What Are the Two Types of Torque Wrenches?
A torque wrench is a type of tool designed to deliver a specific amount of torque to a nut or bolt. Automotive service manuals that detail the disassembly and assembly of engines provide charts of how much torque, typically measured in foot-pounds, to apply to bolts. Not enough torque and the bolts can vibrate loose while the engine runs. Too much torque causes damage to the bolt or the engine part.
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Beam Torque Wrenches
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A beam torque wrench consists of three parts: the main beam, the pointer arm, and the scale. Beam torque wrenches are made with flexible steel which bends as torque is applied. The pointer arm remains straight as you turn the bolt and you read the amount of torque on the scale.
Click Torque Wrenches
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Click torque wrenches are more complex than beam type torque wrenches. The mechanic sets the amount of torque in foot-pounds desired on a dial on the wrench. When you reach the proper amount of torque, the wrench makes a clicking sound.
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Torque Wrench Accuracy
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Click type wrenches are considered more accurate than the beam type. The click is a very specific indicator of the desired torque reached. Beam type wrenches are not as precise due to the random pressures applied by the mechanic, and you must take measurements manually.
Torque Wrench Care
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Beam type wrenches are easier to take care of as there's very little to go wrong mechanically. You must periodically calibrate click type wrenches to maintain accuracy. Over-torquing either type damages the wrench. You can bend beam types back into place, but click type wrenches need re-calibration.
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References
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