A torque wrench is an essential part of any DIY auto mechanic's tool kit. How do torque wrenches work, and how do you use one properly?

A torque wrench is an essential part of any DIY auto mechanic's tool kit. How do torque wrenches work, and how do you use one properly?

However, because they can set values in four scales (foot-pounds, inch-pounds, Newton-meters and kilogram-centimeters), they can be considered four torque wrenches in one.

Most mechanical torque wrenches (the click, beam, and split beam types) include a dual-range scale with foot- or inch-pounds on one side and the corresponding newton meter scale on the other.

Torque is a twisting force. The muscle you apply to the top of a screw-top jelly jar is torque. And when you use a wrench on a threaded fastener (such as a bolt, nut, screw, or stud), you're ...

If you plan on doing any automotive maintenance or repairs, you should own a torque wrench, whether it's a beam-style, a clicker or even digital.

Because it’s plastic and has a flimsy O-ring, the owner’s manual recommends tightening it with a Newton Meter torque wrench to prevent damage. Of course, the manual doesn’t tell you the ...