Chose the old-school torque wrench over digital, no regrets yet

Back when I started at the hangar in Mobile back in 2009, I had to pick between the digital clicker my lead swore by and the beam style my uncle taught me with. I went with the beam because it never needs batteries and you can feel the needle bend, even if it looks ancient. Last month I watched a guy chase a false reading on his digital unit for an hour on a main wheel nut, while my beam got it set on the first pull. The digital ones are faster on repetitive jobs, sure, but for anything critical I still grab the old one. Any of you guys keep a backup tool from your first kit that you trust more than the new stuff?

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drew_thomas916d ago

Digital torque wrenches are great until they decide to lie to you at the worst possible moment. That hour the guy spent chasing that false reading would've been my cue to throw the thing across the hangar and grab the beam. Batteries die, screens crack, but a bent needle never quits. Mine's got tape holding the grip together and I'd still trust it over a $400 gadget. Old tools just have that honest feel, like they're not trying to impress you with lights and beeps.