Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Newbie question about torque wrenches.

I own a pointer style 1/2" torque wrench (Craftsman), is this adequate or should I invest in a click style wrench?

I would think it's adequate. Don't listen to me though, I don't use one.

Two camps when it comes to torque wrenches: beamers and clickers. Each has their own charm and both are accurate. Being that you have a 1/2 drive I'd suggest you add an inch pounds wrench to your tools for those small fasteners for side covers and cam bolts.

Thanks for the advise, I'm starting on some mods replacing the pipes, removing the air box then re-jetting the carbs. This site has been a great source of help and inspiration, almost to the point of addiction.

"torque wrench" hmmmm

I've ALWAYS had a Craftsman 1/2" drive torque ratchet, with a range of 20-200 ft. lb's.

For the first time ever (I'm 55), I needed an In. lb., for 20-200 in. lb's.

(Still leaves a gap between 200 in .lb. & 20 ft.lb., plus you really shouldn't rely on the far extremes of the listed range.)

It was Saturday, when I just HAD to have it, and the only one in town was at Harbor freight. It was on sale for $19.95!

After thinking about what kind of "quality" I must have purchased , I decided it was time to get a "quality" one, to last (and be accurate) for the rest of my life.

Jump to yesterday. I saw a Snap-on truck at the fleet maint. shop. I thought "now's the time", and entered through the Pearly Gates of the Snap-on store-on-wheels.

Nice 1/4" drive torque ratchet, only a one year warranty, AND $260 !!!

I've since convinced myself that the Harbor Freight ratchet is the "Cats Ass"!

Find someone with a clicker or even one of those cool digital ones that make sounds and check it against those. Sort of a calibration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrjC1E1TBdg

Check out the torque spec's at the 54 second mark.

Craftsman model # 1019 , calibrated by NASA engineahs.

I'm a beamer. That is, when I use one. Clicker? Hmmm, I have one, but don't use it. Yeah, like I'm gonna trust one-a-them...

I like the click wrenches but a beam wrench is just as good. Make sure the pointer is at 0 when you start.

I have both a 1/2 drive beam and a 3/8 drive click. I've found that most of what you need to do can be done within the range of the 3/8 click. The beam is fine but, you need to be in a position to see the scale. One of my friends pointed out though, after you are done with the wrench for the day, reset it back to zero. It will stay calibrated longer.

Thanks for all the good advice, I think I will look at getting a 3/8" drive wrench as well.

What he said also..

For the 1/2" drive ft lbs. I prefer a click type, especially at the higher torque values.

On the 3/8" drive inch lbs., a beam is my preferred. I think it's more accurate as I can see the torque increasing as I tighten, and at the low torque values it's not a problem being in position to see the scale.