Why in the welding fab section? Seems like the rest of the board is deprived of any solid, mechanical foundation. The thought of using my 1970ish craftsman deflecting beam torquewrench any more on half precision builds really scares me. I can't seem to find anything under $100 that is accurate, simple, and affordable. Why have deflecting beams become so unpopular? Looks like the only solution is to go the snap on torqometer route.

Any ideas?

 

ive always used the beam wrenches, ive built only about 3 or 4 engines with them........ but none of them have had any problems hehe

as long as they are in decent shape and are still zero'ed out i dont see the harm in using it but thats just my opinion

 

So how do they become inaccurate? Unless you change the physical property of steel they won't change over their life, especially if you take care of them. I have used them for ever and never had a problem. Have you had yours tested to see if it is accurate?

 

Springs become softer and settle over time (at least suspension springs), why wouldn't the beam on the torque wrench? I just don't know how many times you would have to use the wrench to cause this. Is it even possible to calibrate a beam type? BTW, most os the time I use this:

http://bobsbest.tripod.com/snap_on/snaptorqnew.jpg

 

springs are designed to "give" alot more than tool steel, not to mention the ~3000lbs sitting on top of them.

 

our shop foreman REFUSES to let me use the old school craftsman beam type i have even after we tested it against my and his click type strap-on (that he has calibrated every year) and the beam type was more accurate. some people just feel more confident when they can hear or feel a confirmation.

 

honestly if you are looking for an accurate torque wrench under $100 I would just stick with what you have, just have it checked to make sure its still accurate...I dont care for the clickers either, unless Im torqueing lug nuts or bearings, but I have the digital 3/8 snap-on ($150 ebay) and its awesome, i love it... however if I was to buy a new analog wrench, I would buy a dial one.....bottom line though, as long as the torque is close, you'll never know a difference.

 

srmofo are you at a dealership in dayton?

 

chris we have a cal shop at work if you want to test it