torque wrench recommendation

[nh_bota]

I wasn't sure where in TBN to post this, so here goes...

I need to replace the front brakes on my Suburban and so I need to finally get a 1/2" torque wrench (I have a 3/8" inch-lb wrench). Craftsman offers a beam-type wrench (1/2" 150lbs) for $30, which seems like a good deal. It's not the click-type, but I'm thinking it would be sufficient for my weekend warrior needs. I could also use it on my Kubota tractor when/if the need arises. Thoughts? Recommendations? Any major drawbacks with the beam vs. click wrenches (besides the need to have clear sight of the scale while tightening)?

Thanks,
Terry

 

[banjodunn]

G'day terry go for the click type you don't always have good line of sight to the scale on the deflecting beam type and if you look at an angle you don't get the same reading


Jon

 

[Welshman]

Any major drawbacks with the beam vs. click wrenches (besides the need to have clear sight of the scale while tightening)?

Thanks,
Terry

This IS (in my opinion) the major drawback. I've had beam wrenches for years, and they're perfectly suitable most of the time. But there are too many times when you just can't see the indicator. I recently put brakes on my car, with it raised on jackstands. The beam wrench was useless, as the caliper bolts and mount bolts faced "in". Had I been working on a lift it would have been fine. Also, there are times with higher torque spec's (and you're weak - like me) that in order to get enough leverage, you can't always position yourself to read the indicator.

 

[BeeferMan]

IMO the two types of wrenches are suitable for different tasks. The beam type are good for things like preloading bearing, the click type for about everything else. I'm not sure what good 150 ft lbs beam type really is, except places where you probably don't really need a torque wrench anyway, like wheel lugs.

One trick you can use if all you've got is a beam type and you can't see the scale, or (even with a click type if can't get the torque wrench on the bolt/nut in question) - tighten one you can see/access to a few pounds below spec, then use another wrench to tighten it just enough to move it and get a feel for the force required. Then apply that force to the problematic one using the same length wrench. You can get very close, typically within 5%. Test it out in a non-critical spot to see how well you do.

 

[20 20]

check out Harbor Freight, I bought 2 click type on sale use one all of the time have not even opened the other{bought it just incase}. Works great and best of all cheap.

 

[nh_bota]

Thanks everyone -- your responses are very helpful. Sounds like a click-type is in order!

 

[Wayne County Hose]

I've got a couple Snap-on click types and love them but I do a lot of engine work too so I need the accuracy. Just bought a new one that beeps for inch pounds. Don't know if I like that one or not. Honestly, in your case, I would buy a good beam one before I would buy a cheap (HF) click type. Probably more important than getting the exact ft lb reading is to get all the bolts a consistent reading. What warps rotors is lug nuts being waaaaay too tight and some being way tighter than others. For lug nuts, I like the torque limiting extensions. I have tested these with a torque wrench and found them very reliable. I rotate the tires on my Ranger with these every 5,000 miles. I have over 100,000 miles now and have the original rotors with no pulsation at all.

 

[Charlesaf3]

the harbor freight click type actually seems to work fine (not a guarantee with HF stuff). Probably at least the same quality as that craftsman

 

[dodge man]

As I recall, the dial type (not mentioned) is the most accurate. I have a click type in foot lbs and a beam type in inch pounds. At one time I compared my Craftsman click type to a dial style and it was pretty much exactly the same.

The beam type is great if you have enough room and an easy swing. To me the crtical part of the beam type is getting a nice smooth steady swing. Also if you don't have the handle square to what you are tighting, it seems the dial can hang up and drag on the scale indicator and not give you an accurate reading. It all depends on what you are using it for. Some things are very critical, such as bearing caps inside an engine. Other things are less so. I use a torque wrench on my lug nuts, it its off a little bit for that who cares.

 

[20 20]

the harbor freight click type actually seems to work fine (not a guarantee with HF stuff). Probably at least the same quality as that craftsman

I use my atleast weekly and have never had a problem, had it for 4 yrs+ now.