[Walt Fricke]

The only significant use I have had for a 1/4" torque wrench is for rocker shafts when they need to be R&R'd with the engine in the car due to some need which showed up while running the engine - shaft moved, rocker broke. And only because you can get a much smaller head (and get a long handled one) so you can use them under those conditions. A typical L shaped Allen will usually do, but the torque you can get with one is pretty limited.

When reassembling an engine, full rebuild or top end, you can use a 3/8" wrench with typical extenders to get at the shaft fasteners if you do things in a sensible sequence for this approach.

To be sure, it is nice to have spiffy torque wrenches. I sometimes drool. But for your own car, infrequently, one has to inquire about the marginal value involved.



For spark plugs and valve cover nuts, you don't really need a torque wrench.