A torque wrench is a great tool for maintaining cars, lawnmowers, and many other types of mechanical equipment. Many people overtighten nuts and other fasteners, leading to stripped threads, broken bolts, and expensive repairs. By using a torque wrench, you can set the exact twisting force you need for every screw, bolt, and fastener. This makes car maintenance easier, safer, and less costly.
But how do you use a torque wrench properly? These five tips will show you how to properly store, care for, and use your wrench.
Store Your Torque Wrench at The Lowest Setting
When storing your torque wrench, be sure to turn it down to its lowest possible setting. This will prevent the spring in the torque wrench from wearing out and keep it in good working order. However, do not turn the torque wrench all the way down to zero. This can cause other parts of the spring to move around and make the wrench less accurate.
Do Not Take Apart Your Torque Wrench
If you buy a quality torque wrench, it should be well-calibrated and provide you with good performance. Should your torque wrench ever break, however, stop using it immediately and do not take it apart. Using a broken or improperly repaired torque wrench can cause you to accidentally damage your equipment. Find a certified service center for repair and send them your defective wrench.
Make sure the service center meets the standards of your product or industry and follows all relevant regulations. While it may take time for a torque wrench to be properly repaired, you can be sure it will come back in optimal working condition.
Do Not Use a Torque Wrench to Remove Stubborn Nuts
Torque wrenches are designed to accurately tighten nuts and other fasteners. The internal workings are precisely calibrated and the spring that lets you adjust the twisting force can wear out if you put unnecessary pressure on it. Because of this, you should avoid using a torque wrench to remove stubborn nuts. A regular wrench should be enough for the job.
Twist Your Torque Wrench Slowly
To ensure your torque wrench does its job properly, take your time with your work. Begin by tightening the nuts by hand. Then set your torque wrench to the precise setting you need. Twist the torque wrench slowly to make sure you hear a click when you apply the proper twisting force.
Release Your Torque Wrench When You Hear It Click
One of the most common mistakes people make when tightening a fastener is over-torquing. Most adjustable torque wrenches give off an audible click when you twist a bolt or nut, indicating you’ve reached your desired torque. This sound means you need to release the handle and let the torque wrench reset.
However, many people continue twisting the torque wrench even after it clicks. While the wrench will let you continue twisting, you’ll also over-torque the bolt and risk stripping or even breaking it. Because of this, it’s very important to not only listen for the click, but also release the wrench to avoid accidentally damaging your machinery.