Programmable torque tools have become popular in recent years, due to quality initiatives. However, quality improvements don’t come as soon as a new tool is plugged in.
Properly sized and maintained, the torque scatter of a good (though much less expensive) clutch tool will not be substantially different than a programmable tool, if the latter is simply programmed to run at the same free speed and shut off at the same torque as the “dumb” tool. (…)
via Fastening Threads: Getting with the Program | 2012-02-01 | Assembly Magazine.