Torque Wrenches?

[SteveSS]

I have the old style with the clicky dial on the handle. Are the digital ones worth the extra $100? I have an expensive newly machined SBC 383 to assemble. Also, I can afford one from HF or Amazon not a fancy smancy brand. I don't think auto parts stores rent digital ones.

 

[Billccm]

My dad was a life long machinist. He would only use a beam deflection torque wrench. His stance was you could always prove a beam deflection torque wrench was calibrated if it points at zero when you pick it up.

To this day I only have beam deflection torque wrenches in my garage.

 

[Rishi]

The old-school beam, still get's it done and is hard to beat. We always know if it's calibrated, and a snatch to set aright.

 

[WileE]

"Old style" clicky dial ? Huh ? Both of mine are over a half-century old, and they both remain accurate, and they're not clicky-dial. And I'll put them up against any new ones.

 

[mpgmike]

I use the "clicker" while my shop partner uses one of those new-fangled digital suckers. The only advantage I've found with his expensive one is that when installing "torque-to-yield" bolts, it is somehow able to follow total degrees of rotation, even if you ratchet it a time or 3.

 

[66 Sat]

I have an expensive newly machined SBC 383 to assemble.

Are you putting this engine together yourself?
You can afford the expensive engine work but want to cheap out on a HF torque wrench?

 

[F4R/T]

I have 3 clickers and one digital for torque angle and it’s very nice. I have both snap on and craftsman and no issues with either ever and I do check them periodically.

 

[1967coronet]

Beam style here also, old SK. for ft. lbs and a little Mac for inch lbs.

 

[AR67GTX]

Just remember to always back them off to “0” before putting them away.

 

[GTXDAN]

I have 2 click type from MAC that I've had for 40 years and both have been spot on for accuracy since new. Tested them regularly at work on the calibrated tester. If you're going to build any kind of engine or do any precision work you need a good torque wrench.

 

[threewood]

I have a 1/2" beam style that I can't read the numbers on anymore. Use to work well.

I have a click type 3/8" Craftsman torque wrench that I like. Twist the handle to the desired torque and go.

And I have an electronic 1/2" made by Gearwrench that gets a lot of use. Set the torque and you get a handle buzz as you get close and a beep once torque has been met.

Using any and all of them, never had a fastener fail or something lose torque. They all work fine.

 

[Dodge-Scatpack]

I personally prefer a dial type torque wrench but digital is great for torque and degree of rotation.

 

[Nutso]

I have three click type Proto torque wrenches of different sizes and they have worked well for me over the years. We have a fancy digital one at work that is pretty slick!

 

[Cranky]

Have both a clicker and a beam 1/2" drives and a 3/8" drive inch lbs that's a clicker....all Craftsman and pretty old. With all the China made junk out there, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to trust one from HF.

 

[DeltaV]

Are you putting this engine together yourself?
You can afford the expensive engine work but want to cheap out on a HF torque wrench?

He's going to assemble it using bolts from Harbor Freight.