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Can you tell me how to calibrate a torque wrench?
My friend told me that I should calibrate my torque wrench at least every year. He takes his to a professional to have it calibrated, but I want to try doing it myself. Can you tell me how to calibrate a torque wrench?
Rachel Rigolino · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Yes, a torque wrench is a precision instrument, and they need to be accurate. So, mechanics should routinely calibrate them to ensure they’re working correctly.
How to calibrate a torque wrench is a process that has several steps, which are outlined below. Keep in mind that these directions are for an 18-inch clicker-style torque wrench, with a 20 lb weight. If you use a different wrench or weight size, you must use different calculations.
- Measure the length of your torque wrench from the center of where you attach the socket to the bottom of the handle.
- With the measuring tape still extended, make a line or a dot at the 15-inch line with a marker.
- Put your torque wrench in a vise, with the handle sticking out (or find some other way to secure it so that you can attach a hanging weight to it).
- Set your torque wrench to 25 foot-pounds.
- Now, attach a rope to a 20 lb weight and make a loop at the other end. Loop the weight over the handle of your torque wrench at precisely the place where you made the mark. Make sure the weight is not touching the floor.
- If the torque wrench does not click, your torque wrench is calibrated.
- If the torque wrench clicks once, then set it to 26-foot pounds. If it clicks at 26-foot pounds, move it to 27-foot pounds. Keep experimenting.
- Once you can put the weight on and not hear a click, adjust the torque wrench so that it is calibrated.
- You can do this by tightening the tension spring, which is usually located about halfway up the handle. Use a screwdriver to adjust the tension.
To keep your torque wrench calibrated longer, always set it back to “0” when you are finished using it.
Calibrating a torque wrench can seem very complicated the first time you do it, but hopefully, this guide will point you in the right direction.
Now that you understand the basics of calibrating a torque wrench, find out the basics about how
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