Originally Posted By: spasm3
Don't forget the beam style wrenches, they are not expensive and don't lose accuracy unless you drop it or do something dumb with it.
I work in the aviation world. We've discovered that the click-type torque wrenches are inadequate for many tasks. Consider what happens to a connecting rod bolt on a Lycoming. It stretches to a specification. So, it's measured, specially lubricated, installed, measured again, torqued via a process and measured again.
The key is HOLDING THE TORQUE, while the nut slowly turns, and allowing the bolt to stretch. Many race car, and performance cylinder head studs are similar. They stretch considerably, often by the use of a fine threaded nut. This puts more clamping force on the head gasket and completely eliminates cyclic stud failure.
The beam type torque wrench is absolutely perfect for the task. Furthermore, they are easy to calibrate.
Sure, we use the dial type also, but the beam type really can't be beat for overall ease of use and proper application of torque. As the beam type clearly indicates more or less by the pointer direction. (the farther outboard, the more the torque)
Certain dial types can be difficult on LH threads.