Unpopular opinion: The old school torque wrench method beats the new digital clickers every time

I've used both for the last five years, and I'm sticking with the manual click type. We got a set of those fancy digital torque wrenches at the shop last year, and they're just more trouble than they're worth. The batteries die at the worst times, like when you're halfway through torquing a cylinder base nut. I had one give me three different readings on the same bolt, which is a huge red flag. With my old 3/8-inch click wrench, I know the feel and sound are right, and I don't have to worry about a screen glitch. It's about a direct mechanical link you can trust with your hands. Has anyone else had problems with digital tools not holding up on the line?

2 comments

2 Comments

logansullivan7d ago

Actually had the opposite experience. My digital one has been solid for two years, and the angle measurement is a game changer for head bolts.

felix_martin567d ago

Two years without a single battery issue, @logansullivan? That's wild luck! My shop's digital one can't even make it through a full week of lug nuts.