Originally Posted by
TimothyH
The Stahlwilles are nicer, but somewhat more expensive provided you import from Germany (don't think about buying a new one already in America).
The 730N/2 is 2-20nm and 20-180 in-lbs but requires dialing a torque (with no opposing spring pressure).
The 730/2 is 4-20nm, and 730a/2-1 17.5-87.5 inch pounds (about 2-10nm, with the metric 730/2 no longer available) both with single scales. Dual scales are only present on the larger 730 not N wrenches starting at the 6-50nm and 5-36 ft-lb 730/5.
You set the 730 wrenches instantly with your thumbs countering no opposing spring tension from the torque mechanism, where the smallest sizes work like this
instead of cranking on the end. You don't need to drop to the bottom of the scale for storage. They work counter-clockwise for left hand fasteners (as used in some Campagnolo shift levers). They have interchangeable ends including 1/4" hex bit ratcheting and fixed which is smaller. You could use a 3/8" or 1/2" ratchet on the smallest wrenches given an odd situation.
Moving past the click is more noticeable than on the micrometer wrenches I own where the best is a Craftsman. Better ones micrometer wrenches might be nicer, although as long as I was spending the money I wanted a split beam design.
CDI also makes split beam wrenches sold directly and through Snapon, although they have fixed heads, aren't reversible, don't promise accuracy in the bottom 20% of their range, and don't come in small sizes.