A torque wrench is an essential tool for applying force for every mechanic and car owner. To tighten the bolts and nuts, you will need torque wrenches to apply the proper torque.
To overtighten and remove them, when buying a torque wrench, it is necessary to take into account some features. If the fastener is too loose or too tight, it may fail during operation due to constant vibration or force. To avoid these issues, buying a good quality torque wrench with these 7 key factors in mind is critical to your toolbox.
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Why Consider Buying a Torque Wrench?
If you need to tighten torque efficiently and accurately without heavy physical work, you will probably consider buying a torque wrench.
When driving, bolts and nuts can loosen due to vibration.
Fasteners with the proper tightening torque will remain tight without these vibrations. In addition, if the bolts or nuts are too loose or too tight, the entire operation may fail.
So, you have to consider the following 7 things to buy a good torque wrench.
Quality
The first aspect to consider when purchasing a torque wrench should be its quality.
The work performed with a torque wrench is directly related to the design of the machine.
Consequently, a low standard torque wrench can interfere with the smooth operation of the system. Instead, a high-quality wrench can minimize process inefficiencies and help you reduce the cost of future repairs.
The materials of construction used can determine the quality of the torque wrench. You can find many varieties of cheap plastic wrenches there.
Everyone will immediately conclude that these keys will not last long, even if they perform well during their short lifespan.
Also, cheap and poor-quality keys will affect the accuracy during operation. It is recommended to choose metal.
They can last longer and remain stable for many years.
Accuracy
This is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a torque wrench. Torque wrenches have different accuracy.
Always try to find a wrench with an accuracy of plus or minus 5%. It would be even better if you could get less of this.
Since accuracy is always important in the tasks in which a torque wrench is used, it is highly recommended that you monitor the accuracy of each selected wrench.
Type of torque wrenches
There are several types of torque wrenches you should be aware of. When buying a torque wrench, you need to know what it is to choose the right one.
Pointer torque wrench
This is the oldest species that we have passed down from generation to generation.
It works by applying a circular force to the handle in a clockwise direction or vice versa. If you need to tighten the bolt, turn the wrench handle clockwise.
If you want to loosen or disengage the bolt, turn the wrench handle counterclockwise. Simple! However, there are still drawbacks.
First, it cannot provide any physical or audible feedback once the desired torque level is reached.
Second, most models can only be used in one direction to tighten nuts or bolts. The beam wrench cannot provide universal direction selection.
Snap torque wrench
If you plan to buy the most commonly used and versatile torque wrench, you will probably look at the snap torque wrench.
To adjust the torque, all you need to do is turn the crank until the correct torque setting is achieved on the tool barrel.
Clockwise rotation of the knob compresses the spring inside. When you apply torque to a nut or bolt, the tool clicks when the correct torque is reached.
The most significant advantage of the micrometer wrench is its flexibility for both left and right hands.
One disadvantage is that the force applied to wearing parts such as the internal coil spring requires regular recalibration.
Electronic or digital torque wrench
Electronic torque wrenches have a digital display that allows you to set the torque range as you wish.
Of course, it will be more expensive than the beam. But over the past few years, electronic or digital keys have fallen in price.
You can now afford one at most car stores.
Replaceable torque wrench
This is one of the new products being launched on the market.
Replaceable torque wrenches are usually supplied with a standard ratchet head and various open-ended sockets in different sizes.
It is a very economical tool that gives you so much for your money. This tool handles many applications, such as accessing nuts and bolts in tight spaces.
Replaceable torque wrenches are usually supplied with a standard ratchet head and various open-ended sockets in different sizes.
These are some of the types of torque wrenches you might want to consider when purchasing.
There are several other types on the market that you can choose from. But to be reminded, you must define its use. You can then purchase the one that suits your job best to save you money and time.
Capacity
To meet almost any requirement, suppliers produce a variety of high-power torque wrenches.
If you can determine the purpose of the tool, obtaining high torque can become very simple. Otherwise, it will lead to a dishonest and wrong purchase.
These tools are used in a variety of ways in both the industrial and automotive sectors.
Depending on their capabilities and scale, they are divided into small, medium, and large.
Small size torque wrenches provide a torque range from 30 “to 200”, available with 3/8 “or 1/4” square drive.
Mid-range, short-range torque wrenches range from 20 to 30 ft-lbs and a high range of approximately 250 ft-lbs. Typically a 1/2 ”square drive is supplied with these types of torque wrenches.
Heavy-duty torque wrenches are suitable for heavy industry and automotive applications such as servicing machines, large factories, and trucks.
They can probably provide up to 1,000 foot-pounds—torque range.
Handle
During operation, when using a wrench, liquid and grease may cover the hands. Hence, you must keep an eye on the capture.
A good grip is essential when choosing a torque wrench. Imagine using a wrench; when it’s too slippery, you will have trouble getting the job done.
So, when buying a torque wrench, look at the handle and find the material that prevents slipping as much as possible.
A good grip is essential when choosing a torque wrench.
Torque range
This parameter defines the range in which the key works. The range of a tool is closely related to the value that needs to be conveyed in each particular use.
Spring-loaded snap wrenches perform best and most accurately within 25-85% of the base range.
For example, you need to tighten the threaded connection with a force of 30 N / m. Wrenches with ranges of 6-30 N / m 16022030 and 20-110 N / m 16033110 can cope with the task. So which torque wrench should you choose? It is better to purchase a key 16033110 with a range of 20-110 N / m since the required force “lies” not in the extreme value of the scale, which means that the tool spring will not stretch so quickly.
Yes, unlike the first, the second key will not be able to work with lower values, but for less effort, you can purchase a second key, for example, with a range of 5-25 N / m 16032025.
Therefore, do not select a tool that will primarily be used at the bottom or top of the key scale.
You might be tempted to do this to save money, but the inaccuracy of the “output” torque can seriously outweigh any savings.
Price
In many ways, it can play the highest role when choosing a torque wrench. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices based on the above criteria, you can worry about costs.
At the same time, you can choose the cheapest option, but you need to carefully weigh the rest of the offers, as you may find that other options ultimately lead to the best purchase overall.
Conclusion
A torque wrench is a precision tool, and it is worth investing in a quality product.
There are many types of torque wrenches on the market to choose from, but not all of them may meet your requirements.
Use all of the tips we’ve reviewed to find the perfect one for you. A good option is economical and effective to save you money, and the time it takes to get the job done. Knowing the ins and outs of torque wrenches is important.
We have an article that goes over how does a torque wrench work in full detail.
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