What Is A Torque Wrench Used For? [Updated On 2023]

A torque wrench is a tool that is used to tighten bolts or screws. They usually come in three different sizes (3/8″, 1/2″, and 3/4″) and are designed to measure the amount of force it takes to turn something. Most people use them to make sure that items are tightened enough but not too much. The torque value for most bolts ranges between 30-70 pounds per foot, which means that if you have a bolt that’s 2 feet long, then you’ll need about 60-140 pounds of pressure on your wrench!

So, what is a torque wrench used for? A torque wrench is a tool used for tightening bolts and nuts. It is important because it makes sure that the things you build are safe to use. When you tighten things, they will not come apart easily. You can use a torque wrench to build things that are very strong because it prevents over-tightening.

Let’s dig a little deeper.

Table of Contents

What is a torque wrench, and what does it do?

A torque wrench is a calibrated tool that helps tighten fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, to the appropriate Torque. The most common use is to ensure those vehicle components are properly tightened. Over- or under-tightened fasteners can cause parts of the car’s engine and chassis to wear down prematurely, resulting in extensive damage and costly repairs.

As a result, you need to get a torque wrench calibrated by a professional so that you know you’re tightening your fasteners to an acceptable torque.

With a torque wrench, you can ensure that a screw, nut, or bolt is tightened to the right amount. If you use too much force (force = weight x distance), your object will become damaged and might even break if it cannot hold itself together. When using a torque wrench, you twist something until it pops or you hear a click; it is at the right Torque.

Using a torque wrench will make sure that your objects are tight enough but not too tight. It will help you build airplanes, bridges, and other things that need to be sturdy.

So now we know what it’s for – but what is a torque wrench, and what does it do?

A torque wrench is often made of metal or plastic that tightens screws and bolts. You use it when you want to tighten something but not too much; your object could break if you over-tighten. It will help you build strong things like airplanes.

There are many different types of torque wrenches, each one calibrated for different purposes. However, they all work in the same basic way; you will pull or push on a handle until its internal spring is either fully extended or compressed, at which point you know that the fastener has reached its target torque.

Torque wrenches can be calibrated to tighten a fastener over a certain length of rotation. This means that instead of applying constant pressure, you should apply it in short bursts, waiting for the wrench’s handle to settle between each burst.

Each manufacturer will have instructions for using a torque wrench on their products. Still, the same basic rule applies across all applications: you should never go above or below the recommended torque settings.

Doing so can permanently damage many vehicle components, causing expensive repairs and reducing the car’s resale value. Trust a certified technician to use the appropriate Torque for your vehicle, and you’ll always enjoy long-lasting components that are properly attached.

How to use a torque wrench?

Using a torque wrench is easy. Here is a step-by-step guide. To use a torque wrench, you must:

1. Adjust your torque wrench to match the specifications of the fastener that you are tightening.

2. Apply force on the torque wrench and turn in a clockwise direction until it stops. The torque wrench’s built-in mechanism usually indicates this, but if it has no indicator, stop turning after the force on the handle of the wrench doubles.

3. Verify that you have reached your desired torque value using a torque meter or calibration device.

4. Release pressure on the torque wrench and proceed to tighten another fastener if necessary.

Remember to apply a uniform force when using a torque wrench so that the fastener is tightened evenly.

You have just learned how to use a torque wrench! Now, don’t forget these steps. After you’ve used the tool successfully on all the fasteners that you need to tighten, clean it up and store it in its case.

Common uses for a torque wrench

Torque wrenches are used to meet the desired tightening Torque of a bolt or nut. You can use one to tighten plumbing pipes together, install springs, and more! They’re also quite useful for doing some repairs around your house. To find out what you can use them for, continue reading below:

1.) A torque wrench is often used to tighten bolts or nuts on an engine. If you are working on your car, truck, bus, or boat, this is the tool you need to get the job done right.

2.) A torque wrench can be used to attach parts of a bicycle. Using one, you can easily connect chainrings to cranksets and adjust rear derailleur’s.

3.) You can use a torque wrench to adjust the handlebar stem on your bike when it starts to get loose. If you’ve noticed changes in shifting performance, it may be time for an adjustment.

4.) A torque wrench is very useful in automotive care. You can use one in applications like installing brake calipers and adjusting suspension components.

5.) You can even use a torque wrench to attach your car’s wheels! If you’ve ever wondered how exactly they keep the tires on, this is one of the ways that is done.

6.) A torque wrench can be used in home improvement projects as well. These include tightening fence rails together, installing outdoor lighting, and assembling shed doors.

Different types of torque wrenches

There are many different types of torque wrenches. Here is a list of the three most common torque wrench types:

Click-type torque wrenches,
Beam-type torque wrenches,
Electronic torque wrenches.

Click-type torque wrenches:

Click-type torque wrenches are the most common type. They have a handle with a clicker attached to it. When you use one of these wrenches, you pull it until the clicker makes a clicking noise, then stop pulling on the wrench at that point. This turns out to be about 20 ft-lbs for my specific model, which is the Craftsman 81949.

