In this guide, you are not only going to learn how to use a digital torque wrench, but you will also see everything about it.
On the body of the digital torque wrench, you will find a small user panel, with a display screen and a few buttons to enter your settings.
A digital type of torque wrench is also called an electronic torque wrench. Don’t be confused when you find these two terms being interchanged.
Unlike the electric torque wrench, which has a bulky build such that it looks like an impact wrench, this one is sleek, looks just like a manual or click wrench.
Knowing how to use a torque wrench in the correct way will help you tighten a fastener correctly. This is vital not only for technicians working in the automotive, and other industries, but for DIY repair and maintenance enthusiasts as well.
There are many types of torque wrenches to buy for your needs. These are manual, electric, electronic, digital and even some come with interchangeable head designs.
Among the easiest to use torque wrenches is the digital type, which we are discussing in this short post.
1. What (& when) is a digital torque wrench used for
A torque wrench is used for tightening fasteners that require precise torque settings. The need for precise torque values cannot be overemphasized especially in delicate jobs such as car engines.
Good for use in confined spaces
Some of the fasteners in your engine bay are hidden in tight spaces. For these, you need a real lightweight torque wrench.
Many of the digital type torque wrenches weigh lower than 2.0lb. This makes them handy for use in close spaces.
Good to be used by beginners
Because it is programmable, this wrench is so simple to use, even for first-time users. Unlike using a manual torque wrench where you have to toggle with the handle, body, hash marks and so on to set the torque, programming this one is pure bliss.
People ask: Is a digital torque wrench better? It is indeed better for speed, high accuracy and precision and usability.
One of the most applicable areas where you can use this torque wrench type is for your car engine. It has many types of fasteners, which require different torque values.
This type of wrench is also used for heavy-duty torque applications. If you are buying it for your car, you can use it on fasteners in the engine, as well as for your wheel lugs. As long as the drive fits on your fastener, this wrench will give you accurate torque settings.
You can also use this type of wrench for your bikes and other toys. Wherever you want precise application of torque, you can use this type of wrench.
Because of its simplicity of use, this is the torque wrench for daily use. In your home, garage or even factory floor, your electronic torque wrench can come in quite handily.
LED display torque wrenches are good for noisy workplaces
If you are working in noisy environments, you need a torque wrench that gives you a visual signal and they do not come better than this.
It displays the torque in real time, and when you tighten the bolts to maximum torque, an LED light illuminates.
The accuracy of these torque wrench types differs from one model to another, but it is mostly put at plus or minus 3%. Only the Dial Type Torque wrench beats this one when it comes to accuracy.
2. Different types of digital torque wrenches
There is not really much to say about different types of these wrenches. They all come in the same design, but some may have flex angles, some with long or short handles and so on. Overall, they are the same!
But even then, when looking at reviews of these wrenches, you will find some outstanding differences in torque modes, and in some cases, in alert modes. Let’s clarify this some more below:
Trace and peak mode torque wrenches
This is one of the outstanding differences between the available wrenches. Some come with both trace and peak torque modes, but it is not too unusual to get a wrench with either.
Trace mode – This is not too commonly used since it is not a reliable way of measuring torque. In some instances, you might want to know the exact amount of torque that you are applying at that particular moment.
This lets you know whether you are applying a uniform amount of torque through the process, when you are not interested in reaching the maximum torque.
In such an application, the trace torque wrench is going to be more helpful than a peak mode one.
Peak mode torque – In most cases, you will be trying to apply a specific amount of torque to a fastener.
You need a peak wrench, as you just need to know the highest amount of torque that you have applied at that particular moment.
The overall point of applying torque is precision. Peak mode helps you to know the highest amount of torque you have applied that far. It helps you not to exceed the recommended torque value by the manufacturer of the fastener.
Before you order your electronic torque wrench, find out whether it comes with peak and trace torque modes. It is important to have both modes if you are a technician, who juggles different repair and maintenance jobs.
