You don’t need to take it off of your wrench, just loosen it until you don’t feel a ton of resistance.
Torque is measured in foot-pounds or meter-kilograms (ft-lb or m-kg). Your torque wrench will list 2 sets of numbers on the wrench’s hash marks. The lower number is the measurement in foot-pounds. The larger number is the measurement in meter-kilograms. The vertical location of the edge of the handle determines the baseline while the rotation of the handle determines the smaller digits. There is a center line on the wrench to show where the handle is set. For example, if the edge of the handle is on the hash mark for 100, and the smaller number on the handle itself is turned to 5, the torque setting for the wrench is 105 ft-lb (1397 m-kg).
If you need to reach a specific number, raise the handle to the hash mark that is within 5 ft-lb (200 m-kg) of your number. So if you know you need to reach 140 ft-lb (1860 m-kg), raise the handle to the hash mark between 135-145 ft-lb (1795-1928 m-kg). Some torque wrench handles are slide up and down instead of twisting into place.
There are a few negative numbers after 0 so that you can move down a little as well. On some wrenches, the dial moves independently of the handle and you can twist it by turning the dial, not the handle.
You add the negative numbers as well. For example, if your hash mark is 120 and the dial is -2, you add 120 to -2 to get 118 ft-lb (1569 m-kg).
Once you lock the tightener, you cannot adjust your torque setting.
Torque wrenches come in different sizes, but the sockets are almost always interchangeable. Torque wrenches are expensive, so they rarely come in a single size.
If you hear a clicking or switching noise when you return the handle counterclockwise, you have an automatically-returning torque wrench.
So if you have the handle adjusted to 100 ft-lb (1330 m-kg) of torque, the bolt is tightened to that level the moment it starts clicking when you try to tighten it. Manual wrenches will simply stop moving after the nut or bolt has been turned to the intended level of torque. [13] X Expert Source Audra FordinCertified Automotive Technician Expert Interview. 13 January 2022.
Turning the wrench to negative numbers is equally as bad for your wrench.
Torque wrenches aren’t meant to be lubricated. Get any grease or lubricant off of your bolt or nut by using a degreaser before attaching a socket.
Calibration usually costs between $25-75 USD.
