digital dynamometer that takes precise measurements (accurate within 0.2%). Designed for low-capacity jobs (up to 25,000 lbs), the EDjunior is a resilient and well-engineered alternative to the more sophisticated Dillon EDXtreme.
Pros
- Measurements are more precise than mechanical dynamometers
- Lower cost alternative to the Dillon EDXtreme
- Longer battery life than the Dillon EDXtreme
Cons
- Not suitable for applications over 25,000 lbs
- Slightly less accurate than the Dillon EDXtreme
Buy these if: you want an affordable, digital tension dynamometer to use in lower-capacity jobs.
Dillon EDXtreme
The Dillon EDXtreme has the highest accuracy (within 0.1%) and capacity (550,000 lbs) of the four dynamometers presented. The highly sophisticated digital dynamometer offers unique communication functions that allow users to operate the dynamometer remotely and in conjunction with other dynamometers.
Luckily, the dynamometer’s technological sophistication doesn’t come at the expense of durability: like other Dillon dynamometers, the EDXtreme is a rugged instrument that can withstand heavy use in tough environments.
Pros
- Highest measurement capacity of the four options
- Produces the most accurate measurements of the four options
- Memory storage of up to 225 logs
- Optional remote display and radio connection
Cons
- The most expensive of the four options
- Slightly shorter battery life than the Dillon EDjunior
Buy these if: you need a top-of-the-line digital dynamometer that takes highly precise measurements, can handle extraordinarily high capacities, and can be operated remotely and in conjunction with other dynamometers for multi-point data collection.
Still Not Sure Which Tension Dynamometer Is Right for You?
Depending on your industry, application, and budget, any of the tension dynamometers above might be the right fit for your needs. If you need help deciding – or want to discuss your options – contact JLW Instruments to speak with a tension dynamometer expert.
JLW Instruments stocks and calibrates the Dillon AP5, EDjunior and EDXtreme and Chatillon TD5, and can assist in selecting the best dynamometer for your needs.
