The torque wrench is especially considered for heavy-duty lug nuts—tightening them. Works universally for bikes and cars, ultimately all the vehicles. To use the torque wrench, the adjustability is done through hands, therefore, no other tool is required along with it. After adjustment, set the wrench to a specific level of torque, grip the wrench, and rotate. Let’s overview the process much closely;
Table of Contents
Adjusting the Tightener of Torque Wrench
In order to get started with the adjustability, find the tightener that locks the settings in place. The knob is usually of plastic or alloy (cap), by twisting it counterclockwise will help in loosening the piece (this will allow you to change the wrench settings).
Tip: Don’t take off the wrench to adjust the piece, just loosen till the point where you don’t feel much resistance.
Getting the Torque Measurements on Your Wrench
The torque wrench must be containing the hash mark—they are used for the torque settings. There will be two sets, one will be of the larger numbers (meter-kilograms) and the other will be of the smaller number (foot-pounds) being situated on the handle.
- Smaller digits are reconciling the baseline being located on the edge of the handle.
- The centerline situated on the handle shows the current setting.
Example: If the smaller number is set to 5, on the other hand, the edge is on the mark of 100, then the torque range of the wrench will be 105 ft. lbs.
Adjustment of Torque with the Dial
The dial is likewise apprehended for the adjustment of torque of the wrench. Let the tightener be at the loosened position, now with the free hand, turn the dial clockwise to raise and vice versa. As you reach the desired hash mark, stop turning the handle. The inauguration of torque capacity is directly related, for instance, if you need to reach a certain number, put a hash mark within 5 ft. lbs. of your number.
Tip: Some torque wrench feature sliding handle rather than twisting ones.
Minor Adjustments
As the targeted number is achieved, putting in the dial’s attention will help you be much precise with the torque range. Turning the dialer clockwise will raise the number and vice versa.
Tip: Such models of the wrenches, have independent dial rather than being based on the handle, they are turned by twisting.
Determining the Total Torque
After the adjustment of handles height and dial, one may need to calculate the total torque—this will help to ensure the accuracy of the performance. Add the hash mark on the handle to the number on the dial, this will get the total torque. For instance, the hash mark was 55 and, on the dial, it was 5 then after the addition of both numbers, the torque will be 60 ft. lbs.
Locking the Adjustment
Once, you have adjusted the wrench and attained the required setting of torque, there is a need to lock the position. For that, hold the wrench with the free hand, twist the tightener clockwise till there is no moment possible. This will lock the settings; a certain amount of torque will be sustained thru the tightening process.
Placing the Socket on the Wrench
After adjusting the torque and locking out the settings, the socket placement needs to be integrated. Pick up the preferred socket that matches the relevant nut or bolt, and place it on the head of the wrench—slide the socket to put it firmly.
Tip: As the torque wrenches are pricier, thus, they come in different sizes, prefer the one that is suitable for your task.
Placing the Nut or Bolt
Before putting on the work with the torque wrench—place the nut or bolt on the spot and rotate until it catches the threading on the screw with the hand. Turn the bolt or nut till it won’t anymore.
The thing to Consider: It is important to place the nut or bolt in the screw with the hand initially—doing that with the torque wrench might destroy the threading because of extensive power.
Fitting the Socket
After the placement of nuts on the threading, put the socket of the torque wrench on the nut while guiding it with one hand and the other on the back to support. Slide in the wrench over the bolt till the placement is settled to flush.
What Size is Perfect for Tires
Every sort of torque wrench is made to accomplish a certain torque and to operate with a certain size of the nuts. Those who are compatible with the range of nuts are;
- ½ inch—25 to 160 ft. lbs.
- ¼ inch—30 to 200 ft. lbs.
Here, our experts have researched the most convenient models containing robust structure and durability, that are;
Tightening the Nut or Bolt
As you have set the torque of the wrench, locked it, placed the socket over the head, has put the nut in the threading, and has fit the socket over the nut—this is the time for action, rotate the handle of the torque wrench clockwise, as you go, the nut will be tightened. Rotate the handle until no further is possible.
Tip: While rotating the handle, if there comes the clicking noise, then this means the wrench is an automatically-returning one. For this type, there is no need to reposition. On the other hand, for a manual torque wrench, repositioning it on the nut will let the torquing process continue.
Stopping the Process
While you are tightening the nut or bolt, in an automatic wrench, at the point where you have reached the desired torque level, a clicking sound will start to come. In the manual wrench, when it will start resisting, it would be the point where the desired torque level is attained. In both sorts of torque wrenches, when the level is attained, simply take off the tool and do the next nut or bolt.
Caring for Your Torque Wrench
After the job of tightening nuts, the torque wrench needs to be maintained properly—this will ensure extended life expectancy. Turn the dial back to the default (zero) position. Whilst not doing that and leaving the wrench calibrated might affect the tendency of calibration with time. Don’t turn the dial to a negative number as well, it is vice versa harmful.
Clean Dirty Nuts or Bolts
The dirt or debris on the nuts will make it difficult for the wrench to grip the socket. Before placing the nuts or bolts in the threading, make sure to remove any rust, debris, or dirt, either it will damage the wrench.
Don’t Let the Wrench Lubricated
The torque wrenches are not meant to be lubricated; this might make them slip over the nuts. Remove any grease or lubrication off to your bolt by using degreaser fabric before storing or attaching the socket.
Checking the Calibration
As the torque wrench is made to be used over an extended time, the wrench’s calibration can be distorted with a large amount of use. Unless you have surpassed years of overworking on cars, make sure to check your torque wrench calibration from a specialist.
Tip: In order to make sure your work stays smooth, get a calibration check once a year.
Data Source
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque_wrench#:~:text=A%20torque%20wrench%20is%20a,%2C%20bolt%2C%20or%20lag%20screw.&text=A%20torque%20wrench%20is%20used,specifications%20for%20a%20particular%20application.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque_wrench#:~:text=A%20torque%20wrench%20is%20a,%2C%20bolt%2C%20or%20lag%20screw.&text=A%20torque%20wrench%20is%20used,specifications%20for%20a%20particular%20application.
- https://www.quora.com/What-are-torque-wrenches
- https://highqualityoftorquewrenchcalibration.quora.com/
- https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Torque-Wrench