Mechanical v. Digital FAT Wrench

[AugustWest]

I want to get a Wheeler FAT wrench to be able to mount my own scopes. This will be my first experience with a torque driver/working on my rifles. Is the digital or old-school version a better choice?

 

[N2TRKYS]

I bought a mechanical one a few years ago. It’s cool to hear it click and all when you get to the desired setting. However, I never had any issues using the short end of the allen wrench as a guide of measurement.

 

[BluMtn]

Having spent 30 years as a professional mechanic I was always taught that a mechanical beam torque wrench was the best, because as you were tightening the bolt or nut you can watch the needle as the torque increases. The needle should climb at an even rate until the proper torque is obtained. If the needle stops climbing for a period of time while you continue to turn the wrench then you have a bad bolt or nut. A digital will only tell you when you have reach the proper torque, not how it got there.

 

[AugustWest]

I could be wrong but the digital one updates instantaneously on the readout as you tighten. The older one just clicks when you hit the set inch lbs.

I should note, they are the same price.

 

[BluMtn]

There are Beam, click, and digital torque wrench's. I was referring to a beam in my statement above. As for click and digital either one will work for what you want to accomplish.

 

[GrayGoose]

I've used both and own the digital. I personally wish I would have bought the click.

 

[LaHunter]

I have both. The click type Fat Wrench only goes to 65 in/lbs. The digital goes up over 100 in/lbs. You can see the digital readout as you increase torque. NF recommended the digital for mounting their rings to their specs of 100 in/lbs. I now use the digital exclusively and have been happy wit it. Word of caution: installing the battery correctly is a bit of a trick. It has to be perfectly in place for the thing to work properly.

 

[archp625]

I have the click one and have had zero problems. I have never used the digital one though.

 

[AugustWest]

Thanks everyone. I’m going to keep the digital one. I read some reviews on Amazon that made we worried.

 

[mvmnts]

The old clicky one is perfect. I see no reason for a digital read out. Don't overthink it.

 

[ldrathman]

Have the mechanical one, and never had any issues. I like to be able feel/hear the very noticeable click when the desired torque is reached and don't have to worry about an electronics failure which would brick the whole wrench. MidwayUSA usually runs a sale on them once a month.