----------------------
    I'm a retired computer technician  not an engineer or Dr. either ,   but
have used torque wrenches quite a lot  in computer rooms.  IBM  my company
used the ratcheting clutch type and had them calibrated annually .  These
wrenches need TLC to maintain their accuracy. In my home shop , shed in the
timber,   I prefer the older style with the pointer . I have a 1/2 drive and
a 3/8 inch drive  and feel when used with care they give me all the accuracy
I need for my van .  If speed is important the clutch type are far better
tools.  The important thing to consider is the clutch style need to be well
cared for  and  calibrated on a regular basis.

Darrell Boehler
Makanda Illinois

-----Original Message-----
From: J. Andersen <janetda@CRIS.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Friday, July 03, 1998 8:13 AM
Subject: Re: question for an engineer

>I am not an engineer but I've ridden on a train once. It is my
>understanding that one of the functions of a torque wrench is to ensure
>that all the bolts have the same tension  on them.  If your wrench is
>off its calibration it should still be useful as long as you do all the
>bolts the same each time you use it.
>        DrRufo
>        SOCal-81 vanagon
>