What's a good (affordable) torque wrench?

Over 30 years ago I went and bought some torque wrenches, spent about$25. I got some used (yes he took trade-ins) Proto bending beams (U.S.Government surplus) from the Snap-off man, for about $6. The rest went for beer. I'll stack them up against the best snap-click produced.

 

Home depot sells a very good 1/2" clicker.

 

I've had a Craftsman dial type for 25 years and it has been quietly competant. Take good care of them and dont drop, pry or hammer with them.

 

I bought a 1/2" clicker thru Summit, I think it was around 40 bux but don't quote me on that. My boss calibrated it, said it was only 2% off and I haven't had any problems, though the other type is more accurate. I Personally like the clicker type, you don't have to "read" it, which is handy when getting at those rear head bolts in my race car, without removing the hood...

Just check that the hi-end has enough torque for what you will need, my buddy bought a 200 dollar Matco and it only went up tp 90 ft/lbs