Torque socket wrench

What is the Difference between a torque wrench and a
socket wrench ?

A socket wrench is like a small steel tube – one end has ridges that fit precisely around a bolt. The other end often has an opening of 1/4″, 3/8″, or 1/2″ square. This end receives the protruded part of a ratchet with the same dimension.

Most torque wrenches look like a larger version of a ratchet — in fact, it often also has a ratchet mechanism.

The purpose of a torque wrench is to measure the precise amount of pressure you use to tighten down a bolt. Generally, you do this by placing a Socket wrench for the bolt size in question onto a Torque wrench. You will then dial (usually on the handle end) to the amount of torque the specification calls for — usually in Foot lbs or Inch lbs.

Affix the bolt receiving end to the bolt and tighten, clockwise. You will hear a clicking sound when you have reached the indicated torque.

Again, a Torque wrench is used to measure the precise amount of pressure(torque) applied to a bolt. This is usually done to assure you do not over-tighten the bolt and thereby strip threads AND/OR assure you do not under-tighten and the bolt gets loose while you are operating the bike(a rather dangerous situation).

A torque wrench can cost over $50.00, and you will likely rarely use it. You might just tighten the noted nuts/bolts firmly, then take it to a local bike shop and ask if it is tightened enough. They might take a torque wench to it to check it out. However, experienced assemblers generally just firmly tighten –unless it’s a high-end bike.

There are less expensive — but less precise –torque wrenches available. You would still affix a socket wrench on it. Difference: instead of a dial adjuster on the handle with the audible click, it has a floating pointer that points to the measurement imprinted at the head of this wrench.



No Responses to “Torque socket wrench”

  1. omar says:

    Very interesting article.I wait to read more about this subject

  2. Ken says:

    interesting post

  3. P. Silva says:

    a very good article about Torque socket

Privacy | About Us | Contact
Copyright © 2008 Home Automation - JAEC - All the rights reserved