torque wrench

What do you think is the most common or best torque range in a torque wrench you should buy for general automotive work. I have read in places that you should only buy a torque wrench that is in the specific range that you will be using it in sense it is off in 20 percent of its total capacity. I don't really know what they are trying to state there but this is what I usually read.......... Accurate to + or - 4 percent on clockwise or right-handed reading greater than or equal to 20 percent of capacity.....this was stated on a torque wrench that says it measures 20 to 150 feet. lb...What does this mean and also what torque range is the best for general work in your best opinion? Thanks alot for the help

I have one that is 20-130 and I rarely need anything outside that. That statement they make is a bit complex, but typically they are rated like this (and I think what they're trying to say);

At or above 20% of its capacity (in your wrench's case 30 ft lbs) it is accurate to +/-4 ft-lbs. Below the 30 ft-lb setting they can't claim that, but its rare that you need the 20-30 range anyway. It also only makes that claim for clockwise (right hand thread) torquing.

So, for instance, if you set it to 100 ft-lbs, its claiming accuracy between 96 and 104. I think my Craftsman torque wrench is +/-3.

How much was your Craftsman? I need to get one.

Honestly I forget. The number $63 seems to ring a bell. Try sears.com.

I use a K-D clicker type wrench. It cost about $180, but is extremely accurate from 5 lbs to 180. You get what you pay for.

I had it calibrated and tested independently, and I got a print out of the results. This is reassuring, but probably not worth it for a wrench that is used occasionally.

The best wrenches are the dial type, IMO but they tend to be expensive.
A name brand wrench like Sears is just fine. Avoid the no-name cheapo tools, because, even though they may look fine, they can be hopelessly inaccurate.

IMO +- 4% is entirely reasonable. One will get more variation than that IMO by having slightly dirty or rusty threads