Types of Digital Torque Wrenches
Whether you’re working on a car, bike, or anything else, wrenching down every nut and bolt as tight as you can get them is a recipe for disaster. Many people assume that fasteners need to be as tight as possible. However, this can cause all sorts of problems. Many of these are not designed to be tightened past a certain point. Overtightening them can cause parts to lock up, fail, be out of alignment, get damaged, and more.
So, how are you supposed to know when your bolt or nut is adequately tight? Luckily, there’s a perfect tool for that; a torque wrench. In fact, there are many types of torque wrenches, and each is best suited for particular uses. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the 10 most common types of torque wrenches you’re likely to run into and discuss the differences between them so you know which ones are the best choices for you.
A torque wrench is a specialized tool that is regularly used in automotive repair to ensure that the parts of the vehicle are not under- or overtightened. Mechanical tasks are easier and more precise with electronic torque wrenches, which provide you with a digital display that shows the exact amount of torque in use. Some of these devices are equipped with warning signs—including flashing lights, sounds, or vibrations—that indicate when you have reached the desired torque.
Digital torque wrenches are precalibrated. Some allow you to preset multiple torque levels so you can quickly shift from one everyday task to another with the push of a button. Ahead, see some of the best electronic torque wrenches reviewed for efficacy, quality, and overall value.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Digital Torque Wrench?
Don’t go shopping before you know which features are most important in a digital torque wrench. Deciding how much or how little these attributes matter to you will help you find the right digital torque wrench for your needs.
Accuracy and Measurement Units
One of the most important things you pay attention to as you’re shopping for a electronic torque wrench is accuracy. If a wrench is not accurate, you may under- or overtighten it when you use it, which can cause fasteners to break or come loose during the machine’s operation. Most digital torque wrenches are precalibrated to an accuracy rating of about ±4 percent, though more and less accurate electronic torque wrenches are certainly out there.
Torque is measured in inch-pounds or foot-pounds, where an inch-pound is 1 pound of force applied to 1 inch of distance from the pivot point of the torque wrench. A foot-pound is 1 pound of force applied to 1 foot of distance from the pivot point.
Torque Range
If a digital torque wrench’s range is too low, the types of jobs you can perform with it are limited. A torque wrench with a range maximum that falls below 100 foot-pounds is ideal for simple tasks, like working on a lawnmower or bicycle. However, wrenches with a lower torque range aren’t much use for most automotive and mechanical torque wrench applications.
Some digital torque wrenches have a very wide torque range, with some reaching a maximum of 1,000 foot-pounds of force. However, most digital torque wrenches have a moderate range that reaches up to 150 foot-pounds, which is more than enough torque to tighten lug nuts on your car.
Multidirectional Tensioning
Multidirectional tensioning, or ratcheting, allows the user to quickly change the direction of the wrench in order to measure torque in both the clockwise and counter-clockwise orientation. A torque wrench with this feature gives the user better access than one that only operates in the clockwise direction. You won’t see torque wrenches with this feature often because they should never be used for loosening nuts. This is because a nut may initially be seized when you try to loosen it and when the torque wrench applies force, the nut can jolt forward and cause the wrench to require recalibration.
Handle Comfort
Most torque wrenches come with either a rubberized plastic handle or a steel handle with a raised grip. The upside of rubber grips is they are comfortable and reduce hand fatigue; metal handles give you better control over the wrench. Whichever one you decide on, the handle is an important aspect to keep in mind when looking for a new torque wrench.
When using the digital torque wrench for long stretches at a time, it’s a good idea to prioritize comfort and choose an ergonomic grip that does not make your hand cramp. What’s most important is that the digital torque wrench you select has a handle that you can grip without your hand slipping. You must be able to stop the motion of the wrench handle quickly when you reach the desired level of torque so you don’t overtighten the nut.
Scale Readability
Digital torque wrenches have a big advantage over other types of torque wrenches when it comes to their scale reliability because they have prominent displays that show the current torque reading. However, the size, shading, text, and even menu options on the digital display vary among individual products.
If you have difficulty reading small text, a digital torque wrench with a large easy-to-read display may be a good way to go. If you’re working in dim lighting conditions, such as a garage or workshop, look for a digital screen with backlighting. Just remember to keep the batteries in your digital torque wrench charged, or you won’t be able to read the scale at all.
Alert Features
A terrific feature to look for in a electronic torque wrench is an alert that will let you know when you have reached the inch-pounds or foot-pounds of torque you desire. Some products alert users via a blinking LED light or a visual indicator on the digital screen, and others via handle vibration, an audible alarm, or a combination of two or more of these signals. Visual indicators on the digital display may even signal how far you have exceeded the optimal torque. This emergency alert feature makes tightening fasteners while you work almost foolproof because the wrench is telling you to stop.
Auto Shutdown
Electronic torque wrenches are powered by batteries that operate the digital screen, the internal mechanics of the measurement device, and the alert systems. The problem with batteries, of course, is that they can run out of energy. When this happens, you need to either recharge the batteries or replace them before you can resume working.
To help extend the battery life of your digital torque wrench, some models will automatically shut off after several minutes of inactivity. Given how many times you may put down and pick up your torque wrench while working on your car without turning it off, this auto-shutdown feature will probably save you a significant amount of battery life.
Storage Case
Digital torque wrenches are sensitive devices whose accuracy can be affected if they are knocked against anything or dropped on the ground. To protect the device and reduce the number of times it must be recalibrated, look for a electronic torque wrench that comes with a storage case.
Digital torque wrench cases are usually made of hard, durable plastic that protects the tool but is also lightweight and easy to carry. For additional protection and security, invest in a torque wrench case that has interior padding and a lockable clasp.