How to Use a Torque Wrench? (Working Principle & Types)

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The purpose of this post is to provide the very best guide for users who want to learn how to use a torque wrench. To tighten fasteners such as nuts and bolts, torque wrenches apply specific amounts of torque. They are typically used in industries such as automotive and construction. By using a torque wrench, you can avoid over tightening. Throughout this guide, we’ll explain how torque wrenches work, as well as what makes a good torque wrench.

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Typical automotive tools include torque wrenches, which are specialized socket wrenches. The purpose of these tools is to tighten nuts, bolts, and other fasteners to a specific torque value. In the event of an under-tightened nut or bolt, parts may fall off, bend, or break during operation. It’s also possible to break or warp parts by over tightening a fastener because you’re putting them under too much pressure during operation. You can also use torque wrenches on bicycles, lawnmowers, snowmobiles, and motorcycles.

This article will tell you how to utilize a torque wrench effectively in every situation. But first, let’s examine the basic functions of these tools.

Basics

Using torque wrenches, you can secure nuts and bolts at a predetermined torque value, preventing accidents caused by under-tightening or damage resulting from over tightening.

Almost universally, it is used to tighten something on cars and bikes. Using a torque wrench requires no other tools since it can be adjusted by hand. The handle of a torque wrench should be adjusted to a specific level of torque before using it. Lock the handle in place using the tightener on the end. You can now tighten the socket, nut, or bolt by turning it clockwise. Once you’ve finished, reset the handle’s settings to zero and store it securely. To ensure that the torque wrench hash marks remain accurate, have it calibrated on a regular basis, preferably once a year.

Torque wrenches are designed to tighten fasteners; they should not be used to loosen them. This can cause the wrench to be damaged or negatively impact its calibration.

Working Principle of Torque Wrenches

An amount of torque is applied to a fastener by these tools. Torque is determined by the amount of force applied to the handle and its length. Using the torque formula, force x length equals torque.

There is a mechanical indicator inside the handle that is connected to a calibrated scale. Stop twisting the bolt when the torque indicator indicates that a certain torque has been obtained.

An easy-to-read scale or display screen is usually included on the tools to display torque levels.

Calibrations can be done in pounds-foot, pounds-inches, or newton meters.

Types of Torque Wrenches

A basic understanding of torque wrench types and how they work is essential to learning how to use one.

how to use a torque wrench — Types of torque wrenches (Reference: **low-offset.com**)

Beam Torque Wrench

Beam torque wrenches have a long arm or beam that attaches to the head of the tool, with a scale located near the end of the handle. Torque wrench beams bend when torque is applied, indicating how much torque is being applied. The fitting should be tightened until the scale reaches the desired torque level.

Split Beam Torque Wrench

The split beam torque wrench works similarly to the beam torque wrench. There is a secondary beam running behind the main arm of a split beam torque wrench, which flexes in order to demonstrate the torque instead of bending the main arm. As a result of this design change, the wrench has a longer life and is more durable than a traditional beam torque wrench.

Click Torque Wrench

The most common torque wrench used by DIYers and professionals is the click torque wrench. To adjust the desired torque level, you need to twist the base of the wrench to match the value shown on the handle. Once you have set the torque level, secure the wrench to the fastener and tighten it until you hear a click.

Digital Torque Wrench

Precision and convenience are the hallmarks of digital torque wrenches. Before you can start working, it is necessary to set the desired torque, similar to click torque wrenches. Torque wrenches with this style are the most expensive, and they require batteries to operate, but they may be worth the money due to their precise measurements and easily readable digital screens.

Hydraulic Torque Wrench

The use of this type is common in industrial settings. The hydraulics are used to reach the desired level of torque

Dial Torque Wrench

One of the most accurate torque wrenches is a dial torque wrench. In small spaces, they may be harder to use because they are wider. They are also used in the aerospace and defense industries as well as in the automotive industry.

Micrometer Torque Wrench

Manufacturing and transportation of cargo often require the use of these scales. Taking into account the weight of a load is crucial when moving heavy items by train, plane, or ship since it may affect the distribution of the cargo. Crew members and cargo could be at risk if it’s not monitored properly.

Torque Wrench Use

In this section, we will explain different methods of using a torque wrench.

