When installing and adjusting fasteners, using the right wrench can make the job easier. But which is more suitable for you, a torque wrench or a ratchet wrench?
In several cases, using the wrong tools can lead to mechanical problems and safety issues.
So, let’s guide you in picking the right tools to work safely and efficiently.
What is a torque wrench?
A torque wrench is a special tool for tightening screws and bolts without causing damage. It usually has a scale or makes a “click” sound to indicate the right amount of force.
Here are some popular torque wrench types that pros love and can give you a reference.
Preset Torque Wrench
If you need the same pressure on different fasteners, this is your go-to wrench.
Adjustable Torque Wrench
Perhaps you are also looking for a torque wrench that allows you to quickly adjust your torque settings for multiple tightening jobs, then the adjustable torque wrench is here for you.
Digital Torque Wrench
The digital torque wrench is more convenient than the conventional model, only need to set the torque through the button, then the torque values will be accurately displayed. The new model can upload the data for easy analysis.
Dial Torque Wrench
This wrench is accurate and suitable for quality control, especially in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Although this type of torque wrench tends to be bigger than others, making it hard to use in narrow areas, it can quickly enables the user to conduct a visual torque verification test.
What is a ratchet wrench?
A ratchet wrench will be a good helper when the fasteners need to be tightened or loosened quickly.
With a standard wrench, you have to remove it from the tight firmware and reposition it between each turn, slowing down the process.
However, ratchet wrenches have ratchet mechanisms that allow you to tighten or loosen fasteners without removing the wrench.
Where precision is required less, but speed and efficiency are a must, such as for tasks within the home and other DIY projects, a ratchet wrench is your better choice.
When should you use a torque wrench instead of a ratchet wrench?
Below are the situations you should use a torque wrench over a ratchet wrench:
- During heavy-duty applications: for example, when working on cranes where serious injury is likely due to incorrect levels of torque if fasteners are over-tightened.
- For precision fastening, where equipment may be unsafe and unusable if fasteners are over or under-tightened, such as in medical or electronic assembly.
- Maintaining or repairing a car or bike,which needs to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for tightening fasteners.
- When dealing with rotating parts on machinery, such as helicopters, to ensure force distribution and prevent over-torquing or under-torquing.
Advantages of torque wrench
Below are some advantages of a torque wrench when compared to a ratchet wrench:
- Increased accuracy when measuring and delivering torque and enables more precise and safer applications.
- Can be adapted to a variety of use situations, i.e. different screen/scale types, to suit the user and specific task requirements.
Advantages of ratchet wrench
Below are some advantages of a ratchet wrench when compared to a torque wrench:
- The smaller size allows work in narrow and hard-to-reach areas.
- Ratcheting mechanism lets you work faster without removing the wrench.
- Easier to use,you don’t need to adjust to the lowest torque value like a torque wrench at the end of use.
In most applications, when comparing torque wrenches vs ratchets, there is no need to choose. Torque wrenches with ratchet heads offer the best of both worlds.
We also have interchangeable head wrenches, you can replace different kinds of heads to meet different needs. In the rare occasions where a choice has to be made—for instance,
when a fastener can only be reached with a wrench with a short width—then torque wrenches should prevail, as it is more important that a fastener is properly torqued.
And it all starts with understanding the differences between standard torque wrenches and ratchets.
Whether you require a torque wrench or ratchet wrench, MYWAY offers a wide variety of tools, including must-have accessories, to help you create the best tool kit.
