maintenance
When it comes to car maintenance, having right tools is essential. One of more important tools you’ll need is a torque wrench. A torque wrench is used to apply precisely measured amounts of torque to fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, during assembly or disassembly of components.
If you don’t have correct torque applied, it can cause fasteners to fail, resulting in costly repairs or even engine damage. To help you choose best torque wrench for your car maintenance, here’s what to look for:
Measuring Range: Start by determining range of torque that you need to measure. There are a variety of torque wrenches available, from small units capable of measuring a few dozen foot-pounds of torque to large, industrial-grade wrenches that can measure thousands of foot-pounds.
Accuracy: Another important factor is accuracy. A good torque wrench should be accurate to within a few percent.
Size: Torque wrenches come in a variety of sizes, from small ones that can fit into tight spaces to larger units that are more suitable for larger jobs. Think about types of tasks you plan to do and determine size and length that is best suited to your needs.
Type: Torque wrenches are available in a variety of types. The most common types are pre-set, dial, and click-type wrenches. The pre-set models are pre-set to a specific torque value and won't let you go past it. The dial type allows you to adjust torque to a specific value and click-type wrenches provide an audible click when desired torque is reached.
Price: Just like most tools, price of a torque wrench can vary widely. Some are very cheap, while others can be quite expensive. Consider your budget, types of tasks you plan to do, and features you need in a torque wrench before making a purchase.
When shopping for a torque wrench, it's important to consider measuring range, accuracy, size, type, and price of wrench. With so many torque wrenches available, it's easy to find one that meets your needs and budget. Make sure you get one that is reliable and accurate, so that your car doesn’t suffer from any damage due to an incorrect torque.