Before you begin using a torque wrench, spend some time getting familiar with its makeup. The most important part is the dial. This lets you apply the desired force on the bolt.
Putting the Torque Wrench to Work
Check your car manual for info on the torque. This is necessary so the right torque for the bolt can be applied. Get the torque wrench and move it to the setting recommended in the car user guide.
Double check to make sure you’re implementing the correct measurement unit. Two are being used today: the US imperial system and the metric system.
Locate the appropriate socket for the nut or bolt. Connect it to the wrench. You can now start using a torque wrench to tighten the nut. Do this with some short strokes.
The process is done when you sense the wrench has broken. It hasn’t. When you apply the recommended setting, the wrench automatically stops when that point is reached. That’s when you feel the breaking or slipping.
If you’re going to use an adapter, you’ve got to use manual calculations. The adapter will add to the lever length, but it means the normal wrench setting can’t be used. You can use a torque wrench to loosen up those nuts and bolts on your vehicle.
Torque Wrenches vs. Regular Wrenches
It
many ways it functions like a regular wrench. The major difference is that using a torque wrench will let you know the tightness.
The problem with regular wrenches is that you could end up using excessive force. This could destroy the nut threads. If this happens you’ll have to change the nuts in the vehicle. Unless you’re an expert, this will be very difficult.
Tips and Hints
When adjusting the torque wrench, keep an eye on the gauge. That’s
where you can determine the pressure level and how it’s changing. Again, don’t get confused about the two measurements being used. Your car manual may specify only one measurement. Use that as a guide for setting up the torque wrench.
Here’s another example for using a torque wrench. Check the car manual for information on the nut. For instance, a flywheel gland nut should be tightened to 30 kg in a metric system. If the US imperial system is used, that would be 220 ft. Apply the correct setting on the gauge.
Tighten it slowly. You can twist it all the way but it can be difficult. As stated earlier, you can stop when the break is felt.
Note: some models allow you to adjust the wrench even when you’re past the recommended level. This might damage the nut, so be careful.
The best way to avoid this is by evaluating the setting. If it’s your first time to use this device, it’s a good idea to have the car manual with you for reference.
If you learn something about using a torque wrench, you might save your car a trip to the repair shop. This means you get to save both time and money.
