Buying a torque wrench may seem like a straightforward mission. However, it can be daunting if you are not sure about the application at hand and the product features you need in a torque wrench. The best torque wrench is the one that meets your application and your budget.
So, what factors do you need to keep in mind before purchasing a torque wrench that is best suited for your needs? Is using a torque wrench part of your professional work or are you just an occasional user? What is the maximum torque output required for your application?
Torque wrenches are precision tools, so you need to focus on certain factors before choosing the right one. Let us find out how to choose the right torque wrench.
What is the torque requirement you need?
First things first; how much torque do you need for your application?
- Very light duty torque: If the range of your torque application is 15-75 ft. lbs. then you would only need a very light duty torque wrench. Some of the applications that fall in this range include fastening spark plugs, oil drain plugs, and valve cover bolts.
- Light duty torque: Automotive repair industry mostly uses light duty torque wrenches that fall in the 30-150 ft. lbs. ranges for their tyre changing operations. Some of the applications that fall in this range include common repair needs like head bolts, lug nuts, and calliper bolts.
- Moderate duty torque: Automotive fastening applications like fixing axle bolts, hub bolts, and light duty fasteners require a moderate duty torque in the torque range between 50 and 250 ft. lbs.
- Heavy duty torque: Heavy duty automotive bolts require a torque between 120 and 600 ft. lbs. Some of the applications that need heavy torque include driveline components and bearings, as well as much of the work involved in transfer cases and differentials.
- Very heavy duty torque: Very heavy duty automotive fasteners require a torque in the 200 to 1,000 ft. lbs. range. Some of the applications that would need a very heavy duty torque include fastening work on off-road vehicles and performance racing vehicles.
Size of the square head range
The size of the square head range depends on the different torque range and functions.
- A 1/4 in. square head range is appropriate for a smaller torque range, for example, for very light duty jobs like nuts and bolt fastening on garden equipment, bicycles, and motorcycles, a torque of 4 to 21 ft. lbs. is generated.
- The 3/8 in. square head is used for various fastening jobs in passenger vehicles, light trucks, and cars. A torque of 15 to 75 ft. lbs. is produced.
- 1/2 in. square head is used in engine mounts and suspensions.
- 3/4 in. square head is used in cargo aircraft and tractor trailers.
Are you a heavy user or an occasional user?
Majority of torque wrenches are durable and reliable. However, if you are a heavy user, it would be a better idea to go for a higher-end product which has higher efficiency and will not get damaged easily. You can take a look at the different brands of torque wrenches available on our website and choose the right one for your application. All the brands available on our website are of superior quality, and come with extra features.
