Automotive

What a Torque Wrench Actually Does

A torque wrench is not mainly about making a fastener tight. It is about making it the specified amount of tight. That matters when too little clamping force can let something loosen and too much can stretch threads, distort parts, or damage a fastener.

For jobs such as wheel lugs, spark plugs, and many engine or suspension fasteners, the torque specification is part of the repair procedure rather than an optional finishing touch.