A torque wrench allows you tighten a nut or bolt to a specified torque by giving you tactile, visual, or auditory feedback when you’ve reached the target setting. Most torque wrenches
Torque wrench
A torque wrench is a tool used to precisely apply a specific torque to a fastener such as a nut or bolt. It is usually in the form of a socket wrench with special internal mechanisms. It was invented by Conrad Bahr in 1918 while working for the New York City Water Department. It was designed to prevent overtightening bolts on water main and steam pipe repairs underground.
Who makes the best torque wrench?
- BEST OVERALL: TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench 24335
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Capri Tools 31000 15-80 Foot Pound Torque Wrench
- BEST DIGITAL: GEARWRENCH 1/2″ Drive Electronic Torque Wrench
- BEST PORTABLE: LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench (LX-184)
- BEST FOR MOTORCYCLES: Set of 3 Pittsburgh Pro Reversible Click Type Wrench
What is the best all around torque wrench?
Verdict
- Halfords 200139
- TriTorq TRQ-557-6900K
- Sealey AK624
How to use torque wrench for beginners?
Some Additional Tips
- If you are using a Click, don’t rotate after it makes the first click noise, or otherwise, you will end up over-tightening it.
- After using a torque wrench, put the scales back to zero so that it doesn’t impact future missions.
- Do to use them again and again on the same bolt to check if the bolt is tight on not.
What should I look for in a torque wrench?
What should I look for in a torque wrench? Choose a wrench with an accuracy of plus or minus 5%. Check the torque wrench calibration for the date and accuracy as per the manufacturer’s settings. When a torque wrench is well-calibrated, it will have clear scale visibility. The longevity and accuracy of the torque wrench depend on how well it ...
What are the 3 types of torque wrenches?
There are four basic types of torque wrenches, each with slightly different operating principles: beam or deflection, dial indicator, clicker, and digital.
How do you use the drive click torque wrench?
0:132:00How to use the TEKTON 24330 3/8 in. Drive Click Torque Wrench - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn the knurled handle. So that zero is on the bottom of 25. Lock the torque setting tightening theMoreTurn the knurled handle. So that zero is on the bottom of 25. Lock the torque setting tightening the locknut. Then you are ready to go it is important to use a torque wrench slowly.
How do you use a drive wrench?
To use a torque wrench, adjust the handle and set it to a specific level of torque. Use the tightener on the end of the handle to lock it in place. Then, fit it over the socket, nut, or bolt and turn it clockwise to tighten it. When you're done, turn the settings on the handle back to 0 and store it somewhere safe.
Are drive beam torque wrenches accurate?
Use of Beam Wrenches Park Tool beam-type torque wrenches are are accurate, durable, and very simple in their operation.
How many times should you click a torque wrench?
One click is enough 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.
Do all torque wrenches click?
Users often allow torque wrenches to click multiple times, without being aware of the additional torque being applied to the bolts. Operate your torque wrench in a smooth and steady manner and remember that one click is enough. Many torque wrenches will only indicate in the clockwise direction.
What torque wrench should you buy?
1/4-inch torque wrenches are the best choice for anything with a small gas motor such as mopeds and motorcycles. 3/8-inch is the necessary size for engine repairs such as tightening spark plugs. 1/2-inch. As mentioned above, this is the choice if you're looking for a torque wrench to have on hand for tire changes.
How do you measure torque on a bolt without a torque wrench?
0:562:45How to torque without a torque wrench - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou could use a luggage scale if you wanted to but anything that's going to show you exactly howMoreYou could use a luggage scale if you wanted to but anything that's going to show you exactly how much force you're exerting.
Can I use a torque wrench to loosen bolts?
A torque wrench is a tightening tool. It is a very sensitive and precise tightening tool, and should never been used to loosen bolts.
Can you calibrate a torque wrench yourself?
Calibrating a torque wrench by yourself is a lot simpler than you probably imagine and can be done by anyone with a little bit of care and attention. Measure the torque length from the place where your hand rests to its square drive. Secure the vise/vice placing only the wrench's square drive in it securing it in turn.
How do I make sure my torque wrench is accurate?
