Torque Wrench

[BoxWrench]

The Torque Wrench is one of the most commonly used "professional" level tools for engine building. It's function and use should not be limited to professional mechanics only. All fasteners in and on the outside of an engine will have some type of factory rated Torque Specification. Tightening a fastener to a torque spec will make sure that the proper "streach" of the bolt has been achieved and will ensure that the fasteners will stay put and have the proper "holding" ability that the bolt, nut and/or tapped hole will require.
Look up torque specs for various engines here: http://www.boxwrench.net/specs_index.htm

The key to proper use of all torque wrenches is to tighen the fastener in three equal increments. For example, if your engine specs require 60 Ft. Lbs. (Foot Pounds) of torque on a bolt, you would split up the torque rating into three approximate equal increments and tighen the bolt three different times. Once at 20, then at 40 and finally 60 Ft. Lbs., as an example. If you have a bunch of bolts to do in a sequence such as when you torque a cylinder head or intake manifold, you should do all bolts in the sequence at the first increment and then all of them at the second increment, in sequence, and so on.

There are quite a few different types of Torque Wrenches available for mechanics of all skill levels and budget ranges. Three major types are:
• 1) Beam Type
• 2) Click Type (Micrometer Type)
• 3) Dial Indicator Type



1) Beam Type wrenches (pitured full size on the left) have a scale that is connected to the handle of the wrench and a pointer that is connected to the other end of the wrench at the side where the socket will connect to the wrench. When not in use, the wrench is adjusted so that the pointer indicates "zero" on the scale. As the wrench tighens the fastener, the amount of flex exerted on the long handle will cause the pointer to indicate the amount of torque applied on the scale. Beam style wrenches are the least expensive type of wrench but the trade off is that they're the least accurate.

2) "Click Type" or "Micrometer Style" wrenches (pictured center with close up of dial) have a handle with an adjustable scale that resembles the scale and measurement increments found on a micrometer. Usually there is a tighening nut at the very end of the wrench that is loosened and then the wrench handle or "grip" will need to be turned until your torque rating is displayed on the scale. Usually there is one mark on the spining portion of the handle and as it spins, you'll see the various torque ratings count off in increments of "1", "2" or possibly "5". If the scale on the handle starts at a "10" for example, and then has 5 tick marks between the "10" and a "20" then each tick mark will represent 2 pounds of increment from 10 to 20 Ft. Lbs. A setting of 15 Ft. Lbs. would need to be set at "16" in this case, as "15" would not be an option with increments of "2" at a time.
When the wrench is set to the toruqe spec you require, snug up the tightening nut at the base of the wrench and use the correct size socket. You'll use the wrench just like any other ratchet wrench and tighen the fastener. When the fastener gets to the "tightness" of the torque spec you dialed in on the handle, it will make a click noise. Some wrenches will click once when the torque setting is reached and once again after you release pressure. Other wrenches will only click once the spec is reached. At low torque ratings in the ranges from 0-20 Ft. Lbs., most wrenches will make very quiet "clicks" that you'll have to listen carefully for.
The Click Type wrenches are usually moderately priced and are considered average to descent with their accuracy. They're the most commonly used type of Torque Wrench.

3) Dial Indicator wrenches (pictured to the right) have an integrated scale that will give you the exact torque rating that you are applying to the fastener as you are pulling on the tool. Like the Beam Style, these types of wrenches require that you be able to see the dial face as you are using the tool. Dial Indicator tools are the most accurate and can save a lot of time when compared to Click Types that need to be reset for each torque rating. The trade off is that Dial Indicator type wrenches are the premium wrench and do cost quite a bit more that the other types.

[bowtiex2]

Where could I get a torgue wrench recalibrated?
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69 C-10
05 VHO Silverado

[BoxWrench]

We have an old click type wrench that seemed to stop working properly. It was obviously clicking to early and wasn't making it to full specs. We did an internet search for a tooling service shop in our area and called them. The price to recalibrate a cheapy click type wrench wasn't worth it, so we just bought a replacement.

More expensive and more critical dial indicator and digital types are probably worth the money.

Do an internet search for [ "torque wrench" calibration ] and you should find some places to visit or ship to if it's worth the price for you.

[bowtiex2]

I was thinking it'd be cheaper to get a new one (Thanks to Harbor Freight)!! Thanks for the reply!
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69 C-10
05 VHO Silverado

[zoomie220]

Buying a new torque wrench is no guarantee that it is accurate! Especially the cheapo "click" type.
My experience is Snap-on seldom go out of calibration if handled correctly; and Proto are the easiest to re-cal. Norbar are also very good.
If you must keep your purchase price low, get the beam type wrench. It's the least problematic.
Cheers Zoomie.

[73VegaGT]

I am a helicopter Inspector\Mechanic. All my special tools have to be calibrated. I use a company called Chermac Services in Oklahoma. They not only calibrate. They will adjust all tools to meet FAA specs, which meets the automotive standard. I can tell u that no tool I bought new was accurate. Chermac services adjusted all my new torque wrenches, multimeters, dial indicators etc... to meet the actual force\reading. I bought my 1\2 and 3\8 drive's from Home Depot. They all passed specs greatly. I have been using these tools for 6 years now. I have mine re-calibrated annually. I bought a 1\4 drive from Harbor freight that only lasted 2 years before it was returned to me RED tagged. This torque wrench could not be adjusted or repaired to meet even the broadest limits allowed. So be careful where u spend the money for the tools. I found that Home Depot and Sears guarantee to me that their tools will pass or be replaced free. Harbor Freight is not one that will, at least the store by me won't.