February 4, 2015

DIY Tool Tip:  Torque Wrench…What it does, and How to use it.


To understand how a torque wrench works, it might be helpful to know what “torque” means. “Torque, loosely speaking, is a measure of the turning force on an object such as a bolt or a flywheel. For example, pushing or pulling the handle of a wrench connected to a nut or bolt produces a torque (turning force) that loosens or tightens the nut or bolt.”1

So a torque wrench is used to apply a specific torque (measured in foot-pounds) to a nut or bolt. Foot-pounds are an energy measurement that is used in the United States, which is  “the energy transferred on applying a force of one pound-force (lbf) through a displacement of one foot.”2  The corresponding measurement in the Standard International Measurement System is called the “joule”.

DIY Applications of Torque Wrench:  So why is a torque wrench a useful tool for a DIY-er?  If you plan on working on your own car, bicycle, or lawn and garden equipment, a torque wrench is an important tool to have in your tool box.  Many lug nuts and bolts have a designated torque (foot-pounds) that they should be be tightened to.  So to avoid over or under-tightening the bolts on your vehicle or equipment, you will want to have a torque wrench on hand.

Buying guide:  You can get a torque wrench for between $25 on the low end, and $60 for a high end model, either online or at any home improvement or hardware store.

by See Jane Drill, Copyright 2015, All Rights Reserved

1 “Torque”, Wikipedia

2 “Torque Wrench,“ Wikipedia