0:024:48Is your torque wrench accurate? Simple test to check. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI like using an actual dead weight or fiscal weight. You can measure it you can measure it on aMoreI like using an actual dead weight or fiscal weight. You can measure it you can measure it on a couple different skills so if it's 35 pounds. And you have a two foot long beam.
Do you need to calibrate a torque wrench?
In short, it's standard practice to calibrate your torque wrench every 5,000 cycles or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
How do you read a click torque wrench?
0:051:19How to Read a Torque Wrench - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you have readings that need to be metric. We have metric on the backside. Same thing you lineMoreSo if you have readings that need to be metric. We have metric on the backside. Same thing you line it up with your metric reading and point you know one through nine actually is on here.
How do you click a torque wrench?
If you're using a click-type torque wrench, set the specified torque setting by rotating the handle. If you're using a digital torque wrench, input the specified torque setting through the display. Attach the socket head to the bolt. Torque the bolt to the specified torque.
Is a torque wrench supposed to click once or twice?
If you know how to use the tool properly, double clicking or checking the torque a hundred times doesn't matter due to no further rotation of the fastener is performed. If the correct torque is achieved on first pass, the tool will release on every recheck after that which will not change or add additional torque.
Why is my torque wrench not clicking?
It could be the fastener is over tightened in the first place and it is clicking away without you noticing it at the beginning of the swing. If it still doesn't click, you'll need a new torque wrench.
When Do You Need A Torque Wrench?
A torque wrench would be used when the tightness of the screws or bolts is crucial. It lets the operator set the torque applied to the fastener so it can be matched to specifications for a particular application. This allows for proper tension and loading of all parts. A torque wrench uses torque as a proxy for bolt tension.
How to calculate torque on a wrench?
To work out the required torque there is a formula. Force x length = torque .
What is the difference between a ratchet and a torque wrench?
What is the difference between a torque wrench and a ratchet? A socket set is needed to use a torque wrench. Torque wrenches can be used on any bolt that needs to be tightened to a specific setting, but they do not have a ratcheting mechanism. Therefore, a ratchet is used to tighten the bolt and the torque wrench is used to apply the final torque.
What is hydraulic wrench?
Hydraulic wrenches are used most often in the industrial arena and are used for tightening large torques with high accuracy. They are designed to reach the required torque with the use of hydraulics. Usually they consist of at least one hydraulic cylinder operating a drive head ratchet.
What is a micrometer torque wrench?
A micrometer torque wrench is most often used in the manufacturing and transportation of cargo. When transporting freight or cargo by plane, train, or ship, knowing the weight of the cargo is vital because the weight may change the distribution of the cargo. This tool will help monitor it properly to keep the crew and cargo safe.
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Is it dangerous to not calibrate a torque wrench?
Not calibrating your torque wrench can be dangerous. It can lead to pipe or equipment failure. If your wrench isn’ t calibrated, then it isn’ t working properly and the nuts and bolts you are tightening may not be tightened properly.
History
The first patent for a torque wrench was filed by John H. Sharp of Chicago in 1931. This wrench was referred to as a torque measuring wrench and would be classified today as an indicating torque wrench.
Types
Beam-type torque wrench. The indicator bar remains straight while the main shaft bends proportionally to the force applied at the handle.
Torque wrench standardization
The International Organization for Standardization maintains standard ISO 6789. This standard covers the construction and calibration of hand-operated torque tools. They define two types of torque tool encompassing twelve classes, these are given by the table below. Also given is the percentage allowable deviation from the desired torque.
What Size Torque Wrench Do I Need?
There are so many sized torque wrench available, used for different purposes. Because of their accuracy and size, each is a perfect tool for a specific function. Here, we will discuss different torque sizes, their uses, and specifications:
Why Do You Need A Torque Wrench?
A torque wrench is generally used to provide the specific torque value required to tighten the nuts and bolts. It is the most suitable tool for every small and large fastener. Torque wrenches are popular for providing accuracy and ensuring reliability. It is one of the most appropriate tools for the motorcycle industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
The square head drive size is generally referred to as the size of torque wrenches. There are four drive sizes ½-inch, 3/8-inch, ¼-inch, and ¾-inch.
