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The torque setting for the ratcheting wrench commonly employs a gauge at the base of the handle on the wrench. Many wrenches feature both standard foot pounds and metric Newton meters to abide by both standard and metric torque specifications. Smaller wrenches for smaller bolts nuts are also available in inch pounds and Newton centimeter specifications.
The base of the handle is twisted in one direction or the other to achieve the correct desired setting for the torque specification, whether in standard or metric. Once the gauge is set, the handle usually employs a slip-lock device on the handle, so it cannot accidentally be manipulated during the bolt or nut tightening.
Torque specifications are available for most vehicles in quality repair manuals. Other non-automotive applications should refer to owners manuals or the manufacturer to obtain the correct tightening specs. -
Most ratcheting torque wrenches feature a square drive, much like a normal ratchet. Popular sizes available are 1/2-inch drive for foot pound and Newton meter, 3/8-inch drive for both foot pound and inch pound and Newton meter and Newton centimeter, and 1/4-inch drive for inch pound and Newton centimeter. An appropriate-size socket is placed onto the drive of the torque wrench and then applied to the bolt or nut, just like a regular ratchet.
Tighten the bolt or nut in a clockwise fashion using smooth strokes. Be sure your hand position on the handle of the wrench is placed in the suggested or required position. The torque wrench handle will either indicate this position or you may need to read the owner's manual for the wrench.
Once the bolt or nut has achieved the pre-set torque setting, the head of the wrench with the ratcheting device will either audibly click or collapse slightly to the side. This will alert you that the torque specification setting has been achieved for the specific bolt or nut. A clicker ratcheting torque wrench helps to stop you once the tightness of bolt or nut has been reached, but most all torque wrenches will still allow you to continue to tighten the intended component. Be sure to stop tightening once the wrench indicates it has reached its desired setting. - Torque wrenches are somewhat delicate tools. They should be calibrated after a few uses to check their settings properly. Directions on how to calibrate the wrenches may vary and the owners manual for doing so should be able to instruct you how. Removing nuts and bolts with a torque wrench is rarely recommended. However, you may come across some left-handed nuts or bolts that require you to turn the device clockwise in order to remove and counterclockwise to tighten. Because of this, many wrenches feature a switch near the ratcheting head to change the direction of the square drive of the ratchet. Other ratchets may employ a dual-headed square drive, one side for counterclockwise motion and the other for clockwise.
