Torque wrenches are used in many different industries, such as automotive, construction, aerospace and other manufacturing environments. Whether you’re assembling a car, building a structure or manufacturing a jet engine for an aircraft, getting the correct level of tightness on bolts and connectors is vital.
The main difference between a traditional wrench and a torque wrench is its ability to accurately measure the rotational force applied to the bolt or fastener. Using a torque wrench ensures that everything is accurately tightened and securely fastened.
In manufacturing environments where precision and safety are crucial, using torque wrenches can help avoid under-tightening and overtightening. If a fastener, such as a bolt, is under-tightened, it can become loose over time, potentially causing the components of an assembly to fail, weaken the structural integrity and lead to the assembly falling apart. On the other hand, when you over-tighten a fastener, they can become damaged and potentially fail due to stress.
There are many different types of torque wrenches available and the one you use will depend on the application you are working on. Some are simple to use, while others are more technical and provide a greater level of feedback. Each has its own benefits and specific use cases.
However, digital torque wrenches are increasingly becoming the go-to choice for many applications across a variety of industries. This is down to their accuracy, precision, versatility, cost efficiency and ease of use. Digital torque wrenches provide many advantages that are hard to match with other types of torque wrenches.
In this guide to torque wrench types, we will look at the main torque wrenches that are available and commonly used. We’ll also cover how they work and what you need to consider to ensure you use the correct torque wrench for your needs.
What are the different types of torque wrenches?
As we previously mentioned, there are many different types of torque wrenches. Understanding the difference between them and the kind of applications they are best suited to will help you choose the right tool. We should also mention the different units of how torque is measured:
- Newton-metres (N·m)
- Pound-force feet (lbf·ft)
- Inch-pounds (in·lb) also known as Pound-force inches (lbf·in)
- Kilogram-force centimetres (kgf·cm)
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common and widely used types of torque wrenches.
Digital torque wrenches
The digital torque wrench is a more advanced type of torque wrench. As torque is applied, it gives you a clear, real-time reading on the digital display. This helps ensure the correct amount of torque is applied every time and helps ensure safety.
Due to its precision, digital torque wrenches are often used in professional settings and across industries that rely on accurate torque measurement, such as in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Many digital torque wrenches can store and transmit data for documentation, making them ideal for applications that require traceability. Regular calibration of digital torque wrenches is needed to ensure they remain accurate.
The added level of intelligence in digital torque wrenches allows them to analyse different types of joints as well as offer a range of extra functions, such as the ability to measure the angle of a fastening as well as the torque applied. Digital torque wrenches are also very simple to set up and set specifications such as the target torque.
EXPLORE: BROWSE CRANE’S COLLECTION OF DIGITAL TORQUE WRENCHES
Click torque wrenches
The click torque wrench is one of the most commonly used and known types of torque wrench. As the name suggests, it makes a click sound when you’ve reached the desired level of torque that you set on the wrench. Once you hear the click, you should stop tightening to avoid overtightening.
It is best used for everyday tasks and DIY projects, such as repairs on bikes or cars. A click torque wrench provides reliable torque measurements and is easy and reliable to use. The only disadvantage of a click wrench is that they can take time to manually setup for each required target torque setting.
Beam torque wrenches
The beam torque wrench uses a flexible beam and pointer to clearly show the amount of torque that is being applied. As you tighten the bolt or fastener, the beam bends, and the pointer shows the level of torque on a scale.
A beam torque wrench relies on the operator being able to see the scale, so it is not always the best tool for applications that are hard to reach or have limited visibility. Torque wrenches that give audible cues for reaching the right level of torque are better suited in these situations.
It is also not completely accurate as it relies on the operator’s discretion that the right torque has been reached on the scale.
Dial torque wrenches
A dial torque wrench provides a clear torque measurement reading on a dial as the torque is applied. It is highly accurate and is often used in many manufacturing environments where precision is paramount.
They can be heavier and bulkier than other types of torque wrenches, which makes them less portable for some tasks. Especially those in hard-to-reach positions. They also tend to be quite expensive.
Slip torque wrenches
A slip torque wrench can be used to prevent overtightening. Once the desired and set level of torque is reached, the torque wrench slips to prevent any more rotational force from being applied.
They are used in delicate applications, such as electronics and medical equipment, to help prevent damage to the components. When bolts and fastenings are overtightened, they can fail or cause damage to other components in the assembly, so a slip torque wrench is invaluable in stopping this from occurring.
