Types of Torque Wrenches and Their Uses

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the different types of torque wrenches out there?
Fear not, because I’ve got you covered!

In this guide, I’ll explain the eight torque wrench types, uncover how they work, and discover which ones are best suited for different kinds of projects.

But first,

What is a Torque Wrench?

A torque wrench is a tool that allows you to tighten bolts and nuts to a specific torque value. This prevents damaging the fasteners, the screw holes or inserts’ threads, and the assembly parts due to over-tightening or under-tightening them.

Besides, in many applications, applying the correct torque is essential to ensure their proper functioning.

In short, when you work with fasteners and need precision, or you want to tighten them without over-torquing them, you need a torque wrench.

Different Types of Torque Wrenches: Pros & Cons, and Uses

Below, you will find a list of the different types of torque wrenches and how they work.

1. Click Torque Wrench

Clicker torque wrenches are one of the most common types of torque wrenches. They are widely used in the automotive and mechanical industries.

How do click torque wrenches work?
First, you should set the desired or maximum torque by rotating a section of the handle, which is marked with different torque values. Once the desired value is selected, you can then use the tool as a regular wrench to tighten the fastener.
When the torque applied reaches the preset value, the tool will make a loud clicking sound, indicating to the user that the job is done.

These wrenches help prevent over-torquing and do jobs that don’t need absolute precision. These tools use a calibrated spring-loaded mechanism that controls the torque applied. When the desired torque is reached, the spring is released, and a ball bearing disengages from the teeth, making a click sound.

Pros and Cons of Click Type Torque Wrench

Pros

• Affordable: Click torque wrenches are less expensive than other types of torque wrenches.
• Easy to use: Using a click wrench is pretty straightforward. The user just has to adjust the desired torque setting and tighten the fastener until the wrench clicks.
• Maintenance-free: Click types don’t require calibration or maintenance like other torque wrenches.
• Portable: Clicker types are light and compact, making them easy to carry.
• Practical: Because of their light and compact design, they are great for use in tight spaces or areas where it’s difficult to read a gauge.

Cons

• Low Precision: Click torque wrenches are less precise than other torque wrench types. Their accuracy is about 4%, which makes them unsuitable for high-precision jobs.
• One-Directional: Most click torque wrenches work in only one direction, which means that if you can’t adjust fasteners in both directions, something that’s needed, for example, in most vintage vehicles.
• Limited Range: Click types have a limited range of torque settings and are unsuitable for high-torque applications.
• User Error: Clicker designs have a margin for user error either because the user can easily set a wrong torque value, fail to hear the click when the correct torque is achieved, or because these tools allow the user to keep applying force even when the desired torque value has been reached.

Common Applications

• Automotive work.
• Light industrial work like machinery maintenance and assembly of low-precision mechanical devices.
• Bicycles, motorbikes, and other small vehicles.
• Applications like construction or others that involve tightening fasteners to a high specific torque value with little precision.

2. Micrometer Torque Wrench

Micrometer torque wrenches allow the user to set the desired torque similarly to the click torque wrenches. The limit torque is set by twisting the handle until the desired value is reached on the tool’s baller.

They have a wider range of torque values to choose from than click torque wrenches, and they usually have a micrometer-like scale that allows adjustments to be made in small increments, which makes the tool more precise than a click wrench.

There are two types of micrometer torque wrenches: some have a break that makes the tool slip and stop adjusting as the desired torque is reached, and others alert the user that the desired torque is set by emitting a loud clicking sound, just as a click torque wrench would.

These wrenches work similarly to click torque wrenches, but they have a more complex system of gears and bearings, which makes them more accurate.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy to Use: Even when their readings can be a little tricky if you are unfamiliar with the tool, with some practice setting the desired torque value is as easy as setting a click torque wrench.
• Accurate: Micrometer torque wrenches allow the user to set precise and accurate torque settings with increments of 1NM or less. This makes them ideal for applications requiring precise torque values.
  They are considered some of the most precise and accurate torque wrenches available.
• Versatile: Micrometer torque wrenches come in different sizes and specifications, which makes them suitable for working on small, delicate components to large heavy-duty machinery.
• Bi-Directional: Like standard wrenches, they have a lever to change the rotation direction. This is an excellent feature if you work with left and right-handed threads. It’s important to note that even when these torque wrenches could be used to loosen bolts, it’s not recommended to do so since they could exert excessive force to the tool’s mechanism and damage it.

