Can you use a torque wrench as a normal wrench?

In these applications, a torque wrench is the proper tool to use instead of a plain ratchet. Fortunately, in all but the tightest or most specialized of applications, ratchet torque wrenches can be used.

Is it okay to use a torque wrench to loosen bolts?

A torque wrench is a tightening tool. It is a very sensitive and precise tightening tool, and should never been used to loosen bolts.

Can you use a torque wrench as a breaker bar?

Never use your torque wrench as a breaker bar—that’ll damage the torque mechanism. Carry it with kid gloves—a single fall can knock the accuracy off by as much as 30 percent.

What should you not do with a torque wrench?

When working with your torque wrench, avoid using pipes or other objects to extend the wrench handle. Not only is this practice dangerous, it can also damage the tool and throw off its accuracy. Torque tools are designed to make things tighter, but some can also work to loosen bolts.

Is torque wrench necessary?

If you plan to do any major work on your engine or on some major powertrain components, you absolutely need a torque wrench. Overtightening cylinder-head bolts, for instance, can easily cause expensive damage and catastrophic coolant loss. Too-tight exhaust manifold bolts can cause the manifold to crack.

How important is a torque wrench?

Torque wrenches allow you to tighten lug nuts without damaging the rim. This is especially important on light metals like aluminum that can scratch and dent easily. Torque wrenches can also be used to set bolt pulleys, bearings, seal the mating surface between a gasket or crush plate, and more.

What happens if you over torque a torque wrench?

Over-tightening can cause damage to the fastener, and under-tightening can result in making the item you are attaching or assembling structurally weak and potentially unsafe for use.

Is a torque wrench necessary?

Can you over torque with a torque wrench?

So long as users operate with caution and do not exceed the maximum torque, most torque wrenches can be used for undoing. However, if the bolt will not free within the maximum torque of the wrench, another tool should be used instead.

How do you loosen a lug nut with a torque wrench?

Place the lug wrench on a lug nut and turn it counter-clockwise. Turn the wrench after you’ve secured it onto one of the nuts, pulling hard until you feel the lug nut begin to loosen. You don’t need to remove the lug nut entirely, just use the wrench to loosen it until it’s loose enough to remove with your fingers.

What happens if you over torque a bolt?

Typically, an under torqued bolt will deform and be unable to provide as much clamping force as needed. An over torqued bolt will break.