Originally Posted by
Greenfieldja
First, the Pittsburgh pro click type torque wrenches sold on amazon.com can be switched from right hand to left hand just like a ratchet wrench. No worries there.
If that's true then they've changed the design within the last couple years. The two PP wrenches I have let you switch the ratchet direction, but the torque "click" only works in the clockwise direction. You'll break the wrench or the fastener waiting for the click in the counter-clockwise direction.
while I agree the beam type are generally easier to keep in calibration, they are a pain in the arse to use for applications like securing a bottom bracket, square taper crank arm retention bolts, etc.
I guess it depends on your workshop. I've never had any difficulty using a beam-type for BB work. Just put the frame in the workstand, grab the rear dropout with one hand and the torque wrench with the other and squeeze them towards each other. My face is right in front of the beam gauge when I do it this way. Cassette lockrings are more challenging since I like to set the wheel on the ground for stability. In that case I just tell myself that bending over double to read the gauge is a good hamstring stretch
But your point is valid that clickers are almost always quicker and easier. I have both types and which I use depends on the application. But the beam-types are the ones I really trust.