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Torque Wrench In Construction: Importance, Uses & 3 Top-Rated Models

All around the world, construction projects rely on one physically small component in order to be completed correctly: fasteners. Whether it be gigantic steel anchor bolts beneath a bridge or screws supporting a piece of plywood, the assembly of construction projects as a whole is mostly done using a variety of fasteners. The type of fasteners used will vary by work type, project type and design parameters, but all fasteners used on a project – both in type and size – are specified by the engineer prior to construction beginning. Given that fasteners play such a huge role in the construction assembly process, it makes sense that fasteners must be installed appropriately in order for them to meet design requirements. How do we know whether a bolt is tight enough, or even too tight? Let’s talk about the importance of the torque wrench in construction, along with some examples of common uses and 3 top-rated models on the market.

What Is Torque?

When we refer to torque, what are we talking about? Torque can be described as a rotational force, or “moment” force (via Engineering.com). In construction, this often refers to the level of strength that’s applied to a fastener when being tightened by a wrench, drill or other means. Torque is calculated as follows:

T = F * r * sin(&)

Where torque (T) = the force being applied (F) multiplied by the radius (distance) between the object receiving the force and where the force is applied (r), multiplied by the sin of the angle (&) in which the force is applied. After typing that out a few times, it still sounds a little weird – here’s a graphic example.

Example Of Torque Formula Using Bolt & Wrench (Torque Infographic)

What Is A Torque Wrench?

A torque wrench is much like a typical adjustable or socket wrench. The difference lies in an added built-in feature – the ability to specify a precise torque value, such as 100 pound-foot, and have the wrench indicate to the user when that amount of torque is reached while tightening a fastener.

In short, a torque wrench tells the user exactly how tight a fastener is based on torque applied to it.

How does this work? We’ll get into a few different types of torque wrenches below, but mechanical (non-electronic) torque wrenches will make a “click” or “snap” while tightening a fastener once the wrench’s set torque value is reached. This lets the user know that they’ve tightened the fastener adequately based on the torque level they set.

The Importance Of A Torque Wrench In Construction

So why does torque matter in construction? Here are a couple of ways.

Compliance With Design Requirements

Torque requirements are established by the engineer on the project during the design phase, and the exact value depends on the type of fastener, the application its’ being used in and applicable standards, building codes, etc.

If a bolt or screw is not tightened enough, it will not provide the same (or any) level of strength that’s required. A loose bolt can allow structural components to move more that what’s allowed and subsequently fail, as can a loose screw be ripped out completely. For certain types of work, adequate torque in the fasteners is key!

Reduce Risk Of Damaging Building Components

Over-tightening fasteners is also dangerous. When bolts or screws are tightened too much, the threads can become damaged, fastener heads can pop off, threaded holes and receivers can break and base materials can be destroyed. No good!

Therefore, even the strongest of bolts can’t be tightened too much – the fasteners themselves and their adjacent components can become damaged and put the structural integrity of the assembly at risk.

Using a torque wrench to install these fasteners prevents them from being overtightened and can install them with a specific amount of torque, as stated previously.

Uses For A Torque Wrench In Construction

Types Of Construction With Torque Requirements

Here are a few common examples of construction types that have torque requirements for fasteners.

Structural Bolts: Beams, Girders, Joists, Etc.
Screws: Exterior Cladding, Facades, Ceilings, Stud Connections, Etc.
Safety Equipment: Connections For Scaffold, Tie-Offs, Permanent Ladders/Access Equipment, Etc.
Utilities & Transit: Power Line Assemblies, Train Tracks, Conduits, Pipes & Drains, Etc.
General Inspections: Inspectors Use Torque Wrenches In Construction To Check All Sorts Of Connections For Adequate Strength

While so many types of construction are reliant on adequate torque of fasteners and other similar components, there are also many types of torque wrenches in construction, too.

Here are our top three picks for the best torque wrenches in construction, each with its’ own unique benefits. Given that these torque wrenches are reviewed from a job site perspective, we’ve only reviewed models that can be set to a minimum of 25 pound-foot of torque.

The Best Torque Wrenches For Construction: 3 Top Models

Now let’s get into some specific torque wrenches you can use on your projects! Brief disclaimer: these torque wrenches are reviewed only for their intended purpose – use as directed! With this in mind, here are our top three picks.

Digital: GearWrench 1/2″ Drive 120XP (85196)

The 120XP torque wrench by GearWrench is an amazing all-purpose torque wrench – it combines ergonomics, technology and quality into one product.

The 120XP will alert you as you approach the pre-set torque value via vibration, LED lights or buzz sound. The 120XP also features 10 pre-set torque settings for frequently used values. This model can measure between 25 – 250 pound-feet of torque and features a 1/2″ drive. It can be set to both metric and standard units.

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Here are some additional features of the 120XP:

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See more photos and read reviews of the GearWrench 120XP.

Insulated For High-Voltage: Cementex 50250TW38I

If you’re tightening any bolts or fasteners near high-voltage equipment or high-current lines, you already know how important insulated hand tools are!

Whether it be working on power lines, electric panels, conduits, high speed rails, subways, utility poles or many other applications, using an insulated torque wrench is life-saving.

The Cementex line of double-insulated torque wrenches are manufactured in the USA. They’ve been tested at 10,000 VAC and are rated for 1,000 VAC when working on live parts.

The Cementex model below (30150TW12F) has a 1/2″ drive and is rated for 30 – 150 pound-feet of torque and can be set to both metric and standard units.

Cementex 30150TW12F Torque Wrench, 1/2" Square Drive, 30'/150lbs

This model complies with IEC 900, ASTM F1505-01, NFPA 70E Standard, CSA- Z462 and other OSHA safe work practices.

If you’re looking for a similar double-insulated torque wrench for construction, here are some other similar Cementex models:

30150TW14I: 1/4″ drive, 30-150 pound-inch
30150TW38I: 3/8″ drive, 30-150 pound-inch
50250TW38I: 3/8″ drive, 50-250 pound-inch
1575TW38F: 3/8″ drive, 15-75 pound-feet
150750TW12I: 1/2″ drive, 150-750 pound-inch
1575TW12F: 1/2″ drive, 15-75 pound-feet
25250TW12F: 1/2″ drive, 25-250 pound-feet

Standard: TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench

When it comes to the torque wrench in construction, many users just want a simple, “standard” torque wrench – complete with the classic “click” confirmation when the proper torque is reached on a fastener. For this, we recommend the TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive torque wrench.

This torque wrench is rated for 25 – 250 pound-feet of torque and can be set to both metric and standard units.

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No products found.

Here are some additional features of the TEKTON 1/2″ Drive torque wrench:

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Read more about the TEKTON 1/2″ Drive torque wrench here.

In Closing

Now that we’ve covered what torque is, what a torque wrench does, why they’re important and some top-rated models on the market, you now know everything you need to know about the torque wrench in construction! I hope this article has been helpful and informative. Thanks for reading.

Related:

Temperature & Humidity In Construction: Impacts & Top 3 Monitoring Tools

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Construction Inspections, Contractors, Tools & Devices, Torque

Pat Finnegan

Hello! I'm Patrick, the creator of PM Problems. I have an educational background in Civil Engineering and I've worked in the construction industry since 2008, working on many types of projects in that time. I love talking about project management as well as helping others learn and grow!

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Torque Wrench In Construction: Importance, Uses & 3 Top-Rated Models

Table Of Contents:

What Is Torque?

What Is A Torque Wrench?