The torque wrench has been one of the most often utilized instruments in the car repair sector. Every workshop has at least one or more torque wrenches in frequent use in addition to a set of sockets and spanners. To sum up, a torque wrench is a tool that gives the user control over the amount of force or torque used to tighten or loosen a bolt. For professionals who operate in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and industrial who are tasked with fastening crucial parts to specific tolerances with little margin for mistake, the torque wrench is likely the most important equipment.
Investing in a new torque wrench for the workshop might appear like an easy choice at times. Comparing its features, brands, and the tasks you need the tool to do can occasionally complicate the decision-making process, though. Many considerations are used before making a purchase, including Price, Quality, Product Features, Ease of Use, and Durability. The buyer is essentially guided by all of these factors in selecting the greatest “Value for Money” product. Knowing your usage requirements, maintenance schedule, and need for recalibration can help you select the right torque wrench for the job.
We have reviewed some of the many kinds of torque wrenches that are on the market to help you make the best choice possible. This will aid you in the decision-making process.
Types of Torque Wrenches
- Click-type Torque Wrench
The most often used kind of torque wrench is the click-type kind. They work similarly to a ratchet, but when the required torque value is reached, they have the further benefit of a noticeable breaking motion. The tool’s barrel has dual scales that show the available torque levels in foot/pound or inch/pound imperial units and metric units expressed in Newton meters. The lowest and greatest values on the scale represent the torque wrench capability. By unlocking the wrench and adjusting the handle, the operator may precisely determine the torque value they want by dragging the accuracy indicator along the scale.
- Dial-Type torque wrenches
The most precise torque wrenches on the market are said to be dial-type models. The double-end square drive on these wrenches is useful for both tightening and loosening bolts. Their name comes from the torque amount being shown on an analog, dual-scale dial that is simple to read. There are two memory needles within the dial. While the second needle is set to zero, the first needle is set to the required torque level. The second needle advances on the dial in response to the torque force applied. The torque is achieved when the two needles come together. Dial-type torque wrenches require less maintenance and recalibration than click-type torque wrenches because of their simpler torque mechanism.
- Electronic torque wrenches
In recent times, electronic torque wrenches have gained significant popularity and may now be found in both conventional and dial-style designs. To measure torque, they employ an electronic sensor, and a digital display shows the torque value. The user is alerted by both an auditory and visual signal when they are getting close to the target torque number and when it has been attained. With electronic torque wrenches, you can choose to transfer data for later use onto a computer over Bluetooth or cable connections.
- Digital torque wrenches
The digital torque wrench is an incredibly precise tool. However, handling them needs to be done with extra caution due to their more fragile composition. Batteries are also necessary for them to function. The most costly model mentioned in this article is a digital torque wrench, but because they can set torque values in four different scales—ft/lbs, in/lbs, Nm, and kg/cm—they may be thought of as four torque wrenches in one.
- Beam torque wrenches
The most basic type of torque wrenches are beam torque wrenches. They are the least accurate and hardest to read. As a result, they are essentially no longer used in formal workplace settings. It has been observed that the beam torque wrench is a small torque wrench tool that is passed down through the generations. They provide great precision and extend the life of the wrench by delivering tension to a deflecting beam instead of a coil spring. The operator will always be aware of when the necessary torque has been obtained thanks to a dual signal function that is both visual and audible.
Checklist for Selecting the Best Torque Wrenches
After learning the basics of torque wrench kinds and styles, the next step is to select the torque wrench or wrenches) that will work best for your application. Finding out what you need is a crucial first step. The following list serves as a great resource:
- Does a fastener need to be tightened to a single torque value or several?
- What torque values, lowest and maximum, will you be using with fasteners?
- Which drive size sockets (¼ “, ⅜”, ½”, ¾” or 1″) would you most likely use?Buy accordingly ¼ “ torque wrench, , ⅜” torque wrench, ½” torque wrench, ¾” torque wrench or 1″ torque wrench.
- Is a torque wrench required for both clockwise and counterclockwise operation?
- What precise level—expressed as accuracy +/-—do you need?
Knowing the torque ranges you will most likely be operating within is the most crucial factor to take into account when making your pick. operating within 40–80% of their operating scale is optimal for torque wrenches. As a result, avoid selecting a wrench that will be mostly utilized at either extreme of the spectrum. Although you might be tempted to do so to save money, the risks of erroneous torque output could exceed the savings.
Conclusion
Although there are many more varieties of torque wrenches available, we have just discussed the great majority and most widely used ones here. Other varieties of beam wrenches and screen torque wrenches, as well as hydraulic torque wrenches for situations requiring large torque applications, are also offered on the market. But before choosing the ideal instrument for the job, you must ascertain which one will work best for your needs. There are a plethora of varieties of torque wrenches available on the market, each with unique features related to function, accuracy, and longevity.
