Dial Torque Wrench

The dial torque wrench is the more compact and simpler light duty wrench. There is a wide range of prices and precision with these tools.

In most cases it is an easy and common mistake to apply too much torque, even with a digital torque wrench. This can be more problematic when working on more intricate parts as opposed to large industrial trucks for example where you would use industrial torque wrenches. Some entry level basic torque wrenches don't list an accuracy figure, which can be considered as sort of a margin of error. Some lesser quality wrenches are accurate to within 5% which is far from precision.

The problem with poor accuracy in readings is that sometimes it leads to stripped bolts or improperly seated parts. Most micrometer torque wrenches use an internal spring, which of course do not have even tension across their entire range. And springs wear over time which changes their physical characteristics. Precision is crucial with small parts and low torque settings since smaller nuts and bolts usually have a greater potential to fail if too much torque is applied.

Its important that the dial is easy to read and well laid out so that the user is able apply a slow, careful amount of torque in a given situation. Sometimes a small tool is necessary if one is working in a tight or cramped space. Many lower end wrenches do not have ratchet action, that is torque can only be applied in one direction and the wrench does not ratchet between tightening and loosening. Dial style wrenches come in single scale, either English scale or Newton Meter scale, and dual scale.

Proto Torque Multipliers

Stanley Proto tools are high quality, reasonably priced tools that are popular with technicians and mechanics in various trades. In situations where a higher torque setting is needed you can use a torque multiplier with a combination dial torque wrench. Torque multipliers are typically a planetary drive and will effectively multiply the torque limit of the wrench by the ratio of the multiplier. So a 4:1 torque multiplier could be used to increase the capacity of a 100 ft. lb. wrench to 400 ft. lb. Torque multipliers help reduce the effort needed to generate high torque. All Proto hand tools are durable and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. This warranty covers defects in manufacturing or weakness of materials.