Torque Wrenches

Bolts hold wheels on trucks, flanges on pipes and parts on machines. Too loose and they back out; too tight and they stretch or snap. A torque wrench tightens to a set value, but only if it’s calibrated and used the right way.

• Mechanics
• Millwrights
• Pipefitters

Types

Using it right

• Follow the spec for the value and the sequence (like a star pattern on wheels and flanges). Tighten in stages.
• Pull smoothly on the handle grip, at a right angle to the wrench, not with a jerk.
• Stop at the click. Pulling past it over-tightens.
• Clean, undamaged threads: dirt, rust or lubricant changes how torque translates into clamping force. Follow the spec on whether threads are dry or lubricated.
• Pull toward you when you can, and brace your stance so you won’t fall or bang your knuckles if a bolt or socket slips.
• Extensions and adapters: straight extensions are fine, but crowfoot adapters and handle extensions change the reading unless you calculate the correction.

Care and calibration

• Don’t use a torque wrench as a breaker bar to loosen bolts
• Don’t drop it or use it as a hammer
• Don’t store a click wrench set at a high value; turn it down to its lowest setting
• Don’t use one that’s overdue for calibration on critical bolts

Have torque wrenches checked and calibrated on a schedule, often yearly or after a set number of uses, and after any drop. Keep the calibration record.

At height

Torque wrenches are long and heavy. When working above others, tether them. See Tool Tethering.

Last updated: October 2, 2026