Torque Wrench

[BUTCH1]

Hello all, I'll be needing a Torque Wrench to do some brake work, I've used the click-type before but was wondering if the beam-type are any good or a PITA to use/read, Thanks in advance for suggestions.

 

[Vette73]

Click is all I ever used. But never used one for brake work.

<-- former auto tech.

 

[BUTCH1]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Click is all I ever used. But never used one for brake work.

<-- former auto tech.

Yea, I've done brakes without using one but my rotors are actually in good shape after 32K so I want to torque the lugs properly. Advance carries the beam type for only $20..

 

[Gillbot]

I've used both, the beam types are supposedly more accurate but i've found them to be a pain to read. The clickers are much easier.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I have both and find that the beam type is difficult to read so I just use the click one whenever I need to torque something to a specified amount.

 

[BUTCH1]

Originally posted by: Gillbot
I've used both, the beam types are supposedly more accurate but i've found them to be a pain to read. The clickers are much easier.

That was my concern, for lug nuts it might be OK but doing anything where the head cannot be seen easily might make it not useful enough. I think I'll spring for the extra $20 and get a clicker, thanks for all the input..

 

[StageLeft]

Harbor Freight, you can get a 150 lb torque wrench, click type, for $20!

 

[Gillbot]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Harbor Freight, you can get a 150 lb torque wrench, click type, for $20!

Wait until they go on sale, they can be had for under $9 and the larger ones go under $15 at times.

 

[BUTCH1]

Originally posted by: BUTCH1

Originally posted by: Gillbot
I've used both, the beam types are supposedly more accurate but i've found them to be a pain to read. The clickers are much easier.

That was my concern, for lug nuts it might be OK but doing anything where the head cannot be seen easily might make it not useful enough. I think I'll spring for the extra $20 and get a clicker, thanks for all the input..

Good find, I didn't even know that HF had a local store! now I can get it mon. right on the way home to avoid shipping, thanks again!.

 

[cardiac]

I have a Craftsmen clicker, a Craftsmen beam, and a Harbor Freight clicker, and they all read within a few pounds of each other. Just keep in mind that you have to be able to see the beam to know what value you have. Lotsa times you have to use them in blind spots.....

Bob

 

[LordMorpheus]

I had a beam type for a while, but I bought a click type because i didn't like using it. The click type is just a million times easier, there are plenty of places that make reading a beam type impracticle.

 

[dud]

Click

 

[thecritic]

Click type is the most convenient one to use for a lot of work. Most accurate? I've heard that beam types are more accurate, but I haven't cared enough to find out.

I have a HF 1/2" drive click-type torque wrench. It's OK, nothing special. I doubt it'd hold up for daily use though. Next time, I think I'm buying a Snap-On torque wrench.

 

[BUTCH1]

Yea, you get what you pay for, but I can't justify paying for Snap-on for occasional use, a mechanic probably wouldn't get caught dead with a HF torque wrench but should suit me OK..

 

[thecritic]

Originally posted by: BUTCH1
Yea, you get what you pay for, but I can't justify paying for Snap-on for occasional use, a mechanic probably wouldn't get caught dead with a HF torque wrench but should suit me OK..

You can get an used Snap-On torque wrench from eBay that has been cleaned and recalibrated for about $100.

 

[franksta]

I have a 1/2" and 3/8" Craftsman 'clickers'. They are far more friendly to use than the beam style. I wouldn't hesitate to use the beam if it's all that was available or got a good deal on it.

 

[bruceb]

I will second the Craftsman wrenches .. have both the 1/2' and the 3/8" and never one issue with either one.

 

[randay]

150 lbs not enough for brakes probably. i would go with beam type if you arent going to work on your car a lot. click type if you are or got the money and make sure you store it properly or itll get out of calibration and then itll be useless.

 

[BUTCH1]

Originally posted by: thecritic

Originally posted by: BUTCH1
Yea, you get what you pay for, but I can't justify paying for Snap-on for occasional use, a mechanic probably wouldn't get caught dead with a HF torque wrench but should suit me OK..

You can get an used Snap-On torque wrench from eBay that has been cleaned and recalibrated for about $100.

$100 might be a good deal and well worth it for someone who is going to get more use, for an occasional brakejob or water pump it's kinda steep..

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: randay
150 lbs not enough for brakes probably. i would go with beam type if you arent going to work on your car a lot. click type if you are or got the money and make sure you store it properly or itll get out of calibration and then itll be useless.

150 ft-lbs is plenty. Highest torque bolts doing brakes are the wheel lug nuts, and those are seldom over 100 lbs at most. 150 ft-lbs is alot, like a crank pulley bolt or spindle nut on a truck. Caliper bolts are in the range of 40-80 ft-lbs.

Click type is more convenient, it's often difficult to view the scale without paralax, especially with brake/suspension stuff when you are required to work at odd angles in tight spaces or need a very short torque wrench (eg: sway bar end links).

Though I could see how a nice beam wrench would be more precise for things like engine blueprinting, though there probably isn't much of a difference with the higher quality and more expensive clickers.

A cheap and dirty, rough graduated beam type is fine if all you intend to use it for is lug nuts.

 

[FeuerFrei]

Originally posted by: randay
150 lbs not enough for brakes probably. i would go with beam type if you arent going to work on your car a lot. click type if you are or got the money and make sure you store it properly or itll get out of calibration and then itll be useless.

And how would you tell if it was out of calibration?
Other than trial and error ... by failure to tighten sufficiently or by stripping regularly.

 

[Gillbot]

They make a checker to test the calibration or many places will check them for you.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Gillbot

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Harbor Freight, you can get a 150 lb torque wrench, click type, for $20!

Wait until they go on sale, they can be had for under $9 and the larger ones go under $15 at times.

I swear that place is a criminal cabal, I see no way they can stay in business doing what they do. I think the whole chain is a front for something.

150 lbs not enough for brakes probably

Brakes on a caterpillar, maybe!

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
I swear that place is a criminal cabal, I see no way they can stay in business doing what they do. I think the whole chain is a front for something.

Made in China?

 

[Gillbot]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: Gillbot

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Harbor Freight, you can get a 150 lb torque wrench, click type, for $20!

Wait until they go on sale, they can be had for under $9 and the larger ones go under $15 at times.

I swear that place is a criminal cabal, I see no way they can stay in business doing what they do. I think the whole chain is a front for something.

150 lbs not enough for brakes probably

Brakes on a caterpillar, maybe!

Cheap China Goods FTW! (For the Wallet!)