When you hear the words torque wrench you probably start thinking about a mechanic repairing a bike. However, in real life, it’s just a small tool that is quite easy to learn.
Just grasping the proper adjustment and basic understanding of it will be able to help you in avoiding bike repairs shop visit often. Isn’t that a good thing?
Investing in this tool would be a wise choice if you really do care for your loving bike and money. Now, we are going to learn everything we need to know about a torque wrench, starting from what it is and how to use a torque wrench properly to why you need it. So let’s dive in
Learn How to Use a Torque Wrench:
The adjustments of torque wrench are done by using hand so no worrying about getting another tool for it. To use a torque wrench, first of all, you have to adjust the handle and place it to a fixed level of torque. You will find a tightener on the end of the handle, just lock it in place.
Then you will have to adjust it over the socket or nut and start rotating it clockwise to tighten. And after that place the setting on the handle to 0 and stock it somewhere safe. That’s it.
So you think you are done? No Buddy! You must have heard that “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing”. Hence the wise idea would be to know in details. So, shall we?
Proper Adjustment of Your Torque Wrench
When you take a look at the end of your wrench’s handle you will see the tightener that gets the setting in the right place. Generally, it is a metal or plastic cap attached to the end of your wrench. Usually, it has a different color which makes it easier to identify.
To loosen the object you have to twist it counterclockwise by hand so that you may adjust the wrench’s setting. Just keep releasing it until you feel a load of resistance. You don’t have to take it off of your wrench.
Finding the Torque Measurement on Your Wrench
Near your handle, you will see a hash mark for the torque setting. There you will see 1 set of larger numbers on its body and one set of smaller numbers on its handle. The smaller numbers and the larger numbers periodically represent smaller digits and larger units.
There will be 2 two sets of numbers on the hash mark of your wrench. The lower number indicates the measurement in foot-pounds. The larger number indicates the gauging in meter-kilograms.
Adjusting the Torque Setting on the Wrench
To raise or lower the torque setting you have to brace the body of the wrench with your non-dominant hand. The tightener must be loosened while performing this action.
To raise the handle turn it clockwise and lower it turn counterclockwise. Stop rotating the handle as soon as you reach the desired hash mark.
Tightening the Nuts and Bolts on the Wrench
Here’s the most significant part. First of all, you have to fix the socket on the head of your wrench. It’s better if you have an adopter or extender, you may just slide it into the opening at the head rather.
The next step is adjusting the nut. Firstly you gotta take the nut and place it over the threading for the screw. Until the threading catches the threading on the screw keep rotating the nut in a clockwise direction with your fingers.
Adjust the socket on the top of the nut that you’re tightening. And grab the handle of the torque wrench in your non-dominant hand. But make sure that the nut is fixed on the threading.
To guide the socket use your non-dominant hand. Keep skimming the wrench over the nut until the 2 pieces are even. Rotating the handle clockwise will begin to tighten the nut.
Most of the torque wrenches have automatic return function so you won’t have to bother repositioning the nut again and again. You have to move it counterclockwise to rest it.
When returning the handle counterclockwise if you hear a clicking noise then you can be sure that you have an automatically- returning wrench. Don’t turn the wrench any further if you get the clicking sound while turning it clockwise.
That sound means that you have already reached the proper level of torque. When it comes to manual wrench stop turning it as soon as you feel the wrench is resisting.
Final Understanding
Now you know all the necessary information’s about how to use a torque wrench properly. So handling general issues with your bike won’t be that hazardous from now on.
A recent study has found that a large number of users lose their tools in the long term uses just because of improper storage of their appliance.
So, taking care of your tools is just as important as knowing how to use torque wrenches. I hope I was able to offer you what you were looking for.
Thank you.
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