| If you have a boat trailer or have changed the | | | | more precise and is easier to read. Some are |
| spare tire on your car, a torque wrench is a | | | | available with a light or buzzer to indicate when a |
| required tool and is simple to use . Most people | | | | preset torque value is achieved. Another variation |
| believe that "the tighter the better" is the way to | | | | is the clicking type torque wrench. These are |
| go. Your average person will simply grab an | | | | probably the most popular and readily available. |
| impact wrench and tighten away. This is not the | | | | This torque wrench makes a clicking sound when |
| correct way to apply torque to your wheels or | | | | the preset torque is reached. This lets you know |
| other critical fasteners. Too much torque can add | | | | to stop applying force to the nut you are |
| stress to a lug nut and cause it to shear off. Also | | | | fastening and move to the next one. For most |
| with head bolts, the torque on those bolts | | | | uses these type of wrenches work just fine and |
| determines the amount of clamping force on the | | | | are rugged and easy to use. For the person who |
| gasket. Over tightening those bolts can crush the | | | | always the latest gadget, there are LED and LCD |
| gasket or distort the metal. The better way to | | | | models available as well. The display shows the |
| apply the correct amount of foot pounds of | | | | precise foot lbs of torque. These can usually |
| torque is to use an accurate torque wrench. | | | | switch between SAE and Metric as well. For most |
| There are several different types of torque | | | | garage mechanics and home owners, the clicking |
| wrenches available out there. One type is the | | | | type torque wrench is the best choice. |
| torque wrench with a dial indicator built into it. The | | | | Just remember to always check the |
| dial indicates how many foot lbs of torque is being | | | | manufacturer specs for the recommended |
| applied. Dial types are generally more accurate | | | | torque. Next time, you need to tighten the nuts |
| and easier to read. This model is generally the | | | | on your boat trailer, put down the impact wrench |
| choice of professional mechanics where accurate | | | | and grab a torque wrench. |
| measurement is necessary. The dial indicator is | | | | |