8 Factors to Consider Before Buying a Torque Wrench
Oct. 07, 2024
8 Factors to Consider Before Buying a Torque Wrench
Purchasing a torque wrench may seem simple but it can get overwhelming if you dont know what features to look for. Since it's a precision tool, you need to focus on key factors that will determine its durability and functional accuracy.
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Regardless of your choice, remember that calibrating a torque wrench is essential for accuracy.
8 Important Factors to Consider
1. Brand
A good brand will be durable and offer accurate results, while a mediocre brand might break down or get damaged easily. Regular calibration of a torque wrench is necessary even for the best brands.
2. Types
There are at least 3 types of torque wrenches you can choose from based on the features they offer:
Beam type: This is the oldest type
Digital wrench: It has a loud notification when the correct torque is applied and has a great memory. Preferred for general automotive work
Interchangeable head torque wrench
3. Price
Torque wrenches are available at different prices. Some offer more features at a high price, others may not cost much due to fewer features. Dont compromise features for the price. Investing in a high-quality and feature-loaded wrench will be worth it.
4. Quality
Using a high-quality torque wrench will avoid inefficiencies and save money as it wont get damaged easily.
If you use a torque wrench of substandard quality, it will affect the quality of the project too. The wrench will get damaged easily and cost more in the long run.
5. Size
There are four different sizes of square head range, all of which correspond to different torque ranges and functions.
The 1/4 in. drive: Suitable for small nuts and bolts like on garden equipment, bicycles, and motorcycles. They produce between 4 to 21 ft-lb (5 to 28 Nm) of torque.
The 3/8 in. drive: Suitable for a majority of automobiles such as passenger vehicles, light trucks, and cars. They produce 15 to 75 ft-lb (20 to 102 Nm) of torque. It's the most versatile size and covers a wide range of functions.
1/2 in. drive: Covers larger nuts and bolts like in engine mounts and suspensions.
3/4 in. drive: Essential for special applications like large cargo aircraft and tractor-trailers.
6. Accuracy and Calibration
Torque wrenches have different accuracies. Choose a wrench with an accuracy of plus or minus 5%. Check the torque wrench calibration for the date and accuracy per the manufacturers settings. When a torque wrench is well-calibrated, it will have clear scale visibility.
7. Storage
The longevity and accuracy of the torque wrench depend on how well it's stored. Most torque wrenches come with storage cases but if it doesnt come with one, buy a case immediately. This will help in protecting calibrators.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of wrench manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Additional reading:How to Choose a Brushless Electric Screwdriver for Laptop Production
8. Materials
The materials of wrenches determine their durability. Buy wrenches that are made of strong metallic materials as they last longer. Avoid plastic ones since they break easily.
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Once you determine what function you need the wrench to perform, you can make an informed choice.
Keep these factors in mind and purchase the torque wrench that's best suited for your needs.
What Wrench Set Should You Get? - Wrench Buying Guide
Wrenches perform the same function as sockets and ratchets - tightening or loosening fasteners - but in different situations, a wrench could be the better option for the job at hand. When a wrench is the better choice, how do you make sure that you have the right wrenches available? This guide will help you understand all of the options and how to choose the right set for you!
1) Types Of Wrenches
- Works on any bolt type fastener
- One box end one open end (usually the same size)
- Loosens and tightens bolts
- Ratchet mechanism saves you time by tightening or loosening without removing the tool from your fastener
- Open-end and one ratchet box end (usually the same size)
- Loosens and tightens bolts
These are usually dual open end
They are thinner than your standard wrench allowing you to reach in tight spaces
They have different sized ends
2) Wrench Material & Standard Specifications
The material in all types of wrenches is a decisive factor. The best wrench sets are usually made from chrome coated vanadium steel. Chrome coating is the best way to ensure that the tool will resistant to corrosion, and vanadium steel is exceptionally durable and will last for decades.
ASME is an internationally acknowledged standard for tool performance that helps measure the durability of products so that consumers know what tier of product they are purchasing. Look for wrenches that mention this standard; if they don't, chances are that the company does not take this into account when making their products.
Ensure that the product description mentions the material used in the wrenches as some wrench sets are made from high carbon steel, which has different levels of durability and strength. It's not easy to find out whether the company has used a durable one or a cheap option of carbon steel. Our slim profile wrenches and ratcheting wrenches are made of high strength unbreakable Cr-V (Chrome Vanadium Steel) and they are featured on PTEN (Profession Tools & Equipment News website)
3) 3 Factors To Determine What Type Of Wrenches You Need
Open-end, Combination or Combination Ratchet, what is the best wrench set? All three have their benefits, which may rank different for every mechanic. You have to see what best suits your needs. If you are looking for a type of wrench that gives you flexibility in different situations, a combination set with different sized ends would be best. If you are looking to save as much time as possible, a ratchet wrench set is a clear winner. Lastly, if you are looking to be able to reach into really tight spaces, a set of slim profile wrenches will give you that. Check out our Combination Wrench Set on Youtube:
4) Box End Design
If you decide that you would like box end wrenches, ensure that you look at getting a 12 point box end. This design is less likely to cause additional wear and tear on bolts and nuts by rounding them. Moreover, wrenches with 12 point openings give you a better grip, which helps you when you are dealing with a stuck bolt or fastener.
5) Storage Options
How you are going to store your wrench sets will determine how long your wrenches are kept looking new and ultimately, how long you are going to be using them. Purchasing a wrench set that comes in an organizer is a huge benefit as they perfectly fit, and most times, they are optimized to fit in toolboxes. All Olsa Tools wrenches come with organizers included. If you end up purchasing your wrench set from a different brand and they don't have included organizers, check out our wrench organizers, which help keep your toolbox in order and protect your wrenches. Our Magnetic Wrench Organizer ranks top 5 on Don't Waste Your Money.
6) Warranty
In the world of tools, having a lifetime warranty is king; better yet, having a warranty that doesn't make you jump on one leg while patting your head and reciting the alphabet backwards is even better. At Olsa Tools, all of our products come with a limited lifetime warranty where if during your time of owning any of our products fails, simply visit our warranty page submit your replacement inquiry. Our team will get you a replacement if available or issue you a credit for the retail price of a similar product on our site.
Well, we hope this guide will help you to choose the best wrench set for the job. Always remember to choose a top-quality wrench set that is made for professional use. If the set is not made to serve you for life, precision, multi-functionality and a warranty, it is not worth the money. You can check out a selection of our wrenches below:
Shop Our Wrenches
Are you interested in learning more about sockets manufacturer? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
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