What’s a Torque Wrench?

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A torque wrench is a tool that allows you to check the circular force, or torque, when inserting, removing, or tightening a bolt or nut. It comes in many different styles and levels of complexity depending on its applications.

A simple one, called a spoke torque wrench, has a scale on the wrench that will measure the amount of torque used. The scale is connected to a slightly flexible arm which will display the torque scale when the wrench is in use. This type may be fine for general use, but tends to be a bit imprecise in its measurements. When the amount of torque has to be measured very specifically, it is inadvisable to use the simple torque wrench.

Another type of fairly common use is called a click torque wrench. Before using the wrench, you can set it to deliver a specific amount of torque and no more. When the required amount of torque is reached, the wrench mechanism slips so that no more force can be applied.

Click-type torque wrenches are typically used to tighten bolts on car wheels. Too much torque can strip the metal holding the bolt and cause the wheel to come loose. This tool can also be used for fastening roof bolts, bolts on bicycles and in any application where nuts and bolts need to be tightened.

Torque wrench can vary widely in price. The beam type is usually much lower in price, but can be a poor option where precision in torque is required. A fairly well made click torque wrench has a higher price tag, which can vary depending on the size of wrench required. People may also have sets of wrenches since not all nuts and bolts measure the same. For example, someone buying a torque wrench for a bicycle would want a much smaller diameter measuring fitting than a person buying one for tightening roof bolts.

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