Originally Posted by
Kontact
Looking at the GIF cutaway, what you're looking at is essentially five moving parts:
1. The ratchet head with a pivot that runs though the handle tube.
2. A 45 degree link.
3. The head of the spring tension mechanism.
4. The roller on the top of the spring tension mechanism.
The link has a enough mechanical advantage to keep the ratchet head from pivoting. When enough force is applied to the pivot, the link overcomes the spring force from the tensioner, forcing it to compress the spring. Since the like is off center, the roller converts that off center force into movement concentric with the spring.
This shows that the workings of the wrench are contained completely within the handle.
Kontact - give up. The difference between a beam torque wrench and a spring loaded sear is obviously too difficult to explain or understand. You have my sympathy but you are fighting a confusion that will never yield.