How to Use a Torque Wrench
Pull slowly until the wrench clicks, then stop.
By Jonathan West · reviewed 2026-10-11 ·how we research these
To use a click-type torque wrench, set it to the value printed in the instructions for the part you are tightening, lock the setting, snug the fastener with another tool, then pull the wrench slowly until it clicks and stop. When the job is done, return the wrench to its lowest setting before you store it.
The worked example follows the Harbor Freight Tools owner's manual for Item 61277, a click-type wrench. That wrench has a 1/4-inch drive, a range of 20 to 200 inch-pounds (in-lb), and accuracy of plus or minus 4 percent. Scale layout, locking mechanism, torque range, and calibration interval differ by model, so the manual for your own wrench governs wherever it differs from this one.
How to Use a Torque Wrench: The Short Sequence
The short sequence for a click-type torque wrench runs in order, from getting the torque value to resetting the wrench after the job.
On Item 61277, the manual adds two checks before those steps. Inspect the wrench and do not use it if anything is damaged or loose. Then exercise it: with the lock knob loosened, turn the knurled handle to the maximum setting and back to the minimum setting, three times.
Wear the approved safety goggles that manual calls for throughout the job.
- Take the torque value from the instructions for the equipment you are tightening.
- Loosen the lock knob, set the value on the scale, and tighten the lock knob again.
- Clean the fastener threads, then thread the fastener with another tool until it is snug.
- Press the socket that fits the fastener firmly onto the square drive and seat it on the fastener.
- Pull the handle smoothly and slowly until it breaks away and you hear or feel a click, then stop pulling.
- Release pressure so the handle resets, and when the job is done, set the wrench to its lowest setting before storage.
What a Click-Type Torque Wrench Does and Its Parts
A click-type torque wrench tells you when a fastener reaches the torque you set. At that value the handle breaks away, and you hear or feel a click.
The Item 61277 manual warns that pulling past the click may damage the fastener, so the click is your signal to let go.
Each part below has a role when you set and use Item 61277.
- Square drive. The 1/4-inch square that a socket presses onto. Use only sockets with the correct drive, rated to at least the torque you will apply.
- Knurled handle. Turning it moves the setting along the main scale and the fine scale.
- Lock knob. Loosen it counterclockwise until it stops to change the setting, then tighten it clockwise until it stops to hold the setting.
- Main scale and fine scale. The main scale gives the base number, and the fine scale adds a smaller amount on top of it.
- Unit markings. The manual says the upper handle is marked in foot-pounds (ft-lb) on one side and newton-meters (N·m) on the other. The worked example uses in-lb, and the manual for your own wrench governs.
- ON/OFF switch. Item 61277 has one, and that model measures torque only in clockwise operation.
How to Set a Torque Wrench and Read the Scale
To set a click torque wrench, unlock it, turn the handle to a main-scale value, add a fine-scale value, and lock it again. On Item 61277, loosen the lock knob counterclockwise until it stops. Turn the knurled handle until the main scale mark lines up, then keep turning until the fine-scale mark sits on the center line.
The manual's example is 80 on the main scale plus 5 on the fine scale, which sets 85 in-lb. Turning to 80 plus 10 sets 90 in-lb. Then tighten the lock knob clockwise until it stops.
Convert the spec to the wrench's unit before you set it. There are 12 inch-pounds in 1 foot-pound, so divide in-lb by 12 to get ft-lb, and multiply ft-lb by 12 to get in-lb. A spec of 10 ft-lb becomes 120 in-lb, which sits inside the 20 to 200 in-lb range of Item 61277.
A spec that converts to more than 200 in-lb, about 16.67 ft-lb, is above this wrench's top setting and needs a wrench with a higher range.
| Inch-pounds (in-lb) | Foot-pounds (ft-lb) | Inside the 20 to 200 in-lb range? |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 1.67 | Yes, the minimum setting |
| 85 | 7.08 | Yes, the manual's worked example |
| 90 | 7.5 | Yes |
| 120 | 10 | Yes |
| 200 | 16.67 | Yes, the maximum setting |
| 240 | 20 | No, above the range |
How to Use a Torque Wrench to Tighten a Fastener
Tightening with a click torque wrench means bringing the fastener to snug with another tool, then using the torque wrench only for the final pull.
Clean the fastener threads before you start, because the Item 61277 manual notes that dirty threads may give a misleading torque reading. If you need to identify the fastener size before picking a socket, our screw size chart lists common screw sizes.
- Put on safety goggles and inspect the wrench for damage or loose parts.
