How to Use a Torque Wrench and What is the Perfect Type for Your Use!

Do you know about a torque wrench and how to use a torque wrench? A torque wrench is used on a bolt or nut as a fastener. It is used as a tool to tighten the parts offering tensile spring and have high accuracy.

It is designed ergonomically to be used in tires and wheels, while it is operated on vehicles. The torque wrenches meet the needs of the engineering industry.

What Is a Wrench and What Is a Torque Wrench?

A wrench is a tool providing a firm grip. It offers the mechanical advantage to turn objects such as bolts and nut, which are rotary fasteners. It also arrests them from turning.

Commonly, the standard term used to call it is a spanner. The common shapes are ring and open-end spanner.

Torque wrenches are accurate and reliable, mastering every operation to nut tightening. It is highly used in the vehicle industries to operate wheels and tires.

There are well-known brands of torque wrenches, yet it is a must to know how to use a torque wrench.

How Does a Torque Wrench Work?

There may be initial hurdles in tightening bolts and nuts using a torque wrench. Know here about the working of a torque wrench. This will teach youhow to use a torque wrench.

• A torque wrench is a tool used for tightening. It is a precise tightening tool that is sensitive. You should not use it to loosen bolts.
• Carefully handle the torque wrench the same as you use a measurement instrument. The tool should be safely protected from shock in its storage box.
• After the use, by the end of the day, reset to the lowest value the torque wrench and release the string pressure.
• Use one hand offering continuous and fluent move. The torque wrenches have markings on their handle indicating the place to apply pressure. Avoid extension on the handle. It impairs the correct signaling of the set value.

The working of the torque wrench is such that it prevents over tightening but does not avoid it. If the torque is reached, the wrench system gets activated and you get to hear a click sound. 

Again, as you hear the click sound even without moving the torque wrench, it is an indication that the application is over tightened already. For your good practice, you may start over by loosening the bolt and tightening with a tool, and finishing using the torque wrench so that you get a safe and accurate torque.

Tool Maintenance: Torque wrench is a high-precision tool. It requires to be re-calibrated regularly as user responsibility. Not to mention, whether this tool is damaged or dropped, there is a need to send immediately to service.

How to Use a Torque Wrench

Step 1– Pick a calibrated torque wrench. It is a must to ascertain you pick a calibrated wrench. It means to go to an auto supplier or store and purchase a calibrated wrench.

If you wish to have a used one, you must visit the auto parts store so that you get it re-calibrate.

Step 2– Ensure the types and purchase required. The torque wrenches basic types are a dial indicator, beam, digital electronic, clicker type, and electronic torque wrench. You must know which to buy?

If you want a lesser cost choice, purchase a beam style torque wrench. When accuracy is really important and the torque wrench will be in frequent use, buy the adjustable click torque wrench.

Step 3– Use undamaged and clean nuts and bolts. There is a possibility that it will disturb the functioning. Moreover, it will not be easy to remove the fasteners.  

Step 4– Tighten the bolts on the threads. Ensure the bolts fit tight. 

Step 5– Hold the torque wrench handle. It should be on the pivot-centered. Bear in mind, to keep the handle end away from the bar.

Step 6– Keep the torque wrench in a straight position and read the beam. Attach it straight that allows you to read the beam. 

Step 7– Fine-tune and correct the wrench, turning it clockwise. You may tighten the bolts and adjust as required. Using the torque wrench lose the dial as required. Turn the handle and tighten the dial.

Hold the handle, placing the tip of the fastener on the handle’s left side. Take a clockwise direction to turn the handle and turn it until a click sound. On hearing the sound of the click, it means the right force is attained.

Step 8- Reset to zero the wrench. Setting to zero decreases the pressure and it helps to keep it calibrated.

Types of Torque Wrenches

There are four torque wrenches styles. Yet each one has its use. 

Beam Torque Wrench

Beam torque wrench is inexpensive. It is also simple to sue. It features a scale and on achieving at the right level it stops. The beam has a handle to exert force. The beam is very much in place and the torque level is apparent in the scale.

These tools are suitable for loosening or tightening. For accurate analysis, keep the handle unlocked. It should remain afloat.

Click Adjustable

Click torque wrench on reaching the required torque setting gives a sound. The click type wrench has a spring-loaded lever that it adjusts on twisting the handle. On reaching the correct level, a clicking noise is audible.

These click types are useful in loosening or tightening. The advantage is the sound, that brings you to a stop. Thus, you do not apply much torque. Once done, reset to zero, thereby the internal spring pressure is relieved.

Dial Indicator Torque Wrench

Dial torque wrenches are regarded to be the most accurate wrench. They are tough to use in small or narrow spaces. However, they are used regularly in the automotive industry.

Highly used in defense and aerospace industries. The dial indicator type of torque wrench features a dial attached to the case of the wrench. It indicates the twisting amount that the handle sustains.

Electronic Torque wrench

This is referred to as digital. It does not feature moving parts and works from an electric sensor. The wrench senses the application of twisting force and informs the user on the digital display.

These tools feature small chips containing memory stick that save readings and is accessed on a computer.

Use and Maintenance Tips

• Tightens fasteners– It takes two steps to tighten, first it reaches half torque and reaches to final torque.
• Rusted, dirty or clean threads– Whatever it is before tightening, try not to lubricate them if it is not in the equipment manufacturer’s instruction.
• Dial to zero– Always ensure to keep the wrench dial to zero and never below it.
• Careful use– Do not use it as a breaker bar, the torque wrench mechanism will get damaged.
• Wear kid gloves to carry– A simple knock is enough to pull off the accuracy to nearly 30%. In case you drop it by mistake, you must get it recalibrated before putting it to use again.

Professionals consider after 2500 to 3000 repetitions of torque wrench it should be calibrated once. However, if it is not used frequently, calibrating once a year is a timeframe recommended.

How Much is a Torque Wrench?

WRENCHES & SCREWDRIVERS

Single Direction    – Preset

(For pneumatic & electric tools, add an additional 50%)

WRENCHES & SCREWDRIVERS – Adjustable, Dial (Electronic Tools an additional 50%)

Conclusion

Torque wrenches are useful in various applications and not merely to seal food. However, how to use a torque wrench helps, though it withstands heavy abuse, yet proper calibration is mandatory.

Using a torque wrench to tighten your bolts means you increase durability. Determine the torque wrench to understand if you are exceeding the tightening limit. A torque wrench is a must for people working with screws and bolts.