Torque Wrench...
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 3
From: Sapulpa OK
Cheapest and most reliable torque wrench is the bending beam. It never goes out of calibration. Only drawback, it is hard to read at high torque readings. Sometimes you need to have someone else read it.
Happy New Year
Happy New Year
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 530
Likes: 2
From: W. Wisc
The beam type are very hard to read. More like approximations vs actual readings. Craftsman and S&K are good names in general for the click-type torque wrenches. I think they are all made in Taiwan these days, as they all look exactly alike. Don't go too over the top with things like digital readout, as that is extra stuff to break (batteries die at the worst times) and you will be fine. I have 3 sizes - The mainstay is a 3/8" drive 10-100 ft lb S&K, and I also use the larger 1/2" drive 25-250 ft lb S&K a lot, especially for lug nuts. I also have an inch-lb Craftsman one too, but that is rarley needed unless you are doing carb or ingition work (very little of that in modern cars, of course).
I got my S&K's from 7 Corners Hardware here in the Twin Cities, and they weren't too pricey. Welcome to Seven Corners Hardware
CraigsList for used stuff can also be a good option to get SnapOn/Mac, etc for cheap.
-Dave
I got my S&K's from 7 Corners Hardware here in the Twin Cities, and they weren't too pricey. Welcome to Seven Corners Hardware
CraigsList for used stuff can also be a good option to get SnapOn/Mac, etc for cheap.
-Dave
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Victoria, Tx
Well My 1/2" drive is A snap-on 50-250 lbs. ft, I've had a couple harbor freight 3/8 drive click types, they tend to loose calibration easily, so I bought a beam style from auto zone, to handle the small stuff. Also had a 3/4 drive matco that the shop i worked for used to supply. That thing was a beast, at 5 foot long, and and reading up to 700 lbs. foot. For at home stuff go with the beam style. They are always acurate if used correctly and will last forever. Remember that click types have moving parts, and as the parts wear the wrench needs to be calibrated. I worked for a company that made us calibrate our torque wrenches, calipers, volt meters, and any other measuring equipment every 6 months.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
get it someday:
SK Torque Wrench — 1/2in., Model# 74555 | Torque Wrenches | Northern Tool + Equipment
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
I think the only place I've used a beam type torque wrench is when rebuilding a rear end, setting up the pinion bearing preload. Other than that, I find a click type to be sufficient.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,281
Likes: 18
From: Northern California
I've got both types always prefer the beam. I bought a Great Neck in-lb clicker brand new and it broke the stud on a 8-12 ftlb use.
I bought a USA made Sturtevant Richmont beam type for $25 on ebay and just checked the Great Neck...
At 240 on the USA one, the Great Neck was reading over 300!!
kinda sad you buy a new tool and it's a total waste.
I bought a USA made Sturtevant Richmont beam type for $25 on ebay and just checked the Great Neck...
At 240 on the USA one, the Great Neck was reading over 300!!
kinda sad you buy a new tool and it's a total waste.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
Can't fit a micrometer type into the small crankcases of some lawnmower engines. Old Briggs opposed twins are really tight and my Craftsman click type simply would not fit to where I could get the socket on the connecting rod bolt. Had to use a beam-style.
Prefer the click type whenever possible, though.
Prefer the click type whenever possible, though.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 3
From: Sapulpa OK
One of the reasons I prefer the beam type is I work out of a service truck chasing drilling rigs around California, Nevada and Arizona. The constant vibration from travelling 30K miles a year would destroy the inner workings of a clicker or other mechanical type of wrench.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
I would also be curious about where to get one calibrated. I'm sure that there are companies that do it, but their main market would probably be big shops.
Also, a note about something I've read (on FTE and elsewhere). IIRC, you should always zero click types when you're not using them -- keeps them accurate longer.
Also, a note about something I've read (on FTE and elsewhere). IIRC, you should always zero click types when you're not using them -- keeps them accurate longer.