How to choose a torque wrench? basic information

The torque wrench is used by professional bodyshops, but can also be found in car, motorcycle and bicycle garages. Do you want to buy a torque wrench? Before choosing a specific model, find out what to look for when looking for that tool just for you.

A dynamo wrench is a device that allows you to tighten the screw with the desired force - not too tight, but not too carefully. As a result, the bolt sits firmly and securely. This is especially important in the case of engine components, glow plugs, and those nuts that can be damaged by over tightening.

What is a torque wrench?

The feature that distinguishes the torque wrench from other popular workshop wrenches is the ability to obtain a precisely defined torque. Often, manufacturers provide information on the preferred tightening torque to which screws should be tightened. Instead of doing it by eye, it's easier to use a dynamo wrench for this - you can set it to tighten the screws with a certain amount of force.

What is a torque wrench for?

It is advisable to use a torque wrench when screwing aluminum components, for example in the cylinder head. A torque wrench is also handy for screwing delicate plastics such as plastic. Such a wrench is always useful when precision and feel are required to avoid damage to parts subject to crushing and breakage and allows components to be easily tightened.

Torque wrench - how to set up?

Want to know how to install a torque wrench? To do this, select the Nm scale and make sure the micrometer knob is set to zero. Then this knob should be turned clockwise until it reaches the desired position, and then locked. You can also set the direction in which the screws should be tightened - clockwise or counterclockwise. It's time to put the appropriate cap on the driver. Now the key is working.

Which torque wrench to choose for your home workshop?

The scope and drive of the key, that is, its most important parameters, depend on what you want to use it for. So before you buy a random model, consider what kind of torque you will need in your home workshop. If you are going to use a torque wrench for car wheels, look for one that will be in the range of 40 to 200 Nm. When you are planning an engine overhaul, the ideal torque for this application is 30 Nm. Fragile items such as candles will require a low torque wrench - less than 20 Nm.

Another important size is the key size. It should be adjusted to fit the head of the screws you will be tightening. The size is in inches and can vary from ¼ to 1 inch. As a rule, a torque wrench with a small screwdriver size is required for precise work. The 3/8" size is suitable for the repair of most automotive parts. Such keys are offered by YATO. The largest sizes are designed to work on industrial machines.

Torque wrench for car wheels

One of the main uses of a torque wrench is to tighten bolts when changing car wheels. It is always a good idea to retorque them with this tool after using a special impact wrench. This will ensure that the screws are tightened to the correct torque so that they are easier to loosen next time. Thus, their service life will be increased, as they will not be subjected to excessive tightening and loosening.

Bicycle torque wrench

Dynamo wrenches used to repair bicycle parts have a fairly low torque, which is less than 25 Nm. A bicycle torque wrench is very versatile, as a wrench of this range can tighten most screws and items repaired in a home workshop.

Rotary and mechanical torque wrench

There are main types of dynamo keys:

• adjustable (pointer) wrench with a wide range of torque is a universal model, characterized by a fairly low price. When tightening, a special indicator tilts, which allows you to check on the scale with what force it acts. Such a key is offered, for example, by Vorel;
• mechanical wrench, also known as a wrench. In the center is a spring that flexes when tightened. A mechanical latch that locks the key when the set torque is exceeded makes a clicking sound. Hearing this, the screw is tightened;
• broken key - when the specified torque value is reached, the front of the key will break by about 20 degrees. When the key is removed, the broken part returns to its original position;
• electronic key - is highly accurate. Its accuracy can be up to 0,5%. Some electronic torque wrenches have an LCD screen and a memory function.

The variety of keys makes it difficult to choose the available models. Therefore, it is worth knowing their main characteristics and parameters.

A set of torque wrenches - is it worth it?

If you frequently use precision tools and repair your car, bike, or motorcycle in your workshop, it's worth investing in a set of wrenches. Here you will find adjustable torque tools and attachments for basic jobs. The workshop will use a wheel wrench, an engine wrench and a low torque spark plug torque wrench.

You already know the main types of dynamos, which can make it easier for you to decide which one will be useful in your home workshop. Keep the above information in mind and arm yourself with this professional tool so that the screws you are tightening are always securely fixed and tight enough.

More guides can be found on AvtoTachki Passions in the Home and Garden section.