Conclusion
In the end, you can never measure torque by feel, so we have torque wrenches. There are many available torque wrenches for different applications and every drive size is perfect for performing specific tasks.
What is an electronic torque wrench?
Electronic torque wrenches substitute the click-type mechanism for digital readouts to let you know when the desired amount of torque has been reached. Consider electronic torque wrenches a hybrid of click-type and beam style torque wrenches, merging a readout and an automatic notification.
How much does a torque wrench weigh?
The torque range for the 3/8-inch option is 10 to 100 foot pounds. It is dual scale and calibrated dual direction. The lock is spring-loaded and it has an easy-to-read design. The torque wrench weighs three pounds. CDI is known for its high-quality tools and commitment to durability, so as you would expect, this product comes with a limited warranty to ensure it is free from defects or manufacturing issues.
How accurate is a Gearwrench torque wrench?
This torque wrench from Gearwrench falls in about the mid-range of price, leaning towards more expensive than most others. It has a ½-inch drive and has an astounding accuracy rate of 2 percent clockwise and 3 percent counterclock wise. It has a 72-tooth ratchet mechanism and a 5-inch swing arc, giving you greater flexibility while at work.
How to use a torque wrench with an LCD screen?
Simply input your desired torque and start working on the bolt until the built-in audible buzzer lets you know when the pre-set torque is achieved .
Why calibrate torque wrench?
As a result, it is very important to calibrate it from time to time and store it properly to ensure accuracy. There are many resources available online with step-by-step instructions on how to calibrate a torque wrench.
What is a beam wrench?
Consider beam wrenches the visual version of a torque wrench. Beam wrenches use a torque scale and digital pointer to indicate the amount of torque being given. As the wrench is rotated, the beam moves the indicator. These typically come with very large gauge faces for easy readings, albeit offering a bit less accuracy as everything is done by eye versus torque wrenches. Expect beam wrenches to be cheaper than torque wrenches as well.
Why is it important to have a grip on a torque wrench?
Comfort. Since all torque wrenches require force from the user to work, comfort and usability are two important considerations in terms of overall ergonomics. The size, length, and grip of the shaft, for example, influence the overall comfort of the wrench. More leverage makes it easier to apply higher amounts of torque without extra effort. A grip makes it easier to maintain a secure hold on the wrench, even if your hands are slippery from engine oil or automotive grease.
Why is it important to have a torque wrench?
Available in a range of sizes and types, torque wrenches enable you to tighten fasteners to a desired torque value, which is important, especially in fields like aviation.
What is the easiest torque wrench to use?
Digital torque wrenches are probably the easiest to use. Just set the desired torque and they will alert you when you hit that amount. There are a few downsides, including that they require batteries, are more complex and tend to be a touch costlier than their analog counterparts. On the flip side, beam-style torque wrenches are incredibly simple, with basically no parts to break, but they're far more cumbersome to use. Splitting the difference are the clicking-style torque wrenches.
How much torque does a Lexivon torque wrench have?
But looks are irrelevant; functionality is what counts, and this mechanical torque wrench unit offers plenty. It operates from 25 lb-ft up to a whopping 250 lb-ft of torque range. This gives you a huge torque setting range to work with, making it great for heavy-duty applications from engine and front-end service to tightening the lug nuts on a commercial truck. For added versatility, Lexivon offers several other torque-wrench models with ¼-, 3/8- and ½-inch drive ends. This unit is super versatile and affordable to boot, at just $56. But the icing on the cake is this product's 4.7-star rating after nearly 2,000 customer reviews.
How accurate is a Tekton torque wrench?
Another benefit of this Tekton torque wrench is precision. It's accurate to +/- 4%, which is hard to argue with. As for pricing, you can own all this goodness for less than $50. And if buyer ratings are any indication, it should work extremely well, having earned a 4.7-star score from more than 7,000 reviews.
How long is a beam wrench?
This beam wrench is 18 inches long and operates from a torque value of zero to 150 lb-ft. Made of steel for long-haul durability, it's treated to a bright chrome finish that will look good in anyone's toolbox. For added versatility, it comes with a ½-inch drive end plus a 3/8-inch adapter. For less than 25 bucks, you can't go wrong here.
