Torque wrench?

[zakthor]

When something matters like for brakes i like to test the feel using my beam wrench before i use it on the part.

Neat thing about beam wrenches is that they wont lose calibration unless you actually wreck them. The bending force is a property of the steel.

I have a cheap clicker for bike stuff and i can test its beakaway with the beam wrench.

[GH85Carrera]

The beam type is great, if you can see the gauge. They suck when working on something and the gauge is at an angle that prevents direct sight. I had a digital version that had a not very loud beep. It would also show me a warning if I was over torquing something. My garage always has music playing, and often a fan, heater or air conditioning running. The electronic beeping was hard to hear.

I really prefer the click type, my hand can always feel that click. I have a 3/8 beem type I use for critical torque at lower ranges. For wheels or higher torques I have a harbor freight model that the tool tester guy rated as good if not better than Snap On.

I have never bothered to get a tiny little torque wrench to use on the 911 valve cover nuts. There is very little space for my big hands and a wrench. It would have to be a click type or electronic as I sure could not see that display of a beam type for valves. Just a snug "wrist torque wrench" is fine.

[RANDY P]

Originally Posted by look 171

I have an old torque wrench for 30 years, bought used, maybe a Craftsman, don't remember? This thing knows to grow to about 10' long when I am under the car. A bit cumbersome to use. In actuality, about 18". Anyone use those Amazon special, Chinese ones? Looking at electronic ones where the torque spec is dialed or keyed in instead twisting like ones I have. Its worn and dirty. I think I can't hear it click anymore. What is a good size you guys like for general use? I still can use this big thing for large stuff, but at most, I only need it up to about 120-140lbs for most suspension work. I'm cheap and this isn't something I use often. 100 bucks or below, maybe? Any thoughts?

Used precision instruments off ebay 1/2 dr- maker of Snap-On.

Don't buy a 3/8 for that torque range.