A particular amount of torque can be applied to fasteners like nuts and bolts using a torque wrench, a type of tightening tool. They are typically used in the automotive, construction and indstrial trade. We’ll give you a thorough explanation of torque wrenches, their applications, and which is best and why in this guide. Keep reading.
How to Use a Torque Wrench?
Here is the step-by-step guide:
Set the Torque Level
Set the target torque value on any digital or click torque wrench you’re using. When you’re ready, press the set button to confirm your choice. Use the digital controls to increase or decrease the torque value.
The base of the click wrench must be rotated until it aligns with the desired torque level indicated on the handle in order to set the torque value.
Position the Torque Wrench on the Fastener
Make sure you have the appropriate size wrench for the job. Although a 1/4-inch torque wrench might be preferable if you’re working on a bicycle, the most popular sizes for automotive work are 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch socket wrenches.
Select the correct size socket, then fasten it to the wrench. Slide the torque wrench’s head onto the nut or bolt after aligning it with the fastener. To check the torque wrench’s fit, exert a small amount of pressure. To prevent stripping the fitting, try using a smaller socket if you feel the wrench slipping on the fastener.
Tighten the Fastener
As you tighten the fastener with the torque wrench, keep turning it until the desired torque level is reached. It’s not a common feature, but some digital torque wrenches have programmable tolerance limits. Instead, you need to rely on a buzzer or light to indicate when you should stop applying torque.
When a click torque wrench is being used, you will hear a click when the torque is reached. Keep in mind that the click does not disengage the wrench, so if you don’t hear it or choose to ignore it, you can end up over tightening the fitting.
Because beam and split-beam torque wrenches cannot be pre-set to a particular torque level, there are no audible or visual cues to let you know when you have reached the desired level.
Keep An Eye on the Torque Reading
Checking the current torque applied to the fitting on a regular basis is advised until you reach the proper torque level. This is essential when using a beam or split beam torque wrench because you do not have any other means of knowing when you have reached the desired torque level.
If you accidentally set the torque too high or missed the signal to stop, you could end up undertightening or overtightening the fastener. Click and digital torque wrenches have auditory or visual signals that tell you when to stop applying force to the wrench.
Check the physical scale on a click-style torque wrench or use the digital screen on a digital torque wrench to make sure you don’t exceed the recommended torque level.
How Does a Torque Wrench Work?
What makes a torque wrench necessary as opposed to a simple spanner?
Certain fasteners, like those on a car, need to be tightened to a certain degree in order to be safe. These nuts and bolts risk coming loose if you don’t use the proper amount of torque. The threads, however, can be harmed if there is excessive torque applied. A torque wrench is the right tool for the job when nuts and bolts need to be tight and secure, such as when tightening tires.
The torque wrench stops you from overtightening fasteners, which could damage them, or undertightening them, which would leave them loose.
For increased safety and equipment performance, it is crucial to have the proper torque set. Only tightening bolts should be done with torque wrenches.
Torque Wrench Types
The three different types of torque wrenches are as follows.
- Pressure-Displayed
Pressure-displayed torque wrenches resemble a socket wrench and feature a head with driver, a long shaft, and a handle. At the head, there’s a pressure-based analog display that tells you want pressure you’re at.
- Click-Type
Click-type torque wrenches resemble socket wrenches and feature a head with the driver, a long shaft, and a handle that you rotate to obtain the specified torque setting.
- Digital
Once more resembling a socket wrench, a digital torque wrench has a digital display along the shaft that you can use to enter the desired torque setting. They are battery-powered and have additional features like backlit displays, chimes, and vibrations for when you approach your torque setting.
Setting a Torque Wrench
A force that rotates is a torque. The units used to measure it are lb·ft (pound-foot), lb·in (pound inch), or lb·m (newton meter). The torque wrench will have these different markings on each side. Foot pounds (lb.ft) is the most popular unit.
The manufacturer has specified a unique torque specification for each vehicle. The owner’s manual for the car contains information on this.
To increase or decrease the torque, you can alter the settings on your torque wrench. Simply rotate the handle in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to increase or decrease the torque. (more on this later).
Depending on the model, the tool typically has a scale or display screen to show how much torque is being applied.
There are numerous designs, sizes, and torque ranges for torque wrenches. The most common size is a 1/2″ square drive, but again this depends on the fastener and application.
When to Replace Your Torque Wrench
Although torque wrenches are designed to show accurate torque readings, they need to be calibrated frequently to maintain that accuracy. About once a year, you should calibrate your torque wrench or have a professional calibrate it. However, torque wrenches do eventually lose their accuracy. In addition, bending the arm back into alignment repeatedly can cause wrenches to bend and weaken. It is advised to swap out the torque wrench if this happens. Avoid dropping the wrench and keep it from sitting idle for an extended period of time to increase the tool’s lifespan.
FAQs
What is a Torque Wrench and How is It Used?
A torque wrench is a tool used to control and apply a specific torque to a fastener such as a bolt or a nut. To ensure customer safety, general mechanics, tire-changing operations, and the industrial maintenance and repair industries all place a premium on this.
What Are Three Rules of Torque Wrenches?
You can use your torque wrench safely and for a long time by adhering to these few simple rules: -Read the instruction manual before using your torque wrench. -Any time a hand tool is being used, safety glasses or goggles should always be worn. -To apply torque, you should ALWAYS PULL, NOT PUSH, and you should also adjust your stance to avoid falling.
Do You Push Or Pull a Torque Wrench?
Always pull, rather than push, a wrench for greater control and balance. In this manner, you decrease your risk of flying if the nut or bolt were to suddenly loosen. Never try to get more torque from a wrench by using a cheater bar or other device to extend the leverage.
How Many Times Should You Click a Torque Wrench?
When you’re tightening a bolt, one click is enough. Many users allow their wrenches to click more than once, but this means they’re applying added torque to the bolts. Use your tool steadily and smoothly, and let it click just once.
Summary: How to Use Torque Wrench？
An adjustable handle and a predetermined level of torque must be set before using a torque wrench. To secure it, tighten the handle’s end using the tightener. Put it over the socket, nut, or bolt after that, and tighten it by rotating it in a clockwise direction. When finished, reset the handle’s settings to 0 and store it securely. Get the hash marks on your torque wrench calibrated at least once a year to make sure they remain accurate.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment. KV Auto tries to give you the best car industry information. Thank you for reading.
