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NQA-1 (the old commercial nuclear power plant quality standard) required that all torque wrenches be sized so that the torque you were trying to achieve fell between 33% and 75% of the wrenches full range. This is the zone of maximum accuracy for any given wrench.
I know this because I was a QC/QA inspector in nuke plants for about 12 years.
Maybe in the nuke business, the standards are this way, Ive been in the fleet maintenance repair business and regularly spec tools for the business for over 35 years. I have never ever heard of that standard in this business, nor have I ever seen them recommended or used in this manner.
And, reset the torque wrenches to zero when finished and stored.
I also rely on the HF inch pound torque wrench, used frequently on carbon fiber bicycle components. Never an issue. Lots of fasteners you can develop a feel for, small fasteners thru carbon is NOT one of those.
Also if you had one calibrated as mentioned return setting back to zero when finished. It will give you accurate torques for years to come, that is if you never drop it.... "game over" if this happens, time to send it back for calibration.
FYI - dry torque specs @ 100%, wet torque specs @ 75 TO 80% of torque value.
I always send it to calibrator that adjusts to NIST standards IMHO.
Found throughout my 12 years working for US Navy & DoD aircraft maintenance, that the less expensive torque wrenches have a tendency to easily loose their torque more so when banged or dropped lightly over widely used Snap-On torque wrenches & other quality torque wrenches can literally be dropped off a six foot step ladder and maintain their correct torque majority of the time.
(this may not apply to all torque wrenches but have witnessed this in a calibrations lab many times)
Also if the lesser torque wrench is purchased, I strongly suggest getting it calibrated before use. As you really don't know how it was handled during shipment.
Treat your tools as if it's you scoot! In many way's it is!
B Bop
2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo Cruise Control, ABS, Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Spoke Tubeless Wheels, Security Package, Saddle Bag LED Lid Spoilers, and an array of accessories that enhances nostalgic appearance & blood curdling performance.
Well, I just went by HF and picked up the 3/8 torque wrench. For now, I don't think I need the 1/2 inch.
My best bud does calibrations at his job so I've asked him to take a look at the 3/8 and 1/4 that I have.
I'm fine with HF and I like having a lifetime warranty. In my opinion, most problems which occurs is not fault tools, rather people who do not know how to use the tool.
Harbor Freight might not be most accurate but I'm not building rocket ships either. They are guaranteed accurate within a certain % and have lifetime guarantee. A FOOL and his money is soon parted. Why spend more just to have big name tool is foolish if your not making a living using them. Most backyard mechanics would never wear one out. No different than oil, lift or anything else as long as its within what specs you need why pay more.
For the over obsessed calibration folks, remember to compensate values for thin wall/thick wall sockets, short or deep well, 6 point or 12 point, threads wet or dry, different metal variations, extensions used with the torque wrenches, as well as altitude, barometric psi, temperature, current moon phase, and of course store the left hand thread wrenches separately from the standards!
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