How long do beam torque wrenches last?

[King Bojack]

See topic. I've heard that after a while the mechanics of click types will wear out and stop working. Also, I've heard the beam types are easy to recalibrate. Is there a specific procedure for this or do you simply bend the needle back to 0? Are the Craftsman beam TW's reliable? I've heard their click types are slop, same deal on their beam types?

 

[Sancho]

The two beam types I have, a Cman and a Medtronic, both allow the dial part to be slide to adjust the zero location. They use set screws for this if Im remembering correctly.

The Cman has a metal grip, I imagine its 30+ years old. They last forever

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

Craftsman beam type are great, they last for decades at the very least.

 

[murph3204]

I have two beam type torque wrenches, a C-Man and a Montgomery Ward. Both are over 30 yrs old and are still dead-on reliable.

 

[ghnl]

If not abused (dropped & mangled or way over-torqued) they will last your & your heir's lifetime.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

beam styles last for a long time. click type do to but require a little more care. for instance i've seen one that never got turn down to zero. eventually it locked up and stopped working. also the teeth in the head can strip out, just like a ratchet will, and depending on manufacturer, you may be able to get a rebuild kit.

 

[HandyManny]

See topic. I've heard that after a while the mechanics of click types will wear out and stop working. Also, I've heard the beam types are easy to recalibrate. Is there a specific procedure for this or do you simply bend the needle back to 0? Are the Craftsman beam TW's reliable? I've heard their click types are slop, same deal on their beam types?

You don't recalibrate beam style torque wrenches, they don't loose calibration. Once in a while depending on how much it's used you may have to bend the pointer back to zero position. Beams last a long time and are more accurate and more reliable. The down side to beam styles is that they are just more akward to use in various positions.

 

[mrholeshot]

The one used to build Noahs Ark is still in use, lol

 

[King Bojack]

The one used to build Noahs Ark is still in use, lol

Does it have a cubit/stone to ft/lb conversion on it or do you have to do the math?

 

[ptschram]

Does it have a cubit/stone to ft/lb conversion on it or do you have to do the math?

LOL!

I have a Snap-On click type with a 1979 build date. At its last calibration, it was close enough to meet the ISO/QS requirements of the factory where I worked.

It has been taken care of though, always turned to zero and for many, many years, it lived on top of the furnace in my parent's house, warm and dry!