How to use a craftsman torque wrench?

Last Updated: November 17, 2024Categories: Hand tools4.9 min read

As a car mechanic you will often find problems of bolts getting broken quicker than their expected life. Other problems of over tightening with ordinary wrench may again persuade you for spending on a craftsman torque wrench. Below is an analyzed article  on it, along with some basic information. Enjoy using your torque wrench but of course handle it with care.

How to use a craftsman torque wrench

Dropping it does not only mean loss of dollars but also loss of precision and accuracy.

What is A Craftsman Torque Wrench?

Craftsman Torque Wrench is a device with a long shaft and a rotating handle with numbers calibrated on them. It measures the torque and weight applied. You can read it using different marked scales.

Models of Crafstman Wrench:

  • Clicker style
  • Bending beam
  • Dual beam
  • Micro tork
  • Digital

Types:

  • Bending beam:

The bending beam torque wrench is calibrated by observing the scale and stopping at the desired number. If you calibrate it once, it can last many years depending upon how long you don’t drop it. Its design is a little frustrating in conditions where you use it at variable angles or deep lower down. This is because you have to read the scale directly above the needle, which becomes little inconvenient in above situations.

  • Clicker style micrometre:

When you approach the set torque you hear a click sound which is audible and indicates the settings are done. This type of wrench is far more expensive than the other ordinary ones but it will not let you down because of its longer precision and accuracy of calibration. Some of them come with variable warranties and few of them are available in life time warranties.

  • Economy clicker style:

It is economical but its calibration does not last long. It is recommended for a single project use as its reliability of calibration is compromised easier and earlier.



Parts:

  • Ratchet Ay
  • Spring
  • Pawl
  • Balls
  • Camera
  • Lens

Attachments and accessories:

You can replace the accessories and attachments according to your requirements and your desired results:

  • Interchangeable head preset
  • Slim insert and ratchet insert socket set
  • Interchangeable open ring headsHow to use a craftsman torque wrench - dial wrench

How to use:

Step 1: The torque fasteners are managed after you have cleaned them thoroughly. They are first tightened to half their potentials as described in their manuals or recommended by the experts around. Then after monitoring the remaining parameters, a final torque screwing is done.

Step 2: Once you get hold of the lug nuts, do not coat it with any greasing, lubricating or anti seize materials. Start lowering the Jack, just good enough for tyres to contact the road. As mentioned earlier first tighten each nut bolt to half its capacity. You will do it to its full capacity once the vehicle is fully down.

Step 3: You should lock the torque properly.

Step 4:  The proper way of tightening is done in a star shaped sequence or you may move clockwise from 3,7,12,5 and 9 o clock positions respectively for 1st,2nd,3rd ,4th and 5th nuts.

Check if it’s properly calibrated:

  • Take a reference length on a piece of paper by marking two ends of the torque from square drive to the handle end.
  • You should be very vigilant in tightening the square drive into the vice. Don’t overdo the tightening.
  • Now put your readings in the formula: Product of handle distance and weight divided by 12.
  • The weight is hung freely. Make sure that it is touching the floor.
  • You should now turn the screw clockwise to tighten. Continue doing it until you hear the ‘click ‘ sound. This indicates the desired calibration has been achieved.

Applications of the craftsman torque wrench:

It is used in machines where specific tightening of the nuts and bolts is required. It can be used in automotive spare parts, gardening tools, fixing heavy machines, construction and DIY repairs. It comes in handy when you go for sensitive tightening. However, you might find it difficult to maintain. Similarly, you need to consider many other external factors when it comes to its calibration

How to make it last long:

  • You should make sure to patiently clean the threads. They maybe rusted or dirty due to water or other exposures for long.
  • You should never lubricate the parts unless directed by the manual or manufacturer.
  • You should make sure to leave the wrench at zero and not below zero as it causes errors then.
  • You should not use it as a breaker bar.this can damage the mechanical working of the torque.
  • You should always handle them with care. Though it’s not fragile physically but its settings are not shock proof so once it fells to the floor, it needs recalibration.
  • Use it as a speciality tool .
  • You should always keep in mind its upper and lower limits to avoid any damage.
  • Always keep it back in its case once you have used it. And keep this case near the floor so there isn’t much damage if it falls down.
  • Its calibration can be affected by temperature so keep it in a controlled temperature environment.


Range of weight:

They can deal a wide variety  of weight range. For  instance a craftsman torque wrench can measure 25 to 250 ft-lbs in 0.5 ft-lbs.

Range of products:

  • Craftsman digi-click torque wrench
  • eTork click style torque wrench
  • Crescent 3/8” drive micrometre.

Warranties:

They usually come with one-year warranties. If you handle with care they can be used longer without much recalibration. However, some models come with the life time warranties.

Conclusion:

Craftsman torque wrench is not an ordinary tool. It is not only expensive than ordinary wrenches but require great care in holding, handling and manipulating. It’s used in cases of nut, bolts and other fasteners tightening to avoid any over tightening. Its application helps in improving the life time and quality of the machines.


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  1. kalen mok April 15, 2020 at 10:28 am

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