Best type of torque wrench

Buy the most expensive one on sale for half price.. I set the hand dial to what I want, and the wrench tells me when I reach that limit.

This is a great torque wrench. I use it for checking my wheel lugs and for mechanical work.

Craftsman Torque Wrench

The kind where you twist the knob to set the value you want and the wrench "clicks" when you reach the set point is my preference.

To make the wrench more accurate for a longer time, be sure and relieve the tension by setting it back to zero. The beam types are cheaper but a pain to use.

Ken

The click type can be used without any visual observation. That sometimes becomes important, depending on the location of the fastener.

And your torqueing what???

I got a pointer gauge type for general auto stuff. Can see what torque was when undoing bolts with this type, I think about $30.00

For lug nuts I've got a 3/4 drive harbor freight special. My lug nuts have a torque of 130-160 so Ford wasn't to exact, so I'm not to exact. Am surprised how accurate Harbor freight wrench is. Thought it would be all over the place. When I get tires rotated on any of our 3 vehicles I take the clicker type Harbor freight special with me and "re-check" what the tire dealers torqued lug nuts to. Cheapie Harbor freight torque wrench as been accurate every time so far and tire dealer spends a lot of $$ to keep his "certified" because of liability reasons.

Before you buy an expensive one; find out where it's made first. Also see if it even has the brand name on it.

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_1304_torque_wrench_testing/

I have a clicker type and a beam type. I almost always grab the clicker because it is simpler to use. With the beam type you must hold it at an angle that you can see the pointer while using.

All in all I think the beam type is a more reliable less expensive tool for those that will rarely use one. The clicker type will cost more for a reliable, accurate tool.

I like the beam type. Simple accurate design. If doing real critical work the clicker is probably better. Funny how things have changed over the years. While they always had a torque value assigned, lugnuts were always tightened to "Good Enough", nowadays seems every thing has to be precise.

Thank you for your input. I plan to use it for tires, mounting 5th wheel and wherever one is needed.