I have a craftsman beam style torque wrench and bearing caps to install. Since it's all based on metal deflection and reading the pointer I'm not sure how it would be a problem but something feels really wrong about using a tool from Sears that cost under $30 on something important. Has anyone tried this, and am I worrying over nothing?

 

Back in the day, that is the only kind we had. Seemed to work out fine back then

 

Agreed. I used one for the engine rebuild back in 1982 and 36 years later the crank is still where it's supposed to be.

 

Actually the beam type was the most accurate, scroll down attached article for "ACCURACY", maybe not now with improved technology but the BEAM was king for a long time. The bottom line is that it doesn't matter how accurate the torque wrench is, without proper torque procedures, clean lubricated friction surfaces (threads/bolt heads), your engine could fail. I believe the factory coated fasteners in motor oil before installation. Good luck.
https://www.enginebuildermag.com/200...head-bolt-use/

 

I have an old Craftsman beam wrench that was my older brothers’ back when he rebuilt a Z1 motorcycle engine in the basement. I used it many times. The reason I got a click type wrench is because the beam wrench was difficult to read when using in an awkward position.

 

Use it. As above, the beam type is the most accurate and stays so, unlike the clicker types. I have both but use only the beam type on critical fasteners.

 

Yup. Side note, clicker wrenches need to be used in a specific method to get repeatable results. It's easy to "power through" the click and get a higher final torque than intended.
Now, using a beam on >100ftlb torque bolts would be interesting, especially by yourself. Bracing the engine and yourself, lining up the pull, keeping it steady, AND squarely reading the gauge. I'd bust a few knuckles for sure.

 

 

Worked fine for me back in 19 and 63 on my 265 V8 Chevy!

 

Interesting, I did not know this. I have both and I have two click type torque wrenches. One read lower than the actual torque, it broke the rear main cap on my 403, thinking around 20 ft/lbs off. I need to put that one in the trunk for an emergency tire changer and make sure I don't use it on a motor again. The look the exact same but the cases are different.

 

The torque checking tools are getting quite cheap now and are actually quite accurate. I use them to check the torque setting on the wrench when doing anything critical.
e.g.:
http://a.co/d/8Dl1YiG