A torque wrench is a must-have tool for auto and motorcycle repair. A torque wrench is used where the tightness of screws and bolts is critical. You need a torque wrench to accurately tighten nuts and bolts and apply the target load for a specific amount of stress on a gasket so they do not leak, stretch, break or come loose.
Many car and motorcycle parts are using aluminum and softer metals and plastic parts these days, so it has become even more important to apply proper torque. Under torquing a wheel lug with softer metals, could result in the lug loosening and eventually falling off. Over torquing a wheel lug with softer metals can actually weaken the wheel stud and cause it to crack and break, which can lead to the same results as under torquing.
There are 4 Basic Types of Torque Wrenches
Beam Style Torque Wrench – This basic wrench can easily and accurately tighten and loosen nuts and bolts on your motorcycle, truck, garden tractor, four-wheeler and more. The beam style torque wrench can accurately measure torque in a variety of applications. The attached calibrated scale moves when pressure is applied. Via the indicator, you’ll be able to determine when proper torque is achieved.
Click Adjustable Torque Wrench – Click style torque wrenches have an internal spring and adjustable handle. Twisting the handle adjusts the torque value of the wrench. When you reach the preset torque value while tightening a fastener, the wrench will click and slip slightly, preventing you from applying any more torque. The advantage of a click wrench is that you can check the torque by feel and don’t have to look at the scale or a gauge.
Dial Gauge and Digital Electronic Torque Wrenches – Dial gauge and digital electronic torque wrenches have easy to read gauges, and are the most accurate. They are also the most expensive, and can range in price from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars. These are precision instruments that should be handled carefully. They need to be accurately calibrated from the factory, and recalibrated on a regular basis to assure continued accuracy.
When using a Torque Wrench, please follow these safety rules:
• Safety glasses should be worn at all times.
• Do not exceed the recommended working range of the torque wrench.
• Dropping a torque wrench can cause the instrument to lose calibration.
• After 5,000 cycles or one year of use, torque wrenches should be inspected and recalibrated.
• Clicker torque wrenches should always be stored it at their lowest level on the scale.
• Never use torque wrenches to loosen fasteners.
Over or under torquing can also strip components and lead to heavy damage and costly repairs. Unfortunately, many automotive mechanics don’t realize the need to properly torque bolts on a vehicle and will install wheel lugs by the feel of the air wrench they use. The recommendation is to use a properly calibrated torque wrench whenever the vehicle specifications call for it.
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