Best torque wrench?

[Scream And Fly]

Which is better - the dial type or the click type?

Greg

[Steve Zuckerman]

Greg:
The old dial types are better than guessing. But the newer "break/click" type wrenches seem more exacting to me.
I use Snap-ons and have had excellent results with them.
Regards,
Steve;)

[Georgia Boy]

But i like the click style. I have a snapon and a craftsman. I have never rebuilt a boat engine yet, but use them on all of my equipment rebuilds, and I have yet to have a problem.

[VectorPat]

I have a snap on and a matco click type..I like both of them..I had a craftsman it was ok but the plastic lock broke so you had to make sure you didnt twist it when pulling down on something and it sounded like it was going to fall apart when it did click..

[gaineso]

I've got 2 Mac tools that are about 15 years old. Not used excessivly but still a pretty good amount. Had them run through calibration when I was at a lab calibrating their other equipment and they were both within 3%. Snap-on states 4% for theirs and I know they are the best. Of course that 4% is worst case.

Trying to read a dial while trying to pull something down to 100 ft/lbs or more in an awkward position is probably gonna give you 10 to 15% error just trying to read it. Click type is the only way to go.

[CDave]

Originally posted by Steve Zuckerman
Greg:
The old dial types are better than guessing. But the newer "break/click" type wrenches seem more exacting to me.
I use Snap-ons and have had excellent results with them.
Regards,
Steve;)

I'll second the Snap-On click style.

[heath brinkley]

Definatly the click style. snap on, matco, or mac. I've had craftsmen and they break easily.

I want to know if anyone has tried the digital readout craftsmen. Something new they just recently came out with. It's a socket with a wire hooked to a digital gauge that gives you a readout. And it's used with any ratchet. Seems like it wouldn't work real well, but was curious if anyone has used it.

[Burke Kilgour]

Dial for under 30 in/lbs and click type for anything over.

[MTCM]

I prefer the Micrometer Adjustable (click) Type. Sometimes referred to as the "snap-action" type.

As far as brands go, I recommend SK Tools. These are high quality and very accurate. They have the look and feel of a finely-tuned instrument rather than a tool. They are calibrated to tight ASME standards. Some tips/facts for Micrometer Torque Wrenches:

1) Always set the adjustment to its minimum range when the tool is not in use (being stored).

2) Snap-Type Torque Wrenches should be "exercised" prior to use. Set the Wrench to 60% of its total range. Put a bolt or fastener in a vise (or make you a test-jig). Torque the "test fastener" a minimum of 6 times (make the wrench click/snap 6 times). This only needs to be accomplished once. You do not need to do this everytime to change the setting. This applies when you take the tool out for use after periods of inactivity.

3) Micrometer Torque Wrenches are generally most accurate within 20% to 80% of their adjustment range. These wrenches are "dead nuts" accurate (within their calibration standard) between 40% to 60% of their adjustment range.

4) Keeping the previous in mind, for most accurate torque; if you are torquing a fastener to 25 ft. lbs you can use a 20 to 150 ft. lb. torque wrench, but you would be better-off to use a 0 to 100 ft. lb. torque wrench. I think you get my drift on this.

5) Always "pull" a torque wrench when tightening a fastener. Avoid "pushing" the wrench. When torquing, grasp the wrench at the "grip handle" it was designed with.

6) Some may say not to use a socket extension with a torque wrench. This is perfectly acceptable as long as the extension remains at a right-angle to the wrench. When using tools that effectively extend the length of the torque wrench (i.e. crow-foot type wrench heads), The torque setting has to be reduced to compensate for the increase in leverage caused by the change in effective length of the wrench. There is a formula for this, but it escapes me at the moment. I find it and post it later.

My .02 cents worth.............

[eautosales]

ive had them all & i will use nothing but a snap on click type
my 2 cents:D
if ya need to borrow it ill mail it out [email protected]

[Jay Smith]

I prefer the click type and I have used "Snap On " with satisfaction for years !

[northeastcat]

Snap-on is the only way to go. We build alot of engines and never have a torque issue. For accuracy and longevitey I say snap-on.