The torque wrench can be described as a mechanical tool in the sense that it is used to apply torque to fasteners such as bolts. Typically, torque wrenches are in the form of socket wrenches and they have internal mechanisms that are special. This tool was invented in Bahr Conrad in 1918 when he was working for the water department in the city of New York.
A torque wrench can also be used to loosen or even tighten a bolt. However, it is important to note that if too much force is used, the calibration might snap off. To tighten a nut that has not less than ten ft-lb, it is advisable to use a 2-foot wrench and while at it, apply at least 50 pounds of force.
Types of a torque wrenches
There are different types of torque wrenches. Below is the list;
– Mechatronic torque wrenches
– Beam torque wrenches
– Click torque wrenches
– Deflecting beam torque wrenches
– The no-hub torque wrench
– Programmable electronic torque wrenches
– The slipper torque wrench
Factors to be considered when buying a torque wrench
When buying a torque wrench, it is important to take a few things into serious consideration so as to get the very best tool. Let us look at the most significant considerations that should be made.
1. The quality
It is important to take into consideration the quality of the wrench before making the final decision. When one buys a torque machine that is not of good quality, then chances are that it will not be worth both the time and money spent. On the other hand, when one buys and uses good quality wrenches, there is a small percentage of getting inefficiencies at the work place.
2. The accuracy needed
Before buying a torque wrench, it is important to take into very serious consideration the accuracy that it will be needed to accomplish. Below are the most accurate wrenches when matters related to accuracy are concerned.
-The electronic torque wrench
These wrenches can effectively measure torque that comes from a gauge that is connected to the torsion rod. Operators can view the transducer signal on display.
– The slipper type torque wrench
This one is powered by slip-free technology and is well suited for production facilities where repeated accuracy is key. Nowadays, this type of wrench has advanced features like the electrical switch, pin retention, left-hand operation as well as RF transceiver capacity. Below are the top ten torque wrenches that are in the market currently.
Presa 31003 Beam Style Torque Wrench, 3/8-Inch
This torque wrench gives the user an upper hand when matters related to getting the most accurate readings and getting the job done are concerned. This specific torque is among the most respected in the market when matters accuracy are concerned. It does an awesome job tightening and loosing nuts not just for vehicles, but for other accessories as well. This product comes accompanied by a 3/8 inch drive beam that is guaranteed to provide accuracy when matters related to eliminating parallax errors are concerned. It is constructed with a powerful steel alloy and a finish that is corrosion free. It’s handle is also textured to ensure that it gives the owner the best grip possible.
TEKTON 24335 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench (10-150 ft.-lb./13.6-203.5 Nm
This torque wrench is sized for trucks, lawn and garden equipment as well as cars. When in use, it lets the owner get a very comfortable and confident grip to tighten and loosen parts without having to cause any damage.
Once the desired wrench preset is accomplished, the wrench produces a click sound that the user can feel and therefore, signifying them to stop applying force. It has an easy to read scale that can be easily read even during the night. For maximum strength, it is made up of steel all round.
Neiko 00206A 1/2 Inch Drive Premium Breaker Bar, 24″ Length | Cr-V Steel
This specific torque wrench is the most appropriate when it comes to loosening and tightening notes and bolts that are stubborn. It has a handle that provides very incredible levels of strength at the anvil. It is designed in such a way that the grip is contoured to provide a tight grip.
The anvil is designed to rotate at an angle of 180 degrees so that when it comes to versatility, it is increased at all times. For matters related to durability, it is made with heat-treated chrome-Vanadium that sees to it that it is corrosion and break-resistant. This is an essential tool for any professional or even, someone who fancies doing things themselves.
Craftsman 9-31425 20-150 ft lbs 1/2″ Drive MicroTork Torque Wrench
When matters related to accuracy are concerned, this specific torque wrench is not left behind, and it offers an accuracy that ranges between -4 to 4%. It has a twist ring that comes accompanied by lock and unlocks settings to see to it that again, accuracy is at the top. It’s scales are stamped into housing metric torque settings to show the user the specific scale in use.
It is black metallic in color and is made of tensile steel for maximum strength. It measures 1 pound and has a warranty from the manufacturer in the rare event that it fails to serve as within the expectations. This particular product is suitable for light usages like in cars and not in industrial settings.
Snap-on Industrial Brand CDI Torque Wrench
This torque can drive an adjustable micrometer torque wrench that is calibrated in two directions and while at it, provide a positive lock that can be pulled down or locked by a ring. This is among the fastest and easiest torque wrenches to set. It is also very easy to use because it comes accompanied by a dual scale that is marked.
The wrench also has quick buttons that can provide very quick socket removal and retention for a grip that is ergonomic and comfortable. When matters related to the range are concerned, it ranges from 30 to 250 pounds.
Digital Torque Wrench from ACDelco – Model: ARM601-4 1/2″
When matters related to the specialty are concerned, the torque wrench is one of the most commonly used specialty tools. For that particular reason, it is advisable that it comes accompanied by all the features that would make it not just look the part, but fit the role.
This specific wrench torque model is designed to provide different settings. It has a buzzer that is built-in as well as a display feature that shows the measurement settings. This tool is easily powered by three size AAA batteries therefore, making it very lightweight and durable as well.
The best thing about it is the fact that it can easily operate in clockwise and anti-clock wise directions. It ranges from 4-99 lbs, therefore, making it a must have for all car owners.
Nordstrand Pro Drive Click Square Torque Wrench, 1/4-Inch(20-200 inch/lbs)
This specific torque wrench is suitable for professional use in DIY activities, car as well as bicycle maintenance. This particular product has a fully adjustable torque that can operate within the ranges of 2.26 to 22.6 Nm. It has a knurled grip that makes sure that it is very easy to use in all conditions. It is one of the few such products that can be used on vibrating machinery.
When using it, one can get the torque right and accurate without strain since it comes loaded with all features to facilitate that.
Capri Tools Torque Wrench – 31000 10-80 Foot Pound , 3/8-Inch Drive
With this product, the user will get the very best when it comes to service because it has every component constructed with automatic machinery to be in a position to get the best product for the most accurate torque. This is suitable for maintaining bikes, small vehicles as well as strong appliances.
ACDelco ARM601-3 3/8-inch Digital Torque Wrench (2-37 ft-lbs)
This specific torque wrench is probably one of the most advanced when matters related to giving the user a very precise torque when in different modes are concerned. It is made of very strong steel and when in operation, it notifies the user of torque confirmation when it makes a buzzing sound.
It is very easy to set to specific models and has the range capacity between 2-37 lbs. Like many advanced such products, it can operate in both clockwise and anti=clockwise directions.
Precision Instruments PREC3FR250F Silver 1/2″ Drive Split Beam Torque Wrench with Flex Head
This specific product is one of the easiest when it comes to getting the settings right. It only requires some small fingertip force because it does not have the adjustment mechanism under the load. It has a strong grip as well as nickel/chrome finish. It has adjustment knobs that are easy to use and therefore, setting and using the product overall is easy.
As stated in the article, torque wrenches have and will continue being on the front line when matters related to making work easier for those that need them are concerned. They are easy to use and end up saving a lot of time and energy in the long run. With the products described above, no one will go wrong when it comes to choosing the most appropriate for the task at hand. The best thing with them all is the fact that they are cheap, available and easy to use.