How to Use a Torque Wrench for Common Auto Repairs
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A torque wrench is a very useful tool to have in your garage since it will let you perform a lot of different auto repairs. With a properly calibrated torque wrench, you can be sure you won’t over tighten or under tighten a bolt and this can be vitally important in most auto repair work.
Tools and Materials
- Torque Wrench
Step One - Settings
Before you can use a torque wrench, or a torque screwdriver for that matter, you need to know the torque setting for the part you’re working on. This is why having the service manual for your vehicle is so important, as it will have all these values listed within the contents. You should be able to find in the specific section for the type of repair or, alternatively, listings will be under the specifications section at the front or rear of the manual.
Step Two - Calibration
When you know the setting, you will need to calibrate the torque wrench. Torque wrench calibration ensures you’re going correctly set to do the necessary work. To calibrate, simply set the torque wrench to the required setting. If the setting is supposed to be 80 pounds per square inch, you’ll need to turn the dial on your torque wrench to the 80 mark.
Step Three - Bolt Tightening
There is usually a lock mechanism at the top of the torque wrench. In order to tighten bolts, you need to flip the lock mechanism so the lever is all the way to the left. This will allow the torque wrench to turn clockwise, which is the direction you need to turn in order to tighten the bolt.
Step Four - Sockets
Once you have prepared the wrench, you should you select the correct socket to fit onto the bolt. The socket needs to be as exact a fit as possible. If it’s not, the wrench could easily slip when you tighten it. The socket fits onto the torque wrench and, in turn, the socket fits onto the bolt.
Step Five - Tightening
Keep tightening the bolt until you begin to feel some resistance. Continue, but tighten more slowly. You need to keep going until you hear a click. This means you’ve reached the correct torque. When the correct torque has been applied, the torque releases as soon as you hear the clicking. Remember, you shouldn’t use torque wrenches to loosen bolts. A regular socket wrench is all you need for this particular task.
Step Six - Other Torque Wrenches
A beam torque wrench has a long beam which is essentially a rod that flexes a little when you turn it. There is also a handle pivot and a wide metric scale on the other end. The handle pivot is placed over the bolt and force is applied to the center of the handle. The scale shows the amount of force you’re applying as the beam bends until you reach the torque you desire.
Digital torque wrenches are mostly used by professionals. All you have to do is punch in the number for the torque you require. There is an LCD screen on the wrench that’s powered by a battery. Tighten the bolt, and once you reach the proper torque, the wrench beeps to let you know you’ve reached the correct point.
