How you can Use a Torque Wrench: Settings, Upkeep, and Extra

A torque wrench is a unique tool that can be adjusted to tighten nuts and bolts to a specific torque level, measured in foot-pounds or meters per kilogram. To adjust your torque wrench, loosen the cap on the bottom of the handle by turning it counterclockwise. Once it is loose, slide the handle up or down until the tip of the handle is closest to your desired setting on the horizontal hash mark. The horizontal hash marks on the wrench are in multiples of 10 and are used to measure large changes in torque. Next, make minor adjustments by turning the handle clockwise to increase torque or counterclockwise to decrease torque. The vertical hash marks on the handle are labeled with single digits and are used to make minor changes. For example, to reach 202 foot pounds (2,660 m/kg), slide the handle to the 200 hash mark, then turn the handle until the 2 is lined up with the hash mark on the handle. Screw the cap on the bottom of the handle clockwise to tighten it and lock your torque setting at its current level. Keep in mind that a torque wrench can only be used to tighten nuts or bolts. You will need to use a different tool to open them again in the future. Read on to learn how to use a dial torque wrench!