What Is a Torque Wrench and How Does It Work?

Wrenches are commonly used to install and remove fasteners. To secure a nut on the end of a bolt, for instance, you may want to use a wrench. Placing the wrench over the nut and turning it will secure the nut. While all wrenches are designed to accommodate fasteners, though, there are different types of wrenches, such as torque. A torque wrench will give you complete control over the torque at which the fastener is tightened.

What Is a Torque Wrench?

A torque wrench is a type of handheld wrench that allows you to apply a specific amount of torque. As previously mentioned, they are used with fasteners. Torque wrenches, as well as other types of wrenches, support threaded fasteners like nuts. A torque wrench is simply a special type of wrench that allows you to apply a specific amount of torque when installing fasteners.

How Torque Wrenches Work

Torque wrenches feature an adjustable torque setting. You can increase or decrease the torque setting to achieve your desired torque. On some torque wrenches, the torque setting is digital. On others, it consists of a mechanical dial. Regardless, you can adjust the torque setting.

After adjusting the torque setting, you can use the torque wrench to install the fastener. It will limit the amount of torque based on the setting. Torque is the force at which you turn the torque wrench. By adjusting the torque setting beforehand, you can rest assured knowing that you won't accidentally overtighten the fastener -- something that could damage the components with which the fastener is used.

Choosing the Right Torque Wrench

If you're going to buy a torque wrench, you'll need to choose the right type. There are click torque wrenches that, as the name suggests, produce a clicking sound upon reaching the torque for which they are set. You turn then until you hear the clicking sound. This clicking sound indicates you've used the correct amount of torque when installing the nut.

Some torque wrenches are digital. In other words, they have an electronic display that shows the torque setting. You can press a button to increase or decrease the torque setting. Other torque wrenches have a mechanical dial. To adjust the torque, you'll have to turn the dial in the appropriate direction.

You should choose a torque wrench with an ergonomic handle. After all, you'll need to grip the handle when turning it. If the handle is awkward or otherwise not ergonomically designed, you may struggle to use the torque wrench.