Torque Wrench Adjustment

Take the tightener off the wrench’s handle. Look for the tightener near the end of the wrench’s handle to keep the settings in place. In most cases, it is a plastic or metal cap that is attached to the end of your wrench. You may also find that it is a different color from the rest of your wrench. In order to change the wrench’s settings, twist the piece counterclockwise by hand. No need to take it off, simply loosen it until there is no resistance anymore.
Check your wrench for torque measurements. Look for the torque setting hash marks near your handle. A wrench will have a set of large numbers on its body and a set of smaller numbers on its handle. In general, smaller numbers represent smaller digits and larger numbers refer to larger units. Foot pounds (ft-lb) and meter-kilos (m-kg) are the units used to measure torque. On the wrench’s hash marks, you’ll find two sets of numbers. The lower number indicates the measurement in foot-pounds, while the larger number indicates in meter kilograms. A handle’s vertical edge determines the baseline, while its rotation specifies the smaller digits. The wrench has a center line that shows where the handle should be set. To provide an example, if the edge of the handle lands on the hash mark for 100, with the smaller number on the handle set to 5, it means the torque setting will be 105 ft-lb (1397 m-kg).
You can adjust the torque setting on the wrench by turning the dial. The non-dominant hand should be braced against the body of the wrench as the tightener is loosened. Raise or lower the handle by rotating it clockwise or counterclockwise. Turn the handle until you come to the desired hash mark and then stop. In some torque wrenches, the handle slides up and down rather than twisting.
You can make minor adjustments by twisting the handle dial. When you’re near the desired number, focus on the dial itself instead of the handle height. While slowly turning the handle, pay attention to the readings. The number increases as you turn clockwise. In the counterclockwise direction, the number decreases. It is also possible to move down a little after 0 by using the negative numbers after it. You can twist some wrenches by turning the dial, not the handle since the dial moves independently of the handle.
You can determine the total torque by adding the smaller digit to the larger hash mark. In order to ensure that it’s accurately adjusted, add the numbers together once the handle’s height has been adjusted and the dial has been twisted. For example, if your dial reads 4 and your handle reads 50, then you have 54 foot-pounds of torque (718 m-kg). As well as the positive numbers, you must also add the negatives. A hash mark of 120 and a dial of -2, for example, would result in 118 ft-lb (1569 m-kg).
The tightener must be hand-screwed back into the wrench to be locked. By flipping it back to the handle, the torque setting will be locked. Keep the wrench steady with your non-dominant hand. By hand, turn the tightener clockwise so it stops moving. As a result, the handle will be locked in place. It is not possible to adjust the torque setting once you have locked the tightened.

Tightening Nuts and Bolts

Attach your socket to the wrench head. The first step in using a torque wrench is to slide the socket that fits the nut or bolt into the head. Alternatively, you can slide an extender or adaptor into the opening at the head. There are different sizes of torque wrenches, but their sockets are usually interchangeable. Due to their high price, torque wrenches are rarely available in a single size.
By turning it by hand, the nut or bolt catches the screw threading. To tighten the nut or bolt, take it and put it on the threading of your vehicle’s screw or opening by hand. The threading on a vehicle’s nut or bolt will catch the threading on a screw when you turn it clockwise with your fingers. The nut or bolt must be turned until it can no longer be turned by hand. The threads should not be initially caught with a torque wrench. It is possible to damage the threading on both nuts and bolts if your torque wrench is not aligned perfectly with the screw.
As you tighten the nut or bolt, place the socket over it. While holding the torque wrench handle in your nondominant hand, set the nut or bolt on the threading. The socket, adaptor, or extender should be guided onto the nut or bolt using your dominant hand. Ensure the wrench is seated flush against the nut or bolt.
Tighten the nut or bolt by turning the handle clockwise. When tightening a bolt or nut, rotate the handle clockwise. There is almost no need to reposition torque wrenches on nuts or bolts since most have automatic return functions. To reset this type of wrench, simply turn it counterclockwise. When you are using a manual wrench, keep repositioning it on the nut or bolt as you continue torquing it. If the torque wrench makes a clicking or switching noise as you rotate the handle counterclockwise, then it is an automatic-return torque wrench.
Once the wrench stops moving or starts clicking, stop turning it. Keep tightening the nut or bolt if the automatic wrench clicks as you return it. You should stop tightening the nut or bolt when it begins clicking as you turn it clockwise. When you reach the torque level you desire, you hear a clicking sound. When you feel the wrench resisting, stop turning it on a manual wrench. For example, when you tighten the bolt with 100 ft-lb (1330 m-kg) of torque, it will be tight as soon as it starts clicking.

Once the torque has been reached, manual wrenches will simply stop moving.

Wrench Maintenance

Make sure you return the wrench to zero after you’ve used it. You should turn the dial settings back to 0 on the handle when you’ve finished using the wrench. If you leave the torque dial on a higher setting than 0, the calibration may become inaccurate over time. The wrench will also suffer damage if you turn the numbers into negative numbers.
Before loosening nuts or bolts, clean them if they are dirty or rusted. Allowing rust and grime to accumulate inside your sockets is a surefire way to damage your tool. Consequently, your torque wrench has a harder time gripping the socket, which leads to more problems as time passes. You should clean every bolt or nut you intend to tighten with a towel or rag prior to attaching your wrench. There is no need to lubricate torque wrenches. Using a degreaser before attaching a socket will remove any grease or lubricant on your bolt or nut.
It is a good idea to calibrate your wrench once a year. You should have your torque wrench calibrated by a mechanic or torque wrench specialist unless you have extensive experience working on automobiles. The torque wrench measurement on the handle will naturally differ from the actual torque. Getting your wrench calibrated once a year can fix this problem and prevent dangerous situations from occurring.

Calibration should be done once a year or every 50,000 clicks, as a general rule. Over the course of 8-10 months, you are probably going to reach 50,000 clicks when working on cars or bikes every day. Though DIY enthusiasts are unlikely to reach 50,000 clicks by year’s end.

FAQs

Do you have to hold a torque wrench in a particular way?

Torque wrenches should be operated with your hand centered on the marked load point for accurate results. Calibration of the torque wrench requires observing this load point as well.

What is the number of times you click a torque wrench?

A single click is all that is needed to tighten a bolt. Increasing torque on bolts can be caused by users clicking their wrenches more than once. You should use your tool in a smooth, steady manner and only let it click once.

Conclusion

This post discussed torque wrenches and the best way they are used. If you already own a torque wrench but don’t know how to use it, our article will help you learn how to use it efficiently. Linquip’s Tools and Instrument Experts can answer any questions you may have about torque wrenches. You can also find Tools and Instrument Service Providers on Linquip for any special service you need for your tool.