Torque wrench types: Click -vs- Scale
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Drummonds, TN USA
Torque wrench types: Click -vs- Scale
It has always seemed to me that click-type torque wrenches are both more expensive, and designed for assembly-line uses.
My preference is to use a beam-type scale readout, because I can hold a fixed torque on a fastener long enough to make sure it has set at the specification I want it to.
With a click type, as soon as the click comes we back off on the wrench. I feel that a scale readout allows me to maintain the correct amount of force long enough for bolts to properly take a "set", helping the overall strength of the pieces I use it on.
I have found them especially useful on intake manifolds. And in fact, I just finished an Edelbrock installation.
Intakes can be funny critters at times, this way I have less repeat torque checks to do...
My preference is to use a beam-type scale readout, because I can hold a fixed torque on a fastener long enough to make sure it has set at the specification I want it to.
With a click type, as soon as the click comes we back off on the wrench. I feel that a scale readout allows me to maintain the correct amount of force long enough for bolts to properly take a "set", helping the overall strength of the pieces I use it on.
I have found them especially useful on intake manifolds. And in fact, I just finished an Edelbrock installation.
Intakes can be funny critters at times, this way I have less repeat torque checks to do...
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: South Central PA
Torque wrench types: Click -vs- Scale
I've always trusted click type torque wrenches more. Depending on where you have to stand to pull on them and how hard you are pulling you may have a difficult time seeing the beam and scale on the meter of a beam type torque wrench. Plus if you don't look at it the same exact way everytime, you won't be reaching the same torque anyway. As I approach the spot where I feel my torque wrench is gonna click I pull as slow as I possibly can. I'll usually run back over all the bolts in the proper torque sequence and give them another slow, steady click to make sure they are all even. In my opinion the click type are much more acurate.
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Joined: Sep 2001
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Torque wrench types: Click -vs- Scale
I've always heard that the scale type were cheap imatations of torque wrenches and are 100% unreliable. i've always trusted the click type wrenches as they withstand more torque than a scale type. Ofcourse, thats just my opinion.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Kansas
Torque wrench types: Click -vs- Scale
I'll take a click type most days. It seems to be more "stable" while the scale seems to flex more. For very low torque, a scale is fine. But for anything over 20 lbs, the click is hard to beat. Besides, you don't have to look at a click, you can feel it coming and then Click!
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Torque wrench types: Click -vs- Scale
I have usually preferred the click-type also.
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Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Baileyton, TN
Torque wrench types: Click -vs- Scale
I am an Aussie, and had never seen a guage type until I came here, I have always used the click type.
Wm
'96 F450 Custom Crewcab 4x4 Flatbed, Powerstroke, Banks Powerpack, Chip, Tranny control,Aux tranny, engine worked giving 340 hp and 660lb ft torque
Wm
'96 F450 Custom Crewcab 4x4 Flatbed, Powerstroke, Banks Powerpack, Chip, Tranny control,Aux tranny, engine worked giving 340 hp and 660lb ft torque
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Drummonds, TN USA
Torque wrench types: Click -vs- Scale
To each their own preference, I suppose.
I had, at one time, a snap-on micrometer-adjustable clicker. It bothered me when I began to see "creep" on bolts though -
The second time around, even on bolts that had just been done, I found the wrench moved a little further.
A click type CAN be used to check the accuracy of a scale...
But when was the last time you had your wrench calibrated?
Hmm....
Could be a point, where and when to have them checked....
I had, at one time, a snap-on micrometer-adjustable clicker. It bothered me when I began to see "creep" on bolts though -
The second time around, even on bolts that had just been done, I found the wrench moved a little further.
A click type CAN be used to check the accuracy of a scale...
But when was the last time you had your wrench calibrated?
Hmm....
Could be a point, where and when to have them checked....
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