Cons

• Price: Micrometer torque wrenches are more expensive than other torque wrenches, as they are high-precision tools made following high-quality standards.
• Require Maintenance: These wrenches need regular calibration and maintenance to remain accurate and reliable over time.
• Delicate: As with any other precision tools, micrometer torque wrenches are quite delicate and can be damaged if mishandled. They must be handled with care and stored appropriately.
• Limited Torque Range: Even when they come in different sizes, big torque wrenches will be too much for low-torque applications and vice versa.

Common Applications

• Automotive work from tightening lug nuts to assembling engine parts.
• Light and heavy mechanical work (Depending on the tool’s size).
• Aerospace industry.
• Marine industry.
• Applications where precision is essential.

3. Split Beam Torque Wrench

These torque wrenches have a dial with different torque values, and the user can set the desired torque settings by twisting a small screw. Once the desired torque is set, depending on the tool’s model, the user can lock or block the screw to prevent changing the desired torque value by mistake. Then, it’s time to tighten the fastener; when the preset torque has been reached, the tool will make a loud click to alert the user that the job is finished.

They use a different mechanism than click and micrometer torque wrenches, and because of that, it’s not harmful to store the tool or leave it unused without setting it back to its lower torque setting. Some models allow measuring torque counter and anti-clockwise.

Pros and Cons of Split Beam

Pros

• Affordable: Split beam wrenches are among the less expensive types of torque wrenches.
• Easy to Use: They are easier to adjust than click and micrometer torque wrenches, and setting the torque is as simple as turning a knob.
• Portable: These wrenches are light and compact, making them easy to carry.
• Practical: Their light and slim construction make them great for use in tight spaces or areas where it’s difficult to read a gauge. Besides, they have an articulated flexible head, which makes them even easier to use in tight spaces.

Cons

• Low Precision: The scale of these tools doesn’t have small increments, which makes choosing between the marks inaccurate. Besides, these tools have a precision of about +/-4-5%, which makes them unsuitable for high-precision jobs.
• Require Maintenance: These tools need service and calibration at least once a year or every 5,000 cycles.
• Limited Torque Range: Click torque wrenches have a limited range of torque settings; they usually can be set from 40 to 250 NM.

Common Applications

• Automotive Work.
• Aerospace industry.
• Heavy machinery repairs and maintenance.
• Manufacturing Processes.

4. Deflection Torque Wrench

These tools are also known as dual-signal deflecting beam torque wrenches because they release an indicator pin and make a clicking noise once the torque set by the user has been reached. Torque is applied to a pair of deflecting beams instead of using a complex system.

Pros

• Affordable: These are affordable tools in the price range of click torque wrenches.
• Easy to Use: The desired torque is set by adjusting a sliding torque selector, which is very practical and easy to adjust.
• Maintenance Free: They don’t need maintenance or frequent calibration and can be used thousands of times under harsh environments keeping their accuracy.
• Accurate: These tools have an average accuracy of +/- 2%, making them pretty precise for jobs requiring some degree of precision.
• Bi-Directional: Thanks to their construction, they can work perfectly in both directions.
• Audible and Visual Signals: These tools have both visual and audible signals, which makes them practical when working in loud environments.

Cons

• Limited Torque Range: These tools have a limited torque range compared to other torque wrenches.

Common Applications

• Automotive Work.
• Aerospace and aviation industry.
• Heavy machinery.
• Construction and building.
• Manufacturing Processes.
• Applications that need precise torque but not as precise as other types of wrenches, such as clicker or split-beam torque wrenches.

5. Drive Beam Torque Wrench

Drive beam torque wrenches (also known as beam and pointer), work by measuring the amount of torque applied through a lever arm that is attached to a drive beam. The drive beam deflects slightly as torque is applied to the nut or bolt, and the amount of deflection is measured on a scale.

