torque wrenches

I have to do lower intake gaskets on a 99 winstar, 3.8 need your opinions on torque wrenches.which type wrench would you suggest getting (beam, clicker type) also i want it to be 3.8in drive. do i need a few different ones with different specs or is there a neutral wrench for everything thanks k

I prefer beam-type torque wrenches. Beam types have a range of "0 - upper limit" .... whereas clicker types never start at zero, they must begin at some higher number. Therefore, clickers usually don't have a very useful "low end". I find all sizes of wrenches have their application ... and have a 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drives.

Too bad no one has developed a short torque wrench ... often there is just not enough working space to use the wrench. Spring-type flexible ratchet extensions can sometimes be useful.

I agree with 12Once, and my dad always liked the beam type. The main down side of the beam type is that it can be hard to read accurately. In addition to the advantages already mentioned, the beam type is usually less expensive, has no moving parts, and takes virtually no maintainance.

I used to have a beam style torque wrench but one day when it got bent I started to wonder about the accuracy. I stepped up to 3 new ones, a 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2". They go from inch-lbs to ft-lbs, with the top torque at 250 ft-lbs. Sure they need to be calibrated every couple of years but I look at it as a cost savings. Imagine all the $$ you've saved by doing the job yourself. Buying a torque wrench, or 3 in my case still saves. The common think I hear is that when the wrench is set at its low end you might not hear/feel the click. While possible I've never found this. Even torquing the manifold on my windstar (which goes to 14 ft-lbs or something equally small) I feel it every time. The thing is, don't use a 1/2" two foot long torque wrench to torque down small fasteners. Right tool, right job.

So, while I see the benefit in a beam style, I find the clickers better. Just don't buy junk.

P

thanks guys, good info . now on the clicker type they have different ft/lb . in/lb ranges for each. i plan on a .25in drive ,and 3.8in drive .i dont do major engine repair i am looking for a couple as i need to do lower intake gaskets. thats the reason of post. i this is the first time attempting this type of repair .cant afford to done by a shop as funds are very tight .i did do the isolator bolts on the van so i feel confident i can do it.i dont know the cost to have it done but i know it isnt cheap .i cant pay big money on wrenches so a decient one thats not too expencive t k

the problem with inexpensive torque wrenches is knowing whether they are accurate or not. Some things don't really matter but others are critical. If you're really tight for $$, as we all are, you could consider renting a torque wrench for the time you need it. That way you know it's been maintained, calibrated and you can see if you'd like to buy one.

my :2cents:

Remember to take note of the torque specifications being in INCH POUNDS, IN/lbs.
Buy a in/lb torque wrench........beam is what I would prefer for these lower values.

That, and take your time.