Torque Wrench Facts For Dummies

Craftsman_click_torque_wrenchMost of us have seen various new tools introduced in TV shopping channels that has either influenced us to pick the phone and place an order. Torque wrenches are one of those commonly seen on TV, offering quality and versatility in many of your DIY and maintenance needs.

Torque Wrenches

Torque wrenches are actually one of the most commonly used tools in any mechanic shops, whether it be an auto mechanic shop or a simple shop for bikes. It is one of the most important tools that should be in your tool box.

Torque wrenches come in various sizes specifically to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. This tool goes a long way back as early as 1918 and it had been proven useful in many mechanic jobs since then.

Common Types of Torque Wrench

There are various types of torque wrenches and all types have a gauge to measure the tightness of each bolt.

  • The beam style torque wrench is the simplest, inexpensive, but accurate. The gauge attached to it reaches a level of tightness as pressure is added into it.
  • The click type torque wrench is called the click type because of the clicking sound it makes when the gauge reaches the desired preset measurement for tightness. It is the most commonly used torque wrench among mechanics.
  • The dial gauge torque wrench is the more sophisticated version of the beam type torque wrench where a dial gauge is attached to its body.
  • The digital torque wrench is perhaps the newest type of torque wrench introduced in the market. In the United States, this type of torque wrench is becoming highly popular because of its ease of use and accuracy. It digitally displays the desired measurement of tightness.

Torque Wrench Calibration

Calibration of torque wrench is very important to verify its accuracy. Calibration frequency is dependent on how frequent you use your torque range.

Generally, most mechanics who have used the tool from 2,500 uses and above would want to go through calibration.

How to check and calibrate Torque Wrench

There are many good brands when choosing a torque wrench. All of these brands offer the same ideology however offered in different prices, durability, and even accuracy. The best way to know which one fits you best is to first know what your needs are.

Ask questions as to size, operating torque range, and accuracy. The best people to ask which brand will suit you best are mechanics who are already using this tool in their daily endeavors.