Torque wrenches are a specific type of wrench used to tighten or loosen fastenings with a high degree of precision. They are essential tools in ensuring that nuts, bolts, and other screws are not under or over-tightened, both of which can be damaging to the screw threads and can disrupt a system from working properly. They are primarily used in the automotive industry for tightening nuts and bolts though can be useful in other industrial settings.
Torque is a rotational force that is measured in Foot Pounds (ft-lb) or Newton Meters (Nm); in some specific cases, you may require an inch pound torque wrench, though they are uncommon. Unlike other wrenches or tools, of which users are in full control of how much force is applied during use, torque wrenches are designed to fasten at a precise amount of torque that users predetermine. Each torque wrench, regardless of style or drive size, will contain a gauge where users can set or input the desired torque they want to apply to a fastening, thus ensuring precision.
Because of their high degree of precision, torque wrenches are seldom used outside of professional settings or by car or bike enthusiasts who service their own vehicles. If you fall into this category, you may want to consider having a inch torque wrench on hand or investing in a specific bike torque wrench.
RS carries torque wrenches from leading brands such as Bahco, Facom, Gedore, Knipex, Miller, Norbar Torque Tools, Stahlwille, Stanley, Sibille, MHH Engineering & RS PRO. Sort our range by drive size, drive shape, degree of precision, or torque range to make sure that you pick up the right tool you need.
There are multiple different types of torque wrenches available at RS, each with different benefits. Here is a brief overview of some of the main differences between each type, and a complete overview can be found in our torque wrenches guide.
Beam Torque Wrench - also known as Endam torque wrenches, is a simple and cost-effective option. They are durable and effective and their simple design allows for easy operation. Rather than pre-set the amount of torque needed, the indicator bar of the wrench remains straight while the main shaft bends proportionally to the force applied at the handle.
Electric Torque Wrenches - are fast becoming the preferred choice for engineers due to their heightened accuracy and ease of use. Set the required torque indicated by an LED display and once the torque is reached in operation, the wrench will play a clear audible beep or trigger a vibration.
Mechanical Torque Wrenches - are the most widely used wrenches. They offer great accuracy and are available in various drive sizes depending on the application. Set the torque by releasing the lock at the foot on the handle, twisting to the desired torque, and locking in the setting.
Dial Torque Wrenches - are a dependable means of ensuring that torque control requirements are being met. These measuring instruments can be used as an assembly tool, but are best used as a quality control instrument to verify or monitor torque. They are designed for torque auditing and measurement applications and an alternative solution to a digital wrench for performing a quick visual torque verification test.