The torque wrench is one speciality tool that seems to be in most garages, but not all. This handy tool takes all the guess work out of how tight a bolt really is. The term “snug” can vary from one set of hands to another, so the torque wrench takes out that variation.
For most of us, we don’t torque a whole lot. When building an engine, we will torque down the mains, rods, heads and maybe the intake. But in reality, you should be torquing a lot more. The factory calls out torque specifications for just about everything on the car. One crucial part on a car that should be torqued but often isn’t is your wheels.
Starting out torque wrenches were really basic. They had a needle and a face on them, which required you to look at the needle as you were torquing. This style of torque wrench still works, but isn’t as precise or efficient as newer models.
In time came newer versions where you could set the torque specification and the wrench would ‘click’ when that torque was reached. This allowed you to not have to monitor a gauge as you were putting over 110 ft.-lb. to a crank main cap. This style usually had an adjustable sleeve that would allow you to twist and adjust the torque specification.
In recent years, torque wrenches have turned electronic just like everything else. But before you frown and go back to your trusty mechanical torque wrench, take a minute and read on. These new electronic torque wrenches can be set to the correct specification with the push of a button. No more turning a sleeve or looking at a gauge. They also allow you to set the wrench based on Newtom Meters(NM), metric or standard calibrations.
This means no more calculations to figure out how many foot pounds are in a Newton meter. The other thing is that these electronic versions have a loud audible beep to let you know you’ve reached the right torque. With the older models that click, sometimes it would be hard to feel or hear.
Just like most of the other tools we’ve covered in Tool-Time Tuesday, there is different price points for each. There is your base versions and the professional grade versions. Which version you choose depends on your budget and how often you think you’ll use it.
If you have a torque wrench, go out and start using it more often. This will allow you to have a more reliable and quality vehicle.
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