Torque Wrenches

One of the most common types of wrenches are torque wrenches, particularly useful because they serve not only as a moving tool, but also as a measuring tool, being able to measure and set the torque of nuts and bolts, and other fasteners. There are different subtypes of torque wrenches, some more modern and complex than others, but the most simple type of a torque wrench, known as the beam type, which has a lever arm between the head and the handle of the wrench, and an indicator scale, which can show precisely the amount of torque, or rotational force, applied.

This beam type torque wrench, one of the simplest and most inexpensive, but nonetheless very precise and reliable kinds of torque wrenches, was invented in the first half of the 20th century (the 1920s and ’30s) by Walter Chrysler, founder and head of the Chrysler auto company.

A more recent improvement of the beam type is the deflective beam type, invented about two decades after the original beam-type torque wrench, which ensures greater longevity for the wrench, and when the desired torque level is reached, the user can see as well as hear it. Still more recent are click type torque wrenches, which use a calibrated clutch mechanism to reach the desired level of applied torque.

The most modern and sophisticated types of torque wrenches use modern electronics, and they are known as electronic torque wrenches (some of them are even programmable, and measure the tightening angle from the snug point as well as the applied torque). Finally, a combination of the mechanical click type torque wrench and the electronic torque wrench has produced the so-called mechatronic torque wrench, which provides both digital and mechanical readings on the torque, and is equipped with wireless technology to transmit the readings.