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TYPES OF TORQUE WRENCHES: CHOOSING THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB

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Types of Torque Wrenches: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

There is a wide variety of torque-related duties in any workshop, and consequently, there is a wide variety of torque tools to choose from. It is simple to become inundated by the options. And if you aren’t meticulous with the tools you purchase, you can waste money on unnecessary items (Or, even worse, you can lack the tools your technicians need to complete a task securely). As a result, we've compiled this simple buyer's guide to help you choose the appropriate torque tool for the job, categorized by the various levels of torque required.

Jobs With Lightweight Torque (20 – 200 Nm)

Not every task in the workshop requires a strong fastener. But you'll still need to apply a precise torque, so you'll need a torque tool with the appropriate operating range. In most cases involving lightweight tasks, you should avoid using a motorized tool and instead rely on a manual, portable wrench. These manual torque tools are ideal for your typical workshop tasks, from the lightest jobs (such as tightening spark plugs or valve cover bolts) to the heaviest jobs in the lightweight category (such as caliper bolts, head bolts, and lug nuts). Here are the instruments you should consider for light-duty tasks:

  • Adjustable Nortorque Ratchet - operates between 20 Nm and 300 Nm.
  • The 'P' Type Torque Wrench has a range of 20 to 400 Nm.
  • Or the 'Mushroom' Head Wrench, ranging from 20 to 400 Nm.
  • Work Requiring Medium Torque (100 – 400 Nm)

Some moderate fastenings are the next step up from the lighter tasks. And while these types of fastenings aren’t the most common, they're often some of the most essential, so you must have the proper tools for these torques. This can involve working on axle fasteners, trailer hitch bolts, and hub bolts. This is also the point at which you can start to contemplate a motorized torque tool, with some motorized tools beginning at 100 Nm. Most torque instruments, however, will still be manual. Here are those you should watch out for:

  • The 'P' Type Torque Wrench has a range of 20 to 400 Nm.
  • The 'Mushroom' Head Wrench has a torque range of 20 to 400 Nm.
  • The motorized Pneutorque PTM (or PTS) Torque Tool – is between 100 Nm and 2000 Nm.
  • Or the motorized EvoTorque2 Fastener Tool - between 100 and 4000 Nm.

Work Involving Heavy Torque (200 - 1000 Nm)

Here, the tasks become more difficult, and you'll need a more robust piece of equipment to keep up. It's also the point where you'll begin to see fewer manual wrenches and more motorized tools, particularly as torque levels surpass 400 Nm. With a manual wrench adapter (such as our Hand torque H3 Multiplier), you can enhance the torque range of a suitable ratchet wrench, transforming it into a manual torque wrench that operates between 100 Nm and 1,000 Nm. Depending on the sort of heavy task at hand (and how frequently you anticipate needing it), the H3 Multiplier can be a more cost-effective option than the motorized torque tools typically used in this range. For these higher torque applications, you'll be faced with tasks such as securing bearings, driveline components, and differentials and transfer cases. These are the instruments you should be on the lookout for:

  • The Dual-Scale Ratchet is adjustable from 200 Nm to 1000 Nm
  • The motorized Evo Torque Battery Tool has a torque range of 200 Nm to 4000 Nm
  • The motorized Pneutorque PTM (or PTS) Torque Tool - is between 100 Nm and 2000 Nm
  • The motorized EvoTorque2 Fastener Tool - between 100 to 4000 Nm

Jobs Involving Extra-heavy Torque (200 – 4000 Nm)

These are the heaviest types of torque jobs you’ll find in a vehicle workshop. And that means you’ll only be looking for motorized tools at the higher end of this range. This could mean things like camshaft sprockets and harmonic balancers – as well as many of the fastenings you’ll find on heavy-duty or off-road vehicles. Here are the motorized instruments you should seek:

  • The Evo Torque Battery Tool - between 200 Nm and 4000 Nm
  • 100 Nm to 4000 Nm for the EvoTorque2 Fastener Tool

Need Some Advice On Equipping Your Workshop?

There’s a huge range of torque tools out there – from high-powered motor tools to manual wrenches designed for specific situations and spaces. So, if you’re looking for the right tool for the right job – or the perfect set of complementary tools to cover every circumstance – we’re ready to help. Send us a message to tell us what you need – or talk to one of our workshop experts to find the best tools for your business.