Note that you won’t get any clicking sound when the desired torque is reached, instead you need to watch the reading indicated by the pointer.

Pros and Cons of Drive Beam

Advantages

• You can see the actual torque with which you have tightened the fastener. In that respect it is more accurate than the clicker.
• Inexpensive

Disadvantages

• The major disadvantage of this wrench design is that it can be difficult to read the graduated scale when it is positioned away from you.
• There is a higher chance of parallax error. Imagine you are working on your car engine or working in tight spots where you can’t read the scale directly from above; the parallax error can have a major effect on the accuracy of your fastening.
• Bulky: With the flat wide scale fixed at the end of the handle of the wrench, the tool can be a bit bulky and is not ideal to work in tight spots.

6. Dial Torque Wrench

These tools are very practical for measuring how much torque has been applied to a joint. When the user places the tool on a fastener and applies force, the torque value applied to the joint will be displayed in an analogic gauge. Some tools have a memory pointer indicating the maximum torque applied to the fastener.

Dial torque wrenches indicate in real-time how much torque is being applied to a fastener as it’s being tightened. Most tools also allow the user to set a desired torque value by rotating the clock dial’s bezel, and then, when the preset value has been reached, a light will light. Most of these tools use a calibrated spring to measure the torque and can measure torque clock and counter clock-wise.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Live Torque Display: Applied torque can be read as the fastener is tightened.
• Accurate: These torque wrenches allow the user to set precise and accurate torque values. and a precision of +/- 3%.
• Versatile: They come in different sizes and specifications. Depending on their size, they can measure from about 10NM to 2,000NM, which makes them suitable for working on small, delicate components to large heavy-duty machinery. Besides, they can be safely used for loosening fasteners.
• Bi-Directional: Bi-Directional: They can read and set torque perfectly clock and counter clock-wise.

Disadvantages

• Price: Dial types are among the more expensive types of torque wrenches, as they are high-precision tools made following high-quality standards.
• Require Maintenance: Regular calibration and maintenance are needed to ensure they remain accurate and reliable over time. Besides, models with light indicators are battery-powered, which eventually needs replacement.
• Delicate: These wrenches can be pretty delicate. They can be damaged if mishandled, requiring careful handling and proper storage.
• Limited Torque Range: Even when they come in different sizes, some models will be too much for low-torque applications and vice versa.

Common Applications

• Quality control.
• Industrial maintenance.
• Construction industry (to control structural components fastening).
• Manufacturing industry.

7. Digital Torque Wrench

These tools have an electronic display that shows the torque measurement. Torque is measured by an electromechanical system that transmits its readings to a microprocessor.

The torque is set digitally, entering the desired value on the screen. Once the goal torque is achieved, the tool makes an audible sign like a series of beeps and flashes a light.
High-end digital torque wrenches also have a mechanism that makes the wrench slip once the preset torque has been achieved, preventing exceeding the desired value accidentally.

Pros and cons

Advantages of Digital Torque Wrench

• Easy to Use: These tools have a user-friendly menu that allows users to easily set, read, save, or load preset torque values.
• Live Torque Display: Applied torque can be read as the fastener is tightened.
• Easy to Read: The screen is easy to read and usually backlit, making these tools perfect for use in places with low light.
• Practical: Data can be entered easily into different types of units. Besides, many models are compact and suitable for use in tight spaces.
• Accurate: These tools have an average accuracy of +/- 2-4%, depending on the model, which makes them pretty precise for applications that need some degree of precision. Besides, as they are digital, users can enter just any value, adding an extra degree of accuracy.
• Data Logging: Most of these wrenches have built-in memory and even Bluetooth, so data can be stored and downloaded into a computer for further analysis. This is a great feature for quality control, maintenance, or troubleshooting.

Disadvantages

• Price: High-quality digital torque wrenches can be pricey. Some entry-level budget models are more affordable, but they are still more expensive than other types of torque wrenches.
• Batteries: Digital torque wrenches run on batteries; when used frequently, batteries are an extra cost that should be considered.
• Require Maintenance: They need regular calibration and maintenance to ensure they remain accurate and reliable over time. Besides, they have batteries, as stated above.

