A torque wrench is a tool used to apply a specific torque to a fastener such as a nut, bolt, or lag screw. It is usually in the form of a socket wrench with special internal mechanisms. A torque wrench is used where the tightness of screws and bolts is crucial.

What is a torque wrench used for?

A torque wrench is a tool used to control and apply a specific torque to a fastener such as a bolt or a nut. It is a fundamental element in general mechanics, tire changing operations and industrial maintenance & repair industries, to ensure customers' safety.

What is the difference between a torque wrench and ratchet?

Torque wrenches are a type of wrench commonly used in automotive work and other tasks where a precise torque setting is needed for a specific bolt. Ratchet wrenches are more simple wrenches designed for loosening and tightening bolts.

Why is a torque wrench a special tool?

A torque wrench is a tool used to tighten nuts and bolts to a predetermined torque value. This instrument allows fasteners to be tightened to the proper tension, helping avoid damage from over tightening or joints coming apart from under tightening.

What happens if you dont use a torque wrench?

Too tight and something will break, it may be the thread on the bolt, or much worse the thread on in the hole. Bolts will also break, sometimes leaving a very hard to remove bit in your frame.

How to use a Torque Wrench PROPERLY

What is the limitation of a torque wrench?

This permits proper tension and loading of all parts. A torque wrench uses torque as a proxy for bolt tension. The technique suffers from inaccuracy due to inconsistent or uncalibrated friction between the fastener and its mating hole.

Is it OK to use a torque wrench as a ratchet?

In these applications, a torque wrench is the proper tool to use instead of a plain ratchet. Fortunately, in all but the tightest or most specialized of applications, ratchet torque wrenches can be used.

Do you really need a torque wrench?

If you plan to do any major work on your engine or on some major powertrain components, you absolutely need a torque wrench. Overtightening cylinder-head bolts, for instance, can easily cause expensive damage and catastrophic coolant loss. Too-tight exhaust manifold bolts can cause the manifold to crack.

Does a lawn mower blade need a torque wrench?

Most mowers will not require using a torque wrench. The biggest benefit in using a torque wrench for the average mower will be not only to ensure you have the blade tight enough, but that you don't tighten it so much that you can't remove the bolt later. Blade bolts can tighten with use.

Are torque wrenches accurate?

Torque wrenches are typically 20% accuracy to 100% of scale. A good quality torque wrench will provide a spec showing falloff curve at low and high end of range.

How does a torque wrench work?

How Torque Wrenches work. These tools are calibrated to apply a certain amount of torque to a fastener. The amount of torque that is applied depends on the amount of force on the tool's handle and the length of the wrench. ... When the indicator determines the desired torque has been reached, stop twisting the bolt.

How do you exercise a torque wrench?

It's always good to "exercise" the torque wrench before putting it away. Move the torque setting through its full range of motion, then set it back to zero. As with all metal tools, store the wrench in a dry place. Many wrenches have a small hole (with a rubber plug) for lubrication.

Can you tighten spark plugs without a torque wrench?

Spark plugs should be torqued to manufacturers' specifications. However, it is possible to tighten the plugs satisfactorily without a torque wrench.

Do you really need to torque lug nuts?

When installing the wheels on a vehicle after servicing, it is important to torque the lug nuts properly. Lug nuts that are not tightened correctly can ruin wheels, affect rotor runout and can be deadly if the wheel comes off or studs snap. Over-torqueing the lug nuts does not affect runout immediately.

Can you break bolts with a torque wrench?

You might argue that if a torque wrench can handle tightening bolts to 250 ft-lbs, it should be able to reliably handle loosening that same bolt. ... Most of us don't watch the torque when loosening bolts, so it's quite possible to exceed the maximum torque loading of a wrench when breaking bolts loose.

Do you need special sockets for torque wrench?

Hex sockets are the most common types of sockets. They are mainly available in two types;namelyhex/6 point sockets and bi-hex/12 point sockets. Hex sockets have a square drive socket at one end which is used to attach with a torque wrench like square drive torque wrenches.

Do torque wrenches work in reverse?

Most torque wrenches are reversible. Assuming you have the type that clicks on reaching the set torque, look for a dial on the back of the head to set the direction.

How many times should you click a torque wrench?

When you're tightening a bolt, one click is enough. Many users allow their wrenches to click more than once, but this means they're applying added torque to the bolts. Use your tool in a smooth, steady fashion and let it click just once. Torque wrench square drives CAN be fitted with “crow's foot” style fittings.

How do you store a torque wrench?

Storage: All torque instruments should be stored in their original case. Avoid any torque wrench storage locations that are subject to high or low temperatures and high humidity. "Clicker" style torque wrenches should always be turned down and stored at the torque wrenches lowest possible setting.

Why do so many machines use small low torque motors?

Torque motors are commonly used in machine tools on their indexing tables. This is because a torque motor is a low profile addition to an already large machine, and is able to provide a great amount of torque to quickly accelerate and hold large pieces of metal in place.

What is a beam type torque wrench?

On beam-type torque wrenches, a steel beam deflects as the handle is pulled. The pointer beam remains un-deflected, and the beam below flexes and moves with the handle. The reading is taken at the end of the pointer. ... The smaller beam does not deflect, it is a reference for the larger beam.