torque wrench . Clicker vs digital . which one do you use more

[researcher]

I have that one too, I've heard good things about the HF icon but I'd rather have made in USA.

That's true, HF has been upping their game A LOT lately.. But when I found out who actually made the uber-expensive Snap On dual beam torque wrench, I jumped at it! Especially since it was (when I got it) only about $145. Snap on was like $800! too funny, wow.. But the quality of the made in USA Precision Instruments brand is impressive!

 

[Tifosi]

http://www.cditorque.com/

When the COVID pandemic hit 3+ years ago, I decided to do some simple maintenance work myself. I bit the bullet and bought 3 CDI torque wrenches because I have issues. They are part of the Snap-On family but at a friendlier price, more suitable for pretend mechanics such as myself. I have them, especially the 1/2" checked for calibration about every 2 years or so since it sits out in the garage.

 

[another Todd]

This was the leading cause of pulsing brake complaints when I worked in a garage a few years after disk brakes became standard equipment on many cars. Tire change places were just running the lugs down with an impact wrench without torque sticks.

Exactly.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Beam. Anything else is of unknown accuracy. As long as the pointer starts at zero and moves freely, a beam wrench will be accurate.

 

[vavavroom]

I don't feel a need to use a torque wrench on lug nuts or suspension parts. Good and tight is sufficient.

Gut and tight works on my '81 Rabbit. If I do that on my Mini it's gute night because it needs extra tight.

 

[Soft Cars]

The only time I would ever use a digital torque wrench is if I needed to torque something to an angle; otherwise I prefer a clicker.

 

[Malo83]

Clicker!

 

[JHZR2]

High quality clicker. For the long run it will be great without electronics to fail on it.

 

[The Critic]

Precision Instruments 1/2” Split Beam for lug nuts

Snap on Techangle 3/8” (5-125) for everything else. Best tool in my box, imo.

 

[4WD]

Being here since 2010 - I can now hear and feel everything - therefore these tools are no longer needed …
(I only have beam) …

 

[CarLuver]

seems like many are not a fan of the pure digital one. what are your opinions on the hybrid digital clickers .

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WSS91JF?pd_rd_i=B07WSS91JF&pf_rd_p=b000e0a0-9e93-480f-bf78-a83c8136dfcb&pf_rd_r=PT52VQPM3E17CXWSCMTG&pd_rd_wg=CERGq&pd_rd_w=AieEf&pd_rd_r=02c16ce3-ec53-45eb-a7d3-f9f692ea1ff5&th=1

 

[demarpaint]

seems like many are not a fan of the pure digital one. what are your opinions on the hybrid digital clickers .

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WSS91JF?pd_rd_i=B07WSS91JF&pf_rd_p=b000e0a0-9e93-480f-bf78-a83c8136dfcb&pf_rd_r=PT52VQPM3E17CXWSCMTG&pd_rd_wg=CERGq&pd_rd_w=AieEf&pd_rd_r=02c16ce3-ec53-45eb-a7d3-f9f692ea1ff5&th=1

That looks interesting and might actually be pretty good. The price isn't bad either.

 

[Lubener]

i have a set of clickers for car stuff. thinking of getting a digital , but not sure how much i would use it i use my clicker for lug nuts mostly and the occasional suspension

So which one do you use more, your clicker or digital ?

Clicker for me. Sometimes things are too tight and dark to be able to read the digital ones.

 

[Cujet]

I use them all. But there are times when a torque must be held to allow a fastener to turn and stretch properly. The click-type is 100% useless for this, as you cannot hold a torque with accuracy. An example of this would be stretch-type head and rod bolts.

Beam or dial type for these applications.

 

[f355spider]

I think you should use whichever you prefer. I believe quality and accuracy is more important than type. And after purchase, consider having your wrench tested and calibrated periodically. Mine are low use, but I still have them checked every 7 or 8 years. Fortunately they stay right within tolerance. I think the Project Farm guy on Youtube had an inexpensive way to confirm torque accuracy/calibration on his channel.

I use the Utical Tools brand clicker type, they are kinda pricy. Paid $300+ for each of them.

 

[jmillet]

All my torque wrenches are clickers except one beam type for doing valve cover/head bolts.