--- title: "How To Use A Torque Wrench: Your Ultimate Guide" description: "Looking on how to use a torque wrench? Check out the Drive’s expert guide to help you with that." date: "2020-09-07" modified: "2023-02-14" authors: - name: "Jonathon Klein" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jonathon-klein" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/maintenance-repair/36107/how-to-use-a-torque-wrench" categories: - "Maintenance & Repair" - "The Garage" - "Tools" tags: - "commerce" - "NoAds" --- # How To Use A Torque Wrench: Your Ultimate Guide ![Tekton Torque Wrench]() *\Hank O'Hop\* Hundreds of nuts and bolts hold your car together, and many of those bolts have precise torque settings. [Wrenching]() these sensitive parts beyond their specifications, could spell doom, as could not tightening them down enough, and for this reason, torque wrenches exist. Torque wrenches are designed to take the guesswork out of torquing down nuts and bolts and to prevent having to retap snapped bolts from deep within the engine. They’re staples of every mechanic’s bay and Garage God DIYer. However, despite their supreme importance, some remain clueless as to how to use one. Never fear, as *The Drive’s* crack informational team is here to help! Follow along as we show you exactly how to use a torque wrench. Let’s torque this place up! ![Tekton and Ares Torque Wrench]() *A click-type torque wrench next to a beam-type torque wrench *Hank O'Hop** ## What Is a Torque Wrench A [torque wrench]() is a specialized tool similar to a socket wrench that allows the user to specify a torque rating which the tool then assists in not going over it. This ensures that your bolts and nuts are correctly tightened, while not over-tightening. ![Troque wrench scale]() *Torque selection scale as seen on a click-type torque wrench. *Hank O'Hop** ## What Are The Different Types of Torque Wrench? There are three types of torque wrench, here’s how they differ. ### Pressure-Displayed Pressure-displayed torque wrenches resemble a socket wrench and feature a head with driver, a long shaft, and a handle. At the head, there’s a pressure-based analog display that tells you want pressure you’re at. ### Click-Type [Click-type torque wrenches]() resemble socket wrenches and feature a head with the driver, a long shaft, and a handle that you rotate to obtain the specified torque setting. ### Digital A digital torque wrench, again, resembles a socket wrench but features a digital display along the shaft that you use to input the specified torque setting. They also feature backlit displays, chimes and vibrations for when you get close to your torque setting and are battery-powered. ## Torque Wrench Safety Working with a torque wrench isn’t too dangerous, but it’s best to take precautions like wearing [mechanic’s gloves]() so you don’t bust your knuckles—you should see the author’s. Here’s how you can safely use a torque wrench and not get maimed or lose a finger—*hopefully*. ![Craftsman Torque Wrench Mickey Thompson Tire]() **Hank O'Hop** ## Here’s How to Use a Torque Wrench Let’s do this! 1. Take out your torque wrench and required socket. 2. Find the bolt’s specific required torque. 3. If you’re using a click-type torque wrench, set the specified torque setting by rotating the handle. If you’re using a digital torque wrench, input the specified torque setting through the display. 4. Attach the socket head to the bolt. 5. Torque the bolt to the specified torque. You’re done! Wasn’t that easy? ![Craftsman Torque Wrench]() **Hank O'Hop** ## Torque Wrench FAQs You’ve got questions, *The Drive’s* informational team has answers! ## Featured Products [CDI Torque Wrench with 1/2-Inch Drive]() [Tekton Click Torque Wrench with 1/2-Inch Drive]() [ACDelco Tools Digital Torque Wrench with 1/2-Inch Drive]() *Got a question? Got a pro tip? Send us a note: guidesandgear@thedrive.com* ## Author Jonathon is the former Managing Editor for Commerce at The Drive and has been writing about cars and motorcycles for over a decade, but he's been known to scribble pretty things about adoption, tattoos, life, gear, adventures, food, technology, nature, and more. ### Author social links [Instagram]()