As early as the 17th century an English scientist, Robert Hook, developed a law saying that the body deforms under the influence of a force acting on it in direct proportion to the value of that force. What does the old Hook's law have to do with mechanical tools? It is used in the construction and use of a torque wrench, also called an actuator. How does this work in practice and how to choose the best torque wrench for home or professional use?
What is a torque wrench for?
Torque wrenches can be found in the equipment of every mechanic. People who like to tinker and do small repairs themselves also appreciate the help of this tool. The torque wrench has a built-in spring and a sensor that measures the force applied to tightening or unscrewing the component.
It plays an essential role when tightening screws. On modern models you can set a specific value and tighten the screw until you hear a click. Such a mechanism allows you to easily and at the same time very precisely control how tightly the screw is tightened and not to damage the connected elements. Thanks to the key, you no longer have to rely on unreliable "feel". - it is possible to combine elements with exactly the force specified by the manufacturer.
The torque wrenches allow you to determine the so-called tightening torque - that is, the torque at which the wheels or engine head component are already tightened firmly enough. This is very important for aluminium components, but also when working with other materials.
Types of torque wrenches
There are different types of this tool. The simplest models make it easy to work comfortably in your own workshop, and professional, quite expensive models are essential equipment for a mechanic. Here are the most popular types of torque wrenches:
- broken,
- electronic,
- indicative,
- mechanical.
What are the basic differences between them, when getting ready to choose and buy a key? The mechanical torque wrench is the most popular model. When the force reaches a certain moment, the latch locks the key with a characteristic click. Broken keys are simpler in construction - the signal of exceeding the force here is the "breaking" of the front of the key by about 20 degrees. There is a scale with a scale and a pointer in the pointer wrench - you should follow the tightening force. Modern electronic keys, on the other hand, display the current settings and force value on the LCD display.
Torque wrench - which one to choose?
In shops selling professional tools, such as Czyżycki Tools, you can buy various torque wrenches and give them to calibrate. But which one is best?
Simple pointer keys are inexpensive and sufficient in the home "do-it-yourself". Mechanical keys ("click") are also very popular. In workshops providing services to external customers, broken keys work, although the future definitely belongs to the most accurate and professional electronic ones.