Hydraulic torque wrenches
Unsurprisingly, a hydraulic torque wrench is a heavy-duty tool that is powered by hydraulic pressure to tighten and loosen bolts. They deliver incredibly high levels of torque that cannot be replicated by the other types of torque wrenches we have covered in this guide.
They are used in large-scale industrial and manufacturing environments that require high torque, such as car production assemblies, pipeline construction and heavy machinery maintenance.
Hydraulic torque wrenches require a hydraulic pump to power them and are a significant investment; this makes them unsuitable for small jobs or general use.
How to choose the right type of torque wrench
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right type of torque wrench for your specific application. These include:
How important accuracy is:
If you’re working on an application that demands precision in torque measurement, then you may want to consider digital or dial torque wrenches. Both of these types of torque wrenches offer greater precision than manual wrenches.
Small tasks:
For small tasks that require accurate torque, a click torque wrench is a good option. They are easy to use and provide a click sound so the operator knows the right level of torque has been achieved. They can also be less expensive than other heavy-duty torque wrenches.
Type of tasks:
Heavy-duty jobs such as heavy machinery repair and maintenance will need a torque wrench that is up to the task. Hydraulic torque wrenches are the most suitable for this type of application. But tasks that are delicate may be better suited to a slip torque wrench.
Traceability:
If you need to store and document torque or angle measurement data for traceability, then you will need a digital torque wrench that can record multiple readings and results with ease.
Our range of digital torque wrenches
At Crane, we specialise in digital torque wrenches to help ensure the precision, accuracy and traceability that is needed when fastening nuts, bolts and other vital components. Two of our most popular digital torque wrenches are the WrenchStar Multi Torque Wrench and the IQWrench3 Torque Wrench.
WrenchStar Multi Digital Torque Wrench
The WrenchStar Multi is an advanced digital torque wrench that offers superb precision and flexibility for both production and quality control tasks. It is designed to work in combination with a controller during production, delivering real-time torque data for precise tightening of fasteners.
For quality control and auditing, the WrenchStar Multi integrates with a data collector, capturing detailed torque measurements that can be stored and reviewed. This feature ensures full traceability and compliance with quality standards, making it ideal for environments where documentation and accuracy are crucial.
Some key features of the WrenchStar Multi include:
- Available in ranges from 10Nm up to 1500Nm
- 360o light ring for colour status of the readings
- Vibration alert for additional feedback
- Quick change battery for extended shift use
- Interchangeable wrench heads for multiple job use
- Auto-ID heads for automatic length compensation
- Records up to 200 readings offline / out of range
- Compatible with TorqueStar Pro and IQVu-2 data collectors and TCI lineside controllers
- FOD (Foreign Object Debris) Compliant for use in the Aerospace & Automotive industries
- Point-of-load ‘insensitive’ – no incorrect hand position; torque can be applied from any position on the wrench
IQWrench3 Digital Torque Wrench
The IQWrench3 is the latest in a long line of innovative torque wrenches from Crane and is one of the most advanced digital torque wrenches available. The IQWrench3 combines the precision torque and angle measurement capabilities of an advanced torque wrench, along with the storage and reliability of a robust data collector, delivering one powerful integrated solution.
It has a large memory capacity for results and jobs storage, plus an upgraded battery system for overall improved performance, efficiency and reliability, making it ideal for assembly and quality control applications.
Some key features of the IQWrench3 include:
- Available in ranges from 10Nm up to 1500Nm
- Advanced torque measurement modes, such as MoveOn, Yield and Re-tighten
- Illuminated LED flashlight for increased visibility in darker, confined spaces
- OLED screen with a simple menu system for easy navigation and viewing of results and data
- Increased internal memory for critical data storage
- Interchangeable heads and ‘Auto-ID’ for auto-length compensation and multiple job use
- FOD (Foreign Object Debris) Compliant for use in the Aerospace & Automotive industries
- Point-of-load ‘insensitive’ – no incorrect hand position; torque can be applied from any position on the wrench
Do you want to speak to a digital torque wrench expert?
At Crane Electronics, we have a wide range of digital torque wrenches which we supply globally for a variety of applications across many diverse manufacturing industries. Our torque wrenches help ensure the precision, accuracy and traceability that is needed when fastening nuts, bolts and other vital components.
Available in ranges from 10Nm up to 1500Nm, we have digital wrenches available to meet the requirements of your specific application. When precision is vital, you can trust our products to deliver the precision you need.
Browse our range of torque wrenches at crane-electronics.com/products/torque-wrenches. For more information on our torque wrenches or if you need assistance with your application, get in touch with us below or email sales@crane-electronics.com.