Breaker bar vs torque wrench

Forums New posts Search forums. Media New media New comments Search media. Members Current visitors New profile posts Search profile posts. The Alliance.

A torque wrench is a tool used for tightening a bolt or nut to the recommended torque and a breaker bar is used to loosen tight bolts and nuts. When you discuss torque wrench vs breaker bar, there is really no clear winner, since each of them has its specific function. A torque wrench is used for tightening bolts and nuts to a recommended preset torque, and a breaker bar is used to break free a tight or rusted nut or bolt. We will discuss the function of the torque wrench and the breaker bar and how they differ in detail in the coming paragraphs. Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links.

Breaker bar vs torque wrench

The short answer is no, as you can cause quite a bit of damage to them. Read on to learn about the differences between the two and whether you can use the breaker bar instead of a torque wrench. A torque wrench is a precision tool designed to help you do up nuts, bolts and other fasteners to a pre-set value and no more. This is important as each faster with its own material type and grade has a maximum amount of torque that can be applied to it. The handle of the torque wrench will usually have the torque value marked on a calibrated scale which can be pre-set. The indicator, be it a click type, a digital or a beam, will tell you when you have applied enough torque. Especially those with a main spring inside which can weaken and loosen over time. Being a precision tool means that a torque wrench should be handled and stored correctly. If it gets damaged, then it can lose its effectiveness and not give you the correct torque. Too little and things can fall off. Click type, digital, slip type, beam type, split beam and intelligent. The most common is the click type which is purely mechanical. These are readily available and can be cheap, although you can get better quality with a higher price.

Torque wrench features a calibrated scale or digital display for torque level measurement. Its sole purpose is to give you a mechanical advantage with the extra length over a wrench.

If you are a DIY enthusiast, you might have encountered the dilemma of using a torque wrench as a breaker bar. While both of these tools look similar, they serve different purposes. A breaker bar is used to loosen stubborn bolts, while a torque wrench is used to tighten bolts to the preset torque to avoid overtightening or under-tightening. So, can you use a torque wrench as a breaker bar? A breaker bar is built with extra strength and maximum leverage to loosen stubborn bolts or nuts. Did you realize just what I said? So what will happen if you try to do so?

Breaker bar and torque wrenches are 2 different life saving tools. Proper tightening or lessening ensures safety when dealing with any mechanism. However, you may think of doing a bolting or unbolting task using a simple wrench, but you will need additional effort to do the task effectively. In terms of functionality, both tools are the same. Characteristically, they are different. Also, a beginner and professionals get confused, thinking which tool serves the best service.

Breaker bar vs torque wrench

The breaker bar and the torque wrench are two of the essential tools for anyone dealing with fixing a car. The key difference between a breaker bar and a torque wrench is their purpose of usage. A breaker bar helps loosen stuck bolts with mass torque. In contrast, a torque wrench is useful for tightening bolts with a specific torque. These tools share more dissimilarities. Continue reading the article as we discuss the key differences between a breaker bar and a torque wrench.

Angel wings wall decor

Smaller drives have shorter handles, and torque wrenches typically fit into small working spaces, like wheel wells. It is ideal when the user needs to apply torque to the bolt or nut. What you see is what you get. Cheapo Well-known member. Get great content that you love. Their design creates a loud click sound and splits at the joint when you reach the desired torque value, which gives greater control over the tool while helping you complete tasks accurately. Last edited: Aug 10, For the home amateur it may not be necessary as the accuracy of those cheap ones can be very good. Read on to learn about the differences between the two and whether you can use the breaker bar instead of a torque wrench. If it were mine I would have it checked to be sure the calibration is right. They look similar, and both can be used to tighten bolts and nuts.

Breaker bars and torque wrenches are a staple in many toolboxes.

As mentioned, I doubt you hurt it, but I would for sure check calibration before using it again. The long solid handle of the breaker bar gives the leverage to apply the required high force and torque. Hand Tools Back. Clicker torque wrench will give a signal when it reaches the preset torque limit and stops itself. The torque range of a normal manual automotive torque wrench is typically up to feet-pounds. If it gets damaged, then it can lose its effectiveness and not give you the correct torque. A torque wrench is designed to tighten a bolt or nut to the recommended torque. A breaker bar is built with extra strength and maximum leverage to loosen stubborn bolts or nuts. Breaker bars are used to undo nuts and bolts that are too tight to undo using smaller tools. For the home amateur it may not be necessary as the accuracy of those cheap ones can be very good.