How To Use A Torque Wrench

Most auto mechanics will agree. A torque wrench is one of the most important tools you can have in your tool chest. What makes these bad boys useful is that they can be used to tighten bolts and nuts to specific torque levels.

This is especially critical when working on engine heads with stretch bolts and other engine components. Adjusting and using a torque wrench is no hassle at all once you get the hang of it. Additionally, the fact that you can set the torque level ensures that you don’t over or under tighten fasteners, reducing the risk of breakage.

To help you with that, here’s how to use and adjust the most common torque wrenches based on the type and the work at hand.

How to use a digital torque wrench: the best of the best

Digital torque wrenches are the most accurate and the easiest to use. But this is only true if you choose the right torque wrench for the right job.

What makes this kind of torque wrench better than the others is the fact that it eliminates the possibility of guesswork while you are adjusting the tension. Digital torque wrenches do all the heavy lifting for you while giving you the best possible level of accuracy possible.

When extreme precision is needed, this is definitely the type of torque wrench you should go for and here’s exactly how you should use it.

Step 1: Unlike a dial or click torque wrench, setting the torque level on a digital torque wrench is quite easy. On most models, there’s a SET button allowing you to precisely change the torque value to the desired setting.

Step 2: Once you’ve got the torque value set, the next thing you’ll want to do is program the tolerance parameter. By doing this, you’ll be setting both the upper and lower limits for both quality control and safety purposes. If you have no idea what this parameter should be, just leave it at the lowest value possible.

Step 3: Start tightening the fasteners. Torque wrenches work exactly like any other wrench. Do not try to reach the torque value right away. start by lightly tightening all of the fasteners once and do it once more until you reach the correct value.

Step 4: Watch out for the indicator. Digital torque wrenches will either have a buzzer or a light that lets you know when you should stop applying torque. The buzzer system, unlike with click torque wrenches, is easier to use and more accurate.

Step 5: Even after the indicator is triggered, go ahead and verify your readings once more. In most cases, the indicator is either green or red. The latter shows that the torque isn’t in the tolerance zone whereas the former indicates everything is tight as it should.

Using a dial torque wrench: affordable yet accurate

Using a dial torque wrench is quite straightforward. Just torque the fastener until the needle reaches the desired torque on the dial.

Step 1: Depending on the task at hand, set the torque value after attaching the appropriate socket size and connecting it to the fastener you intend to tighten.

Step 2: Have the torque wrench at a right angle to the bolt then begin tightening.

Step 3: Always keep your eyes on the gauge as you’re turning the wrench. It’s easier to go overboard with a dial torque wrench than with a digital model.

How to use a click torque wrench

The third kind of torque wrench you could buy is the click wrench. This is the cheapest variant but also the most widely used by auto mechanics.

Step 1: Get the right sized torque wrench for the task at hand. A 1/2-inch or 3/8-inch variant should be able to handle most tasks but make sure to get one with a suitable range for the job. If the required torque value is calculated in in/lb instead of ft/lb, go ahead and get a ¼-inch torque wrench instead.

Step2: Set the wrench to the correct value. This is done by turning the handle and aligning the ‘0’ to the correct torque specification.

Step3: Lock the torque wrench at the correct setting by tightening the release at the bottom.

Step4: Slowly tighten the bolt or nut. You must apply the torque as smoothly as possible up until you achieve the set torque. You’ll know when you’ve reached it when you hear or feel a slight “click” in the handle

Once you’re done using your wrench, reset the torque to zero to releases the pressure on the spring and ensure your torque wrench stays correctly calibrated for as long as possible.