- Exercise the wrench: with the lock knob loose, turn the handle to the maximum setting and back to the minimum setting, three times.
- Set and lock the torque value from the equipment's instructions.
- Press the socket that fits the fastener firmly onto the square drive.
- Thread the fastener with another tool until it is snug.
- Place the socket on the fastener and grasp the handle.
- Pull smoothly and slowly in the clockwise direction until the handle breaks away and you hear or feel a click.
- Stop pulling at the click, then release pressure so the handle resets for the next fastener.
Item 61277 measures torque only in clockwise operation. A counterclockwise pull will not give a torque reading on that model.
Mistakes That Ruin the Reading or the Tool
The Item 61277 manual lists uses that can damage a fastener, give a misleading reading, or put the wrench outside its rated use.
Use the torque wrench for the final pull. Breaking fasteners loose and running a fastener down to snug belong to other tools.
- Pulling past the click. Further pulling may damage the fastener. Stop the moment the handle breaks away.
- Dirty threads. They may give a misleading torque reading. Clean the threads before you tighten.
- Loosening fasteners. The manual says not to use the torque wrench for loosening. Break fasteners loose with another tool.
- Using it as a breaker bar. The manual prohibits it.
- Adding a handle extension. The manual says not to use one to increase force.
- Using it as a hammer or pry bar. The manual limits the wrench to its intended use.
- Working outside the range. Use the wrench only within its rated torque range, which is 20 to 200 in-lb on Item 61277.
- Using an underrated socket. The socket needs the correct drive and a rating at least equal to the torque you will apply.
- Using a dropped wrench. Do not put it back into use until it has been tested.
Stop at the click every time. If the wrench was dropped, is damaged, or has loose parts, set it aside until a qualified technician has tested it.
Care, Storage, and Calibration After Every Use
After every use, the Item 61277 manual calls for the setting to go back to the lowest value, a dry wipe-down, and storage in the case.
To reset, loosen the lock knob, turn the handle to the lowest torque setting, and tighten the lock knob. Wipe the wrench with a clean cloth that has no liquid on it, and never immerse it in liquid. Keep it in its case indoors, in a clean, dry place.
That manual calls for calibration and service by a qualified technician every 6 months. Other makers set their own intervals, and the interval printed in your wrench's manual is the one to follow. A drop between calibrations is a reason to have the wrench tested before its next job.
When to Use a Different Tool or Ask a Professional
Use a different wrench, or hand the job to a qualified mechanic or technician, when the spec, the range, or the fastener falls outside what your wrench and its manual cover.
If you do not know the torque value, do not guess. The value comes from the manual of the equipment you are tightening, and a number from memory is no substitute. For safety-critical fasteners, follow the equipment manufacturer's procedure.
These steps follow a click-type manual. If you own a different type of torque wrench, follow its own manual. If your wrench's manual gives a different setting method, storage step, or calibration interval, follow it over this example.
A spec above your wrench's range calls for a wrench rated to cover it. Before your next job, write down the torque value from the equipment manual, convert it to your wrench's scale unit, and compare it with the wrench's range.
Common questions
How do you set a torque wrench to a specific number?
Loosen the lock knob, turn the knurled handle to the main-scale value, then keep turning until the fine-scale value lines up with the center line, and tighten the lock knob. On Harbor Freight Item 61277, 80 on the main scale plus 5 on the fine scale sets 85 in-lb.
Why do you store a torque wrench at the lowest setting?
The Item 61277 manual lists it as a step after every use: loosen the lock knob, turn the handle to the lowest torque setting, and tighten the lock knob. If your own wrench's manual gives a different storage step, follow that one.
Can I use a torque wrench to loosen bolts?
No. The Item 61277 manual says not to use the torque wrench for loosening fasteners or as a breaker bar, so break fasteners loose with another tool.
How often should a torque wrench be calibrated?
The interval depends on the maker. The Item 61277 manual calls for calibration and service by a qualified technician every 6 months, and other makers print their own intervals in their manuals. A dropped wrench should be tested before its next use, whatever the date.
How do I convert foot-pounds to inch-pounds for a torque wrench?
Multiply foot-pounds by 12 to get inch-pounds, and divide inch-pounds by 12 to get foot-pounds. A 10 ft-lb spec equals 120 in-lb, and 85 in-lb equals about 7.08 ft-lb.
What should I do if my torque wrench does not click?
Stop pulling and do not force it, because pulling past the set torque may damage the fastener. Item 61277 measures torque only in clockwise operation, so a counterclockwise pull gives no reading. If the wrench has been dropped, have it tested before putting it back into use.