Beam-type torque wrenches:

This is probably the most commonly used type of torque wrench. They are easy to use, reliable, and accurate. If you want one, I recommend getting this beam-type one since it has a ratchet head so you can tighten bolts in different positions; however, you might not want the ratchet head if you only need an accurate way to check Torque. If that’s your case, get another one like this beam-type one without the ratchet head.

Electronic torque wrenches:

These are very common. I used one of these once; it didn’t loosen up or break on me, so I assume it’s pretty durable. The only problem is that they are not very accurate compared to other types of torque wrenches; this means you’ll have to get the exact value you need unless you want to take risks with your expensive equipment or even your life.

Things to consider when buying a new torque wrench

When buying a new torque wrench, there are so many options you need to consider

01. Weight

Lightweight is one of the main concerns for most people. It should have that extra little bit of power, especially if it needs to be used in tight spaces that would require more effort to move.

02. Torque range

The range has to be wide enough to handle a range of different bolts and nuts. The more the number of ranges, the better it is for you. It also makes it easier when going from one fastener size to another in a shorter space of time. Sometimes the difference in Torque required can be as low as only 5%.

03. Price

Of course, this will be a concern. Having the highest quality tool doesn’t always mean you have to have the most expensive one. Many things should be considered before making that purchase. You might want to check other brands and see what they offer for their prices since many of these types of tools tend to vary in price category by category, while some might even be less or more than what you initially had in mind.

04. Longevity

Many companies offer a warranty of some sort on the tools that they sell. This shows that they trust their products to do the job well and be more durable than their competitors. But this doesn’t mean all wrenches are created equal; it’s best if you go over the details to see what they have to offer and how long it will last.

05. Budget

This is a common factor that might be affecting your decision more than you think. It’s best if you try and stick with your budget as much as possible, rather than buying the most expensive one without looking through others carefully first and seeing if there’s something suitable for your needs.

06. Reputation

Don’t just rely on the brand name and how it looks. Read some reviews online and see what people have to say about it after using it for a long time. Don’t trust everything you see on the internet, but there are plenty of honest testimonials from people who used it. This should give you a good idea of the pros and cons of other people’s personal experience with the product. But this isn’t set in stone so take a look at a few reviews before making your purchase if possible.

07. Warranty

Some places will offer a warranty for their wrenches, but not all. If you plan to do some work that will need a lot of Torque, then it’s probably best to go with the brands that offer at least a year warranty. It also shows they trust their product to be able to do what is promised.

08. Brands

Several companies have been around for many years that professionals recognize. They have proven their worth through time and experience to give the best torque wrench for your paying price. This doesn’t just mean buying from a company with an established name. It takes to research and know what is available so you can make the right decision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a torque wrench is used to apply a specific amount of Torque or rotational force. This enables the user to ensure that nuts and bolts are tightened enough to loosen during operation. These tools can be essential for applications from large automotive parts to small household items. If you want more information on how this tool works or buy one for yourself, go shopping.

FAQ

Is Torque a measure of the work done on a fastener?

No. Torque is a vector quantity, not a scalar. The direction is important, and the magnitude of the force applied to the handle of the wrench. For example, you can exert more or less Torque on an object by changing your grip on the handle.

How can I figure out what torque wrench to buy?

Do you work with large or small fasteners? Are they fastened by hand or machine tools? If it’s for hand application, consider a beam-style torque wrench. These are easy to use and don’t rely on an electronic sensor. If you work with small fasteners and an electronic wrench, look for one that can display the torque reading in ft-lb and N•m.

Can I use my torque wrench to remove bolts?

Some beam wrenches are designed specifically for removal work, but most brands state in their instructions not to use them to loosen or remove fasteners. Electronic wrenches have a memory that can be damaged if the wrench is used for removal work. Professional mechanics use a separate, inexpensive torque wrench for this purpose.

How do I know when to stop tightening?

If you’re using a beam-style torque wrench, gradually increase each turn until the wrench is tight enough to stay in place when you let go of it. This can be not easy with some types of fasteners, especially if they were installed by machine. The wrench may start to turn instead of staying in place. If this happens, either continue tightening until the wrench breaks free or grab the handle firmly and hold on until it stops turning. If you’re using an electronic wrench, you’ll feel or hear a “beep,” and the LED display will show the proper reading. The wrench usually has a memory feature that allows it to resume at the same point after powering off.

Is there such thing as too much Torque?

Yes. You can damage an object or fastener by over-tightening it. If you use a torque wrench, make sure the specifications for the fastener are within its capacity. You can damage an object or fastener by using too low a setting on your torque wrench, but this is less likely to happen with small fasteners because they can be tightened more easily by hand than large ones.

What is the difference between a foot-pound and a Newton meter?

A foot-pound is a unit of work or energy equal to a force of one pound acting through a distance of one foot. One foot-pound equals 1.356 N•m, but this number isn’t usually shown on torque wrenches. A Newton meter is a unit of Torque equal to the force applied to an object weighing one kilogram, moving at one meter per second. There are 6.24 N•m in 1 ft-lb.