Is a torque wrench expensive?
All this sounds both complicated and expensive , but luckily, it's neither. There's a wide range of available torque wrenches on the market today for every application and budget, from simple beam-style torque-wrench models that cost but a few bucks to electronic torque wrench units that are super accurate when it comes to achieving desired torque value. Here are a few of the best torque wrench options available today, with our recommendations based on personal experience and buyer reviews. We'll update this periodically.
Is a torque wrench good?
A torque wrench is a worthwhile tool to have if you do any serious automotive work. It's not enough just to disassemble a car's front suspension, swap out wheels or pull a cylinder head and then put everything back together correctly without any leftover parts -- each fastener and bolt must be tightened properly with a precision instrument to do any of these jobs well, and that's the purpose of a torque wrench.
How much torque does a torque wrench have?
Generally torque wrenches made for spark plugs have a range of between 7 to 20 feet lbs of torque. Spark plugs are one of the smallest nuts in a vehicle and a small amount of torque is enough in almost all cases.
How to tell if a torque wrench is too tight?
Check if the nut is making a crack sound and notice for clicks. Don’t turn the wrench more when you hear the click. The clicking noise signals the torque application is enough and shouldn’t be increased.
What size torque wrench fits lug nuts?
1 / 2 inch torque wrenches are used everywhere and fits almost any vehicle lug nuts. Car manufacturers design their bolts in a way that can fit the hook size of a 1 / 2 inch size range. For opening tires, changing or building engines and almost anything you can think of related to an automobile, can be worked using a wrench of this size.
What happens if you over torque a spark plug?
Under torquing a bolt or spark plug can result in severe engine damage or a vehicle breakdown. On the other hand, if these are over torqued, there’s some risk of cracking or engine fire bursts. You shouldn’t go extreme on any side. Know the right torque and follow the specification strictly.
What type of wrench is best for higher accuracy?
For higher accuracy, you can get an electrical torque wrench. Electrical wrenches have some extra features as well as offer higher calibration levels than mechanical wrenches. They’re expensive but the price is worth the value they provide.
What size wrench do I need for a semi?
First of all, the ½ inch drive wrench is the standard for almost all cars and semi-trucks. However, some semi-trucks might have a 3/8 inch requirement. Contact your dealer or check the manual for this requirement.
What happens if you torquish lug nuts?
It’s important to know the acceptable torque levels for your vehicle lug nuts and plugs. Under Torquing or over torquing can result in fatal, irreversible damages. Check your vehicle user manual or talk to an expert to know the right torque levels for your vehicle.
Overview
Types
The most basic form of torque wrench consists of two beams. The first is a lever used to apply the torque to the fastener being tightened and serves also as the handle of the tool. When force is applied to the handle it will deflect predictably and proportionally with said force in accordance with Hooke's law. The second beam is only attached at one end to the wrench head and free on its other, thi…
History
The first patent for a torque wrench was filed by John H. Sharp of Chicago in 1931. This wrench was referred to as a torque measuring wrench and would be classified today as an indicating torque wrench.
In 1935, Conrad Bahr and George Pfefferle patented an adjustable ratcheting torque wrench. The tool featured audible feedback and restriction of back-ratc…
Torque wrench standardization
The International Organization for Standardization maintains standard ISO 6789. This standard covers the construction and calibration of hand-operated torque tools. They define two types of torque tool encompassing twelve classes, these are given by the table below. Also given is the percentage allowable deviation from the desired torque.
The ISO standard also states that even when overloaded by 25% of the maximum rating, the too…
Using torque wrenches
Click type torque wrenches are precise when properly calibrated—however the more complex mechanism can result in loss of calibration sooner than the beam type, where there is little to no malfunction, (however the thin indicator rod can be accidentally bent out of true). Beam type torque wrenches are impossible to use in situations where the scale cannot be directly read—and these situation…
See also
• Dental torque wrench
• Foot-pound force
• Battery torque wrench
• Hydraulic torque wrench
• Impact wrench
External links
• Measurement of Torque Wrench Accuracy Archived 2019-02-05 at the Wayback Machine