Warning system
Again, most of the digital types of torque wrenches in the market come with LED warning systems to alert you when the final torque is attained.
However, there is always the unusual case when you might find one that comes with a click warning only. For instance, the Craftsman Drive Digi-Click digital torque wrench has a click warning, which is hard to catch in a noisy work environment.
If you can, try hard to get a wrench with an LED light warming system. It is more noticeable and convenient. Besides, it also allows you to work well in low-lit environments.
3. Digital torque wrench adapter
Torque wrench adapters have been used with regular wrenches, you know, such as the crowfoot wrench, to help you use it to apply the right amount of torque to a fastener.
Used alone, such a wrench cannot apply the right amount of torque, something that would lead to over or under-tightening of fasteners. To avoid this, you should get a torque wrench adapter, to work with it.
A digital torque wrench adapter is the best fit because it can display readings on the LCD screen, in real time. It can also alert you when you reach the final torque and most importantly, it is easy to enter the settings that you need.
How to buy the right digital torque wrench adapter
These adapters come in their numbers, so getting the right one can be confusing. Here are a few important things to consider:
Drive size
Here, you are going to be guided by your regular wrench size. Thus, if you have a crowfoot wrench of size ½ inch, you need to get a digital type torque wrench adapter of the same size. If you have a wrench of size 3/8 inch, you need to get an adapter of the same size.
That is not all though, because some adapters come in sets. It is possible to have even five adapters in different sizes in the same set. Check on your needs carefully before making an order.
Torque Range
Find out the maximum torque value of the fasteners that you tighten most of the time. It is also important to find out the minimum torque amount that the torque wrench adapter will measure.
Some, such as the ACDelco ARM602-34 digital torque adapter will only measure torque within the 14.8 to 147 ft-lbs of torque range. As a result, if you need to measure torque that is lower than that, this one will not help you.
If you do many tasks that require precise torque application, perhaps you would do better to write all of them down before you can get a torque adapter.
Most casual uses of torque wrenches fall within the 20 to 140ft-lb torque range. Therefore, anything within 20 to 200ft-lb should serve you just fine.
Torque modes
As mentioned earlier, it is better to have a torque wrench that has both peak and trace torque modes. Different fasteners and work situations might need different ways of measuring torque.
Trace mode shows you the amount of torque you are applying on the fastener at different times, useful when you do not want to apply the maximum torque.
Peak mode shows you the amount of torque that you have applied. It is useful when you want to apply the maximum torque to a fastener.
Rotating LCD display
You will be getting your torque readings on the screen but since the adapter is clinched to the wrench, you need a rotatable screen to read correctly.
If the screen is not rotatable, at least, it should have large numbers and a backlit screen so that you can read it easily, even when there is minimal lighting.
Accuracy rating
Look for digital torque adapters with an accuracy rating of +/-3% of even higher, say, like +-/2%. In addition, you will need to calibrate the adapter in the recommended time span.
While it can be hard to get a torque adapter that is 100% accurate, never over or under-torque your fastener because either way, that can have serious consequences.
4. Is a digital torque wrench better?
Digital torque wrenches are really good, accurate and with care, they can last a long time. In fact, compared to other torque wrenches, they are only second to the dial type torque wrenches when it comes to accuracy.
Every torque wrench has its unique advantages. For this one, the following make it a better choice for all automotive garages:
Scale visibility – Usually, these wrenches have a small LCD display screen with a few buttons for entering various settings. You can choose one with a back lit screen so that it stays visible even in low light settings. You cannot have any trouble when working with this kind of torque wrench.
Maintenance – Here, you should know that this is a delicate torque wrench, so it can go off if you drop it. Therefore, you need to keep it in the case it came in, all the time when you are not using it.
For calibration, do it once every 5000 cycles or once a year, whichever comes first. However, if you are ever in doubt of the accuracy of the wrench, you can have it calibrated any time.
Setting of torque values – Setting the torque figures on this wrench is so easy. There is a display screen so you will see all the figures that you are entering. Most of these torque wrenches also measure torque values in different units such as Nm, ft-lb, in-lb and so on. You can choose the most appropriate measuring unit for you.
