I got a new torque wrench for Christmas and wanted to know how to determine I got to the correct "torque"? I read the manual and it stated you will hear an audible click when the correct torque has been applied. However, you can over torque it if you miss the point. Is it a soft click or can you feel thru the wrench? Thanks

 

It'll be pretty hard to miss unless you are in a very noisy environment.

Just to experiment, set it low...like 25-40 lbs, then put it on a lugnet on your car. Turn to tighten and it'll click long before you over tighten the lug. Thats the sound you'll hear.

 

And read all instructions regarding installation of part to be torqued, as some things require an additional 1/4 turn? beyond the torque setting, from my distant memory. Anyone else here want to confirm or deny this?

 

deny of course that doesn't make any sense, thats why you have your torque setting in the first place , you may be thinking about your oil filter

 

Some head bolts ask for a specific torque setting and then an additional 1/4 turn or so for proper tightening. It all depends on instructions from the shop manual. It is not a routine thing to do with most bolts however.

 

I have learned through experience in life that there is a lot that does not make sense, until you finally learn why it is so.

 

The only automotive fasteners I can think of that may require this treatment are head bolts and connecting rod bolts. And even then, not all of these bolts require this treatment.

 

These bolts are generally called "Torque To Yield" bolts. If you are going to properly use a torque wrench you should have a service manual for the product you are working on and that should mention any specific fastener tightening information you need to know. Don't forget to back the torque wrench setting back to "Zero" or the storage setting mentioned in the manual that came with the wrench.