How to Use a Torque Wrench (DIY)
Matthew Harrington Step 1
Learn the advantages of using a torque wrench set: Torque wrench setting
Adjust the torque wrench to the manufacturer listed setting
You may think you don’t need a torque wrench set to install spark plugs or work on your lawn and garden equipment. But studies show that most DIYers overtighten just about everything, and overtightening leads to broken bolts, stripped threads and damaged equipment.
With a torque wrench set and the manufacturer’s torque value in hand, the problem is solved: A “clicker” torque wrench makes an audible click when you’ve reached the set torque, and with a “beam”-style wrench, you just watch the scale and stop at the right number.
Torque Wrench Use and Care Tips
Tighten fasteners in two steps—first to half torque and then to final torque.
Clean dirty or rusted threads before tightening, but don’t lubricate them unless instructed to by the equipment manufacturer.
Always dial the wrench back to zero (never below zero) when you’re done with it.
Never use your torque wrench as a breaker bar—that’ll damage the torque mechanism.
Carry it with kid gloves—a single fall can knock the accuracy off by as much as 30 percent. If you do drop it, get it recalibrated (calibration firms listed below) before using it again.
Torque wrench calibration services
anglerepair.com. (304) 253-5729
delegardtool.com. (800) 328-2897
microprecision.com. (530) 268-1860
teamtorque.com. (888) 682-8675
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Step 2
What to look for in a torque wrench set
Pro-quality clicker-style micrometer wrench set
You’ll have to spend close to $100 to get a pro-quality 1/2-in. drive clicker-style torque wrench. Sure, it’s a lot more than for a cheapo wrench. But at least you’ll be getting a wrench that’ll hold its calibration longer. Better yet, most of these wrenches carry at least a one-year warranty and can be recalibrated and repaired after the warranty period. This Kobalt 1/2-in. drive 50–250 ft.-lb. torque wrench (No. 85602; $95 at Lowe’s) carries a lifetime warranty.
Bending beam torque wrench set
Family Handyman
A bending beam (aka ‘deflecting beam’) torque wrench holds its calibration forever if you don’t drop it. I’ve owned this one for 30 years, and it still works fine. You can buy them at home centers and online (one choice is the Neiko Classic Needle-Style Dual 3/8-in. & 1/2-in. drive, 0-150 ft.-lb. Torque Wrench from amazon.com). The downside to a bending beam wrench: You must view the scale from directly above the needle. That’s hard to do when you’re using it in close quarters or at an angle.
Economy clicker-style torque wrench sets
Family Handyman
You can find economy clicker-style torque wrenches at most home centers and online (Storm 3T415 1/2-in. drive wrench; from amazon.com). They work well if you just need a torque wrench for a single tightening project. But economy torque wrenches don’t hold their calibration very long, and most calibration services won’t recalibrate them. Consider it a disposable ‘one-project’ tool.
Torque wrenches come in four styles: clicker style, bending beam, dual beam and digital. Dual beam and digital wrenches are the most expensive ($200 to $400), and they’re overkill for most of us. You simply don’t need to spend that kind of money to get accurate results. As long as you follow our usage tips, you can torque nuts and bolts with any of these wrenches. Planning to buy one? Check out this Family Handyman approved Performance Tool Digital Torque Adapter.