Cost – Digital torque wrenches will cost you a lot more than some other types of wrenches, say, like the click wrenches. However, the price starts at $90, but some can cost up to $600. For instance, the MulWark 3/8″ costs $99 while the CDI Torque 2503CF3HA electronic wrench costs $565.
Reliability – Digital torque wrenches are quite reliable when it comes to durability and accuracy rating. Mostly, they have an accuracy rating of +/-3%. Even over frequent usage, these tools do not lose their reliability at all.
5. How do you calibrate a digital torque wrench?
Most people ask: how much does it cost to calibrate a digital torque wrench? It can be anything from $30 to $200. If you do not have any idea how to do this, please take the tool to a professional.
Sometimes, when your new tool is delivered, you might find it showing an error message when you switch it on.
This will not always happen with all digital types of torque wrenches, but if it happens, there is no need to worry. The error just means that the tool has failed to self-calibrate.
To correct this, just set it on a flat surface with the screen facing upwards, for a few seconds. It will self-calibrate just fine.
If you are calibrating the torque wrench because its time is due, you might need to do some more work. Here are a few steps to help you calibrate the torque wrench:
Read the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the calibration of the torque wrench. This is in the user manual or you can find the instructions in the website of the manufacturer.
Ensure that the tool is clean and then check it physically for anything that might cause incorrect torque readings. These can be things like bumps, chips, cracks, dying batteries and so on.
Digital torque wrenches are too sensitive. Therefore, you might need to use a wrench calibrator to calibrate it. Instead of going through the hassle of buying this machine, it is best to take your digital tool to a calibrating laboratory. Such a factory calibrates all types of tools. Besides, it is a once-in-12 months requirement.
6. Best digital torque
CDI Torque 2503CF3HA
The torque range for this electronic torque wrench is 25 to 250 ft-lb.
It has an overall 18.25 inches. It cannot perform angle torque
The LED light will illuminate green when you achieve the set torque value
Real-time display of torque
It is good for use on fasteners on aircraft, boats, motorcycles, vehicles and light industrial uses
Comes with ½-inch drive
Olsa Tools Digital Torque Wrench
From the factory, this tool is one of the most accurate rated at 1% clockwise and 2% anticlockwise
This tool comes backed by a lifetime warranty and 100 percent satisfaction guarantee
Wide torque range of between 12.5 to 250 ft-lb, measured in ft.lb and Nm
This is certified ASME B107.300-2010 internationally accurate
It keeps a memory of up to 50 torque settings
High quality build with chrome vanadium steel
GEARWRENCH Drive Electronic Torque Wrench
You will get three types of alerts like LED light, vibration and a beep
High torque range of up to 250 ft-lb
It is available in two sizes – ½-inch or 3/8-inch drive. It is also available with ½-inch and 3/8-inch flex drives for angular torque application.
The accuracy rating is +/-2% in the clockwise direction and +/-3% in the anticlockwise direction
Oil and chemical resistant build for all parts
ACDelco ARM601-4 1/2”
You can select from ½-inch, ¼-inch, 3/8 inch, ¾-inch and 1-inch range of sizes depending on your needs
The most outstanding thing about this torque wrench is the torque range of 1.1 ft-lb to 738 ft-lb
Has a high accuracy rating of +/-1.5% clockwise and +/-2.5% anticlockwise
It is also available in angle measuring and calibration modes
It has LED, Buzzer and vibration alerts when final torque is reached
Uses two AAA batteries, and it comes with them
Wrapping Up
How to use a digital torque wrench means knowing everything about this important tool, as you have seen here. There are premium models such as the CDI Torque 2503CF3HA wrench that costs close to $600.
Some models are also quite cheap, and some are even made of ABS material. Calibrate your tool on time to get accurate readings all the time.
Most importantly, take good care of the tool. Dropping a digital wrench onto the ground can throw its readings off. Always store it right in its case.