Most people ask: Are electric torque wrenches any good?
They perform excellently if you keep them in good shape, which means calibrating yours in the recommended time.
An electric wrench uses an electric motor to increase the torque. In another article, we looked at how a pneumatic wrench works. It uses an air powered motor. This one uses an electric motor.
The electric types of torque wrenches come with one or two speeds. They deliver precise torque to your fasteners.
They can be useful for heavy torque applications because like their pneumatic counterparts, the operator can control it with minimal effort.
a) How an electric torque wrench works
The two-speed electric powered torque wrench is more common in the market. It can come with a mechanical or an automatic gear shifter.
What happens is that when you start using it, it will first run at high speed because the fastener is loose. Once the fastener tightens up, the wrench shifts to a lower speed so that it can apply more power.
Slow speed means more impact, more power. This is how the electric torque wrench is able to apply the final torque to your wheel lugs.
If you are using a single-speed wrench, it will run continuously at single speed until the nut is fully tightened.
It will then stop and give you a sign – a beep or an LED flash to alert you that the job is done and then you can move on to the next lug.
When you are using an electrical torque wrench, you have to note a few things. One of them is the direction of the rotation.
You will also need to set the torque value, of course, guided by what the manufacturer of the wheel lug recommends.
Step 1: Prepare to use the electrical torque wrench
First, you have to unpack the wrench if it is new. It can be a plug-in model without a battery or it can be a portable type with rechargeable batteries. Also, check whether the test certificate is correct so that you can ensure that it matches the tool.
Check the user manual. If it is not included, you may be able to download one from the manufacturer’s website. It will help you with the step-by-step instructions for set-up and usage.
Step 2: Entering your settings
Somewhere close to the handle, there will be a small LCD display for entering your settings. The good thing is that unlike using a manual torque wrench, with this one, you just enter the torque settings on the screen.
There are buttons to enter numbers. The numbers display on the screen so you can set them up. One button is for the home settings, while the others will be for other functions.
Electric torque wrenches are very accurate, but they do need to be calibrated at least once a year.
b) Types of electric torque wrenches
There are different types of electric wrenches. Some come in the straight design and some are angled to access fasteners in tight spaces.
Other types include the cordless ones, which enhance your flexibility in the workshop.
Angled electric torque wrenches
This is the best type of torque wrench for reaching fasteners in squeezed spaces. It comes in an angular design.
Apart from the design, this wrench is basically the same as the straight one because it can come in single or double speed settings. It can also come with manually adjustable or automatic speed modes.
Because these wrenches run on constant rotation, they can work faster than hydraulic torque wrenches.
Straight electric torque wrenches
These are more common and they are not angled. However, they can come with a removable stirrup handle to make it easy to access hard to reach nuts.
Set the torque using the provided keys, the direction of rotation and the speed. Some of the electric wrenches come with a manual switch for direction. In some models, you have to switch the speed manually.
The thing that matters most is the drive size. The common ones come in ½-inch and 3/8-inch drive sizes since they can cover most of the tightening jobs in your car, bike and other things.
Cordless and corded electric torque wrenches
Electric types of torque wrenches can come in corded or cordless designs. Today, battery powered tools are light in weight, and they also last a long time.
They are as powerful as the corded counterparts. They come with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
The overall benefit is the portability and the convenience that comes with the ability to move from place to place.
To work longer with such a power tool, you should get replacement batteries. These are modular batteries so they charge out of the tool.
Cordless wrenches are also safer because they do not leave any cables trailing behind. There are no cables to get frayed, so there are no risks of electrocution.
Some technicians will choose an electric torque wrench based on power source. However, heavy duty applications might require corded tools, for unlimited power.
While they almost have the same power, cordless tools seem to have a power limit. Corded torque wrenches can deliver higher final torque. Corded tools are also lighter in weight because they do not have batteries.
As you can see, your choice really comes down to the job at hand. Some might require you to use corded tools and some might require cordless ones.
c) Setting up an electric torque wrench
Buying a power tool is just the beginning and knowing how to set it up and use it well is another. Since the torque wrench will work with the settings that you enter, it is vital to know how to set up the torque.
Step 1 – Read the user manual
Unlike the manual torque wrenches where you have to twist or slide the handle against the body to set the final torque value, using an electric wrench is easier.
There are buttons for setting up different numbers and then there is the small LCD screen where you will see the numbers displayed.
The user manual will tell you everything about the required power and voltage for the tool to work correctly.
Step 2 – Setting the desired values
Most models of the electric type torque wrenches come with about three buttons, with up and down functions.
One of the buttons takes you to the home page where you can select functions such as speed, direction, torque, angle/orientation and so on.
The most important thing here is to set the direction of the rotation. In motor vehicles, some types of nuts need to be tightened in the anticlockwise direction.
Choose that as your rotational direction. There is usually a manual switch that you flip either to the left or right.
To set the torque, check the torque chart that the tool comes with. Check the recommended torque value for the fastener that you are tightening.
Setting up an electric torque wrench is easier than setting up a manual one. It should take you a few minutes and you will be ready to use it.
d) Best electric torque wrench
Electric torque wrenches come in their numbers, but you have to look for them in different market places apart from amazon.com. Here are a couple that you may consider buying:
Geodore Torque Solutions High Torque Electric Torque Wrench
- The torque accuracy is rated at minus or plus 3%
- Has a nice digital display for vital stats
- It has automatic shut-off when you attain the set torque
- It comes in both the straight and angled designs
- Corded for more power and punch
TAC BTWA-80 Battery Series
- The thing that sets this torque wrench aside from many others is the two-in-one power usage – battery and AC
- High torque value of 8000 Nm
- Has a speed of 1.5 revolutions per minute
- This is an angled wrench so you can use it to access fasteners in tight spaces
- Large LCD screen makes it easy to set torque – shows every 10Nm
- Alloy steel construction for durability
Final Thoughts for How Does an Electric Torque Wrench Work
An electric torque wrench is accurate, reliable and effective for measuring torque. They also work fast and you get to choose between corded and cordless ones.
You can use these tools for large torque applications. When the final torque is reached, the tool just stops rotating. Therefore, high accuracy is guaranteed.
meta: How does an electric torque wrench work? It can be a corded or a cordless model and stops rotating when it reaches final torque.