A torque wrench is a tool used to apply a specific torque to a fastener such as a nut, bolt, or lag screw. It is usually in the form of a socket wrench with special internal mechanisms. A torque wrench is used where the tightness of screws and bolts is crucial.

What is a torque wrench used for?

A torque wrench is a tool used to control and apply a specific torque to a fastener such as a bolt or a nut. It is a fundamental element in general mechanics, tire changing operations and industrial maintenance & repair industries, to ensure customers' safety.

Do you really need a torque wrench?

If you plan to do any major work on your engine or on some major powertrain components, you absolutely need a torque wrench. Overtightening cylinder-head bolts, for instance, can easily cause expensive damage and catastrophic coolant loss. Too-tight exhaust manifold bolts can cause the manifold to crack.

What is the difference between a torque wrench and ratchet?

Torque wrenches are a type of wrench commonly used in automotive work and other tasks where a precise torque setting is needed for a specific bolt. Ratchet wrenches are more simple wrenches designed for loosening and tightening bolts.

What is a torque wrench and when should you use it?

What is a Torque Wrench? A torque wrench is a tool used specifically to adjust nuts and bolts. It offers additional leverage for tightening difficult and hard-to-reach parts, making it a go-to piece for auto mechanics, electronics specialists and machinery repair professionals.

How to use a Torque Wrench PROPERLY

37 related questions found

Does a lawn mower blade need a torque wrench?

Most mowers will not require using a torque wrench. The biggest benefit in using a torque wrench for the average mower will be not only to ensure you have the blade tight enough, but that you don't tighten it so much that you can't remove the bolt later. Blade bolts can tighten with use.

Can I use a torque wrench as a normal wrench?

In these applications, a torque wrench is the proper tool to use instead of a plain ratchet. Fortunately, in all but the tightest or most specialized of applications, ratchet torque wrenches can be used.

Does a spark plug need a torque wrench?

Spark plugs should be torqued to manufacturers' specifications. However, it is possible to tighten the plugs satisfactorily without a torque wrench.

Do you need special sockets for torque wrench?

Hex sockets are the most common types of sockets. They are mainly available in two types;namelyhex/6 point sockets and bi-hex/12 point sockets. Hex sockets have a square drive socket at one end which is used to attach with a torque wrench like square drive torque wrenches.

What happens if you dont use a torque wrench?

Too tight and something will break, it may be the thread on the bolt, or much worse the thread on in the hole. Bolts will also break, sometimes leaving a very hard to remove bit in your frame.

What happens if you don't torque to spec?

Insufficient torque

When you apply exactly the right amount of fastening force, you can rest assured that the bolt will transfer the 'hits' as well as the load of the belt to the bulk of the engine, which will absorb them. ... This, in turn, will lead to incorrect belt tension and, eventually, to belt and/or engine damage.

How do you exercise a torque wrench?

It's always good to "exercise" the torque wrench before putting it away. Move the torque setting through its full range of motion, then set it back to zero. As with all metal tools, store the wrench in a dry place. Many wrenches have a small hole (with a rubber plug) for lubrication.

What happens if you dont torque spark plugs?

An under-torqued spark plug will not make full contact with the cylinder head. This reduces a plug's ability to transfer heat and will result in elevated combustion chamber temperatures. Such temperatures can cause pre-ignition and detonation and lead to engine damage.

Should I disconnect my car battery when changing spark plugs?

No. The battery will not cause any problems when changing the plugs. For a car with “Coil on plug” you disconnect the coils before you remove them, so there's no way any high voltage can be generated.

How much should you torque a spark plug?

Installing Spark Plugs – Lawn & Garden Equipment

Tighten the spark plug finger-tight until the gasket reaches the cylinder head, then tighten about ½ – ⅔ turn more with a spark plug wrench. (Taper seat: About 1/16 turn more.)

How important is a torque wrench?

Torque wrenches allow you to tighten lug nuts without damaging the rim. This is especially important on light metals like aluminum that can scratch and dent easily. Torque wrenches can also be used to set bolt pulleys, bearings, seal the mating surface between a gasket or crush plate, and more.

Is it bad to leave a torque wrench set?

Storing your torque wrench

However, when storing a torque wrench for an extended period of time, users should always wind it down to the minimum scale setting and never to zero. A fully loaded torque wrench, left in storage for a long period, can cause a 'set' in the spring, causing it to weaken over time.

How accurate is a torque wrench?

Torque wrenches are typically 20% accuracy to 100% of scale. A good quality torque wrench will provide a spec showing falloff curve at low and high end of range.

Can I change a lawn mower blade without a torque wrench?

How do you change a lawn mower blade without a torque wrench? If you don't have a socket wrench or torque wrench, you can use a regular crescent wrench, but you want the biggest one you can find. Longer wrenches give more leverage, and you need lots of leverage to free a stuck bolt.

Should you torque mower blades?

Walk behind mower blades should be installed between 38 and 50 foot pounds of torque. Riding mower blades should be installed between 70 and 90 foot pounds of torque.

What is good torque for a lawn mower?

Small, flat yards with regularly-maintained grass require only a light duty machine, with 4.50 to 5.50 ft-lbs of torque, while large yards with tall, thick grass require a medium- to heavy-duty mower.