5 Tips To Get the Most Out of Your Torque Wrench

Whether you’re torquing down a cylinder head or bolting wheels back up after a brake job, there’s no substitute for a torque wrench when you need to accurately, uniformly fasten mechanical components together. Whether you go old school with the mechanical click-type wrench or prefer the reassuring beep of the more modern digital designs, the audible confirmation that you’ve hit your target provides a level of confidence that you’re doing the job right.

But to count on that accuracy, your torque wrench needs a lot more care and attention than your socket set or screwdrivers. These are precision devices and should be treated as such. Here are five ways to make sure you’re getting the most out of your torque wrenches.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

Proper use – Although torque wrenches typically have a ratcheting movement with forward and reverse action, they should never be used as conventional ratchets. We’ve all seen someone reach for the large torque wrench (you know who you are) to use as a breaker bar. This is perhaps the quickest way to degrade its accuracy. Even throwing a socket on there for regular, less-severe wrenching duty should be avoided.

Correct range – To get the most accurate tightening, make sure you’re using the correct wrench for the job. There is no “one-size-fits-all” torque wrench. Some jobs require inch-pounds of force, others require triple-digit foot-pounds. Select the tool that has the proper range for your job. Also, make sure you’re setting the torque on the right scale, as most wrenches will have markings for both metric and standard units. If you need to convert units to accommodate your tool, use an accurate unit conversion calculator.

Impeccable cleanliness – Before storing your torque wrench, make sure it’s clean and free from dirt, debris, and any residual substances. This helps prevent contamination that could affect its performance, such as dirt or metal shavings. Give it a good wipe down before putting it away and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance.

Meticulous storage – Store your torque wrench in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperature fluctuations and high humidity can impact the accuracy and condition of the wrench. If your torque wrench has a spring or deflection mechanism, it’s good to release the tension on the spring when not in use. This can help prevent the spring from becoming permanently compressed and affecting the wrench’s accuracy.

And here’s something you may not have heard before. It’s recommended you store a torque wrench in a vertical position, with the head facing downward. This can help prevent any residual lubricants or contaminants from settling in the working parts of the wrench.

Precise calibration – Even when stored properly, torque wrenches can drift out of calibration over time. Regular calibration by a professional or using a calibration tool is important to maintain accuracy.