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What is a torque wrench ? 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.
Is a torque wrench necessary?
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.
For what purpose is a torque wrench used?
What is a torque wrench ? Used in car garages or in industry, a torque wrench is used to check and adjust the tightening torque of bolts, screws and nuts. A torque wrench is a precision tool which guarantees reliable and quality tightening.
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.
How do you use a torque wrench for beginners?
To use a torque wrench, adjust the handle and set it to a specific level of torque. Use the tightener on the end of the handle to lock it in place. Then, fit it over the socket, nut, or bolt and turn it clockwise to tighten it. When you’re done, turn the settings on the handle back to 0 and store it somewhere safe.
Can you use a torque wrench to loosen bolts?
You certainly could use a torque wrench to loosen bolts, it is not the best idea. Torque wrenches are precision measuring instruments, using them to loosen bolts is not in line with that purpose. You end up stressing the tool when it is used as a breaker bar, and you often need excessive force to loosen bolts.
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 I need a torque wrench for my bicycle?
Torque wrenches have become a must-have in the last few years because there’s so much carbon fibre and very light aluminium in modern bikes. Clamps around carbon components can easily do damage if over-tightened, so a torque wrench is essential if you’re handling such gear.
Can I use torque wrench as ratchet?
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.
Is a torque wrench necessary for bikes?
Unless you’re a master bike mechanic or intuitively know how to apply precise force measurements, you should USE a torque wrench to tighten nuts and bolts to specific bicycle manufacture specifications. Also, most bicycle manufacturer’s warranties can be voided unless a torque wrench was used.
Do I need a torque wrench to change my tires?
A torque wrench is not explicitly necessary; the spare jack and tire iron that come in the trunk of every car are sufficient to change a tire in normal cases. If this was the case, car manufacturers would have to start including torque wrenches with the car in the event of a flat tire.
Should you double click a torque wrench?
Double checking your torque is never a bad thing. By double clicking, you are allowing the fastener to rest for a second, then you are back at it to get the proper amount of torque there.
How long do torque wrenches last?
As per the official website of the International Organization of Standardization, ISO 6789 states that a torque wrench should be re-calibrated every 5000 uses or every 12 months.
Can you over torque with a torque wrench?
So long as users operate with caution and do not exceed the maximum torque, most torque wrenches can be used for undoing. However, if the bolt will not free within the maximum torque of the wrench, another tool should be used instead.
What is a good torque wrench to buy?
Comparison of the best torque wrench for cars Torque Wrench Price Best budget torque wrench EPAuto 3/8-inch drive $25 Best clicking-style torque wrench Lexivon 1/2-inch drive $56 Best digital torque wrench Gearwrench 1/2-inch drive $172 Best beam-style torque wrench Tooluxe 1/2-inch drive $24.
What torque wrench do I need?
The bigger the drive and the longer the handle, the more torque they can deliver. Most home mechanics will find that a torque wrench with a 1/2-inch drive and at least an 18-inch handle is the best choice for lug nuts, cylinder heads, suspension bushings, and other likely uses.
Do you need torque wrench for oil change?
If you are new to changing your oil though, use a torque wrench and the proper factory torque specs. It’s easy to over-tighten a bolt and strip the threads if you don’t have practice. You might also need ramps or a floor jack, jack stands, and wheel chocks if you have to go under the vehicle.
Should you lubricate spark plug threads?
Thread breakage can sometimes involve removing the cylinder head for repair. Metal shell stretch changes the heat rating of the spark plug and can result in serious engine damage caused by pre-ignition. Do not use anti-seize or lubricant on NGK spark plugs. It is completely unnecessary and can be detrimental.