Common Applications

• Quality Control.
• Calibration and testing facilities.
• Automotive and mechanical industries.
• Aerospace industry (manufacturing and repairing).
• Manufacturing processes.
• General maintenance and repair services.
• Construction and building industries.
• Heavy equipment and machinery maintenance.
• Marine applications.

8. Hydraulic Torque Wrench

These torque wrenches measure torque and automatically tighten nuts and bots using hydraulic pressure. They are typically used for heavy-duty industrial applications. Over time, their size has been considerably reduced, allowing manufacturers to make small and lightweight models that are comfortable and allow access to tight spaces.
Hydraulic torque wrenches are highly accurate and can also work as impact wrenches at the same time they measure torque.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Heavy Duty: These tools are the best for heavy-duty applications.
• Automatic: Besides measuring and limiting torque, these wrenches work like a hydraulic or impact wrench, and torque isn’t applied by hand.
• Accurate: These tools have an average accuracy of +/- 2-4%, depending on the model, which makes them pretty precise.
• Versatile: These torque wrenches come in different sizes and shapes, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Speed: They apply torque quickly and effortlessly, saving time.

Cons

• Price: Hydraulic torque is among the most expensive types of torque wrenches. Industrial tools can cost several thousand dollars.
• Not Stand Alone: These tools require either a compressor or a dedicated pump to work.
• Require Maintenance: Besides the low but regular maintenance required by the tool, the compressor, hydraulic fluid, and hoses also need regular maintenance.
• Hard to Use: These tools need special training for proper and safe operation.

Common Applications

• Oil and gas industry.
• Large bolts and nuts.
• Building and maintenance of mining, power generation, and other big industries.
• Heavy construction.
• The aerospace industry, such as aircraft engine assembly and maintenance.
• Other applications where extremely high-torque is needed.

9. Specialty Torque Wrenches

Specialty torque wrenches are tools designed for specific applications, tasks, or special conditions like tight or hard-to-reach spaces. Let’s take a look at some of these tools!

1. Angle Torque Wrench: These types of torque wrenches are used to apply not only a preset torque but also a specific angle. They are ideal for applications that must be tightened at a certain torque and angle, like, for example, cylinder heads. The most common angle torque wrenches are digital and use an electronic sensor to measure torque and angle.
2. Torque and T-Shape Torque Screwdriver: Torque screwdrivers are great for working with small screws and assembling delicate parts. They look and work like regular screwdrivers but have a ratcheting system, and torque can be adjusted in small increments. Some tools look like standard manual screwdrivers, and others have a T-shaped handle for better grip, which allows them to apply force easily. Depending on the size and model, they have a range between 0.04NM to 20NM. They are widely used by electricians and in electronics.
3. Pre-Set Torque Wrench: These tools come with a pre-set torque from the factory that can’t be re-adjusted. They are ideal for applications where the same torque value is needed. They are fast to operate, and there’s no margin of error. Some bicycle manufacturers, for example, sell these tools to perform specific maintenance jobs.
4. Insulated Torque Wrench: They have an insulated handle and other features to prevent electrical current from passing through the tool. They are essential when working in electrical applications and on parts with a risk of electric shock.

Mechanical vs. Digital Torque Wrenches

Digital torque wrenches have many advantages over mechanical torque wrenches, and they can even work as a dial torque wrench to check joints’ torque values. Their only strong competitor in accuracy terms are micrometer torque wrenches, which are the most accurate tools in the market, and the top-notch models are in the same price range as some digital torque wrenches.

Comparisons are not always easy; if I had to buy just one torque wrench, I would consider the following:

• How much accuracy do I need for the job I’m doing?
• How often will I use the tool?
• How much would battery costs impact my business?
• Do I need data logging?
• Would I be doing quality control tasks?
• Am I a tech-savvy person?

In my experience running my tuning garage and repair shop, I always used a micrometer torque wrench without a problem. I fancied buying a digital torque wrench, but after asking myself, “do I really need it?” I happily kept using my old-fashioned mechanical tool.

I would probably have purchased a digital torque wrench if I hadn’t had a very expensive and accurate micrometer torque wrench.