Back down a torque wrench that is in constant use ?

[911boost]

Awesome, thank you!

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by devodave

We only used Sanp-On dial torque wrenches when I worked at the shipyard (Norfolk Naval Shipyard), mainly torqueing fasteners for pipe flanges as a pipefitter (both non-nuc and nuc systems). These, like beam types, do not have to be relaxed after use and give you an idea where you are at in the torqueing process. Always use at 1/4 to 7/8 of the scale. A 0-175 ft-lb is currently listed on e-bay for $125. I much prefer the dial type to the clicker type myself, but that's was I basically cut my teeth on.

I always thought a 'beam' style torque wrench had a long indicator that moved over an arced scale. There is no way to "relax" that.

Perhaps you are referring to a 'click' style TW.

[devodave]

Correct, the dial type and beam type return to zero when not in use and do not have a mechanism that needs to be relaxed. The clicker type has to be set for the desired torque and that mechanism evidently can wear out after much use if constantly set and relaxed (I've never taken one apart, so not exactly sure what the mechanism is) or the mechanism (spring?) will stretch over time if not relaxed, resulting in inaccurate readings. The beam type is usually not as precise due to the narrow arc of the deflecting beam scale. The dial type is very similar to the beam type, but more precise with the increased rotation of the needle on the scale. But I haven't spent much time torqueing fasteners in a while, so my memory might be a bit cloudy on the details!

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by rusnak

Why would you not use a digital one?

Not always easy to read a beam, dial, or digital wrench...some jobs are such that they can't be seen. Thus, the click.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by pete3799

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/TLS788/10-piece-torque-limiting-extension-set/

This seems a great solution for Fred's lug nut work...save the torque wrench for more critical work.

[Shifter]

Split beam all day long.

https://smile.amazon.com/Precision-Instruments-PREC3FR250F-Silver-Torque/dp/B002XMSFIM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1CFBKD7JYHRUZ&keywords=split+beam+torque+wrench&qid=1565470565&s=gateway&sprefix=split+beam+tor%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1

Accurate and super easy to set. Because of the way it is built, you do not need to relax them.

[JackDidley]

This one on ebay is like my Snap on. $154 shipped. Unfortunately mine was near $500 at time of purchase so I take very good care of it. Including backing it down when I am done with it.

[A930Rocket]

Maybe Jeff H will chime in but at Boeing, we were taught to not to lower it to zero, but at the bottom 20% of its max IIRC.