How to Use a Classic Dial Style Torque Wrench

The micrometer wrench is mostly used in industrial and automotive applications.

Applying the proper torque to a bolt helps to ensure that the bolt and materials being joined will not break under pressure or come loose. Torque wrenches allow you to apply specific amounts of torque to protect from such damage. Several types of torque wrenches exist, but the classic dial torque wrench is most commonly used for precision torque and quality control. The wrench uses a visual display (dial) to show how much torque is being applied as opposed to preset styles that click when the preset torque value is reached. The torque wrench is very simple to use.

Things You'll Need

• Dial wrench

Instructions

1. Hand-tighten the bolt to be measured.

2. Attach the appropriate socket to the dial wrench. Apply it to the bolt and tighten it using slow and steady movements.

3. Monitor the dial as you tighten the bolt. The dial will display the torque being applied, in inch-pounds or foot-pounds. Continue tightening the bolt until the dial reaches the desired value.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using fast movements with the wrench. Speed equates to larger amounts of force. Fast movements will read in error as a higher level of torque.

References

• My Turbo Diesel: Torque Wrench FAQ
• Mountz: Verify or Apply Torque with Quality Control Dial Torque Wrench