Torque wrenches tighten fasteners to known specifications. The wrench applies a rotational force, known as torque. Torque applies itself to a fastener to provide a correct amount of tightening. Whether you need a torque wrench for personal business purposes, industrial, construction, commercial or retail a market exists. The varieties of torque wrenches serve light to heavy duty applications with certain amounts of precision. This reflects in higher costs per tool over standard wrenches.

Common types of torque wrenches include click wrenches that emit a click sound at the proper torque, dial wrenches typically used in quality control to verify torque, cam-over to lessen over torque in applications, electronic for accurate screw tightening, insulated to reduce optional electrical shock and hydraulic with torque ranging up into 200,000 foot lbs. When looking for torque wrench providers consider the following:

1. Buy from torque wrench manufacturers, distributors and suppliers with time proven products.

2. Know the applications needed for these tools.

3. Select a torque wrench by type, style, size and material.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find torque wrench manufacturers

These manufacturers provide quality tools for a variety of business needs.

I recommend: Selections at Van F. Belknap Co., Inc., include electronic signal, fixed head, micro-adjustable, geared head and more. Select beam, micro adjustable, dial or electronic torque wrenches at Wright Tool Co. Go to Precision Instruments, Inc., for dial type, split-beam, micrometer adjustable and fully releasing torque wrenches; click type under “Products.”

Locate torque wrench distributors

These distributors provide quick delivery with a variety of styles to fit specific applications.

I recommend: Select a C.D.I. micro-adjustable click torque wrench, made by a division of Snap-on torque wrenches company, at eMaxaction.com Inc. Select by product that includes torque, micrometer and drive torque wrenches among others at Stampede Tool Warehouse, Inc.

Select torque wrench suppliers for a wide range of products

These suppliers offer many brand names and styles for various torque wrench applications from light to heavy duty.

I recommend: Choose by brand, type, drive size and torque or click “View products” to see 1/4 to 3/4 inch drives at Enco. Go to Northern Tool + Equipment Catalog Co., then select from a wide range including torque multiplier, electronic and digital clicker torque wrench. Select cam-over, dial, click, insulated and electronic torque wrenches among others at Mountz, Inc. See the assortment of wrenches by brands like ATD, Central, GearWrench and KD tools at National Tool Warehouse.

See these industrial torque wrenches for demanding applications

Hydraulic torque wrenches provide greater capacity for large-bolt applications. Hand operated ratcheting wrenches offer all around applications in industrial settings.

I recommend: See the heavy duty hydraulic torque wrenches at Rapid-Torc, Inc. Find the industrial torque wrench for your business by clicking sets, series, quick release or hydrant at Lowell Corp. Go to TORCUP, Inc., click by type that includes square and low drive hydraulic and pneumatic torque wrenches. Click the model of interest for a hydraulic torque wrench at BMF Torque Wrench Co.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The basic mathematical formula for force that produces rotation or torque equals length x force. Therefore, 200 lbs. of force at the end of a 2 foot lever provides 400 ft. lbs. of torque at the other end.