Torque Wrench Question

[jakeru]

I have both beam and "clicker" type torque wrenches (several clickers in 1/2"-3/8" drive, and one beam in 1/2" drive). I tend to use the beam on any application where torque accuracy is extremely important. As stated here, the clickers have moving parts which can fail or get out of whack and this affects accuracy. (Good practice to store clicker wrench laying flat on the back side, with the torque setting untwisted to relieve spring tension).

I've been able to make the torque setting scale of the beam wrench readable in some "off viewing angle" applications by marking with a sharpie a reference line on the back side. For speed, the clicker the wrench can be desirable. For example, quick tire change.

Another way to speed things up, of course, is to not use a torque wrench. Be mindful that lubricants on the threads can dramatically affect things. If you are not using a torque wrench, you will be more likely to notice when plastic deformation starts. (Which is for many not frequently replaced fasteners, where the torque setting is optimized anyway).