Torque Wrench Not Clicking: Reasons With Explanation

Accurately tightening nuts and bolts to a predetermined value is the job of a torque wrench. In addition, there should be a distinct click when the target torque is achieved. This should happen if your torque wrench is functioning properly.

Not hearing the click sound might be concerning. As a result, you may worry that the wrench itself is broken.

You might think, “What is wrong with my torque wrench?” Why is my torque wrench not clicking? “

The reason that there’s no clicking sound is that the torque wrench may not have delivered the required torque. Or, it can also be caused by the overly tight fastener which reduces the sound. Still, there could be a number of factors. These include the need for wrench calibration or the use of an improperly sized tool. Also, the torque click may be broken and will not make a click sound. 

Keep reading if you’re in the same situation. I’ll be discussing this in great detail today.

Let’s start.

Is the Clicking Sound of a Torque Wrench Normal?

Torque wrenches are meant to “click” when properly tightened. When you hear a “click” you know the tool has been accurately adjusted to the specified torque. 

When using a torque wrench, make sure not to overtighten the bolt. The bolt and the cords inside the nut will be damaged if you do this.

The wrench’s clutch system makes clicking noises and slips at maximum power to limit torque. 

However, the torque wrench clicks are only accurate to the degree to which they have been calibrated.

To avoid breaking the fastener, the proper torque value must be used. In order to apply the proper amount of torque, a torque wrench can be set to the desired specifications. 

When tightening bolts and nuts, a torque wrench should be used. And its calibration should be checked regularly. Otherwise, it will be concerning if your new torque wrench is not clicking.

Why Is My Torque Wrench Not Clicking?

Possible causes of torque wrench not clicking include inaccurate calibration or the use of an inappropriately sized wrench.

A nut or bolt can have a specific amount of torque applied to it with the help of a torque wrench. A torque wrench will make a clicking noise when the assigned torque is applied. It will click if it’s in proper working order. This is similar to the tappet wrench.

When using a torque wrench, it is important that it clicks into place. 

Here’s someone like you facing the exact same issue with his wrench-

@drapertools I have a 3/8 torque wrench not been used but been in shed a while. Went to use it but it's not clicking on desired setting?

— Mark Hall (@TyredMark) March 8, 2017

To ensure the torque wrench is functioning properly, tighten a bolt that is already snug using the tool. Ensure that it will be positioned lower than the bolt. 

What Makes a Torque Wrench Click?

The purpose of a torque wrench is to tighten or loosen a bolt by applying a predetermined amount of torque. 

It is typical to use a clicking mechanism to indicate when enough torque has been applied. The more distance there is between the lever and the screws, the more torque is applied.

Clicking is accomplished by a collar with a spring that travels up and down a rod. The coupling will come to a stop and make a clicking sound when the ideal torque is reached.

To ensure the correct amount of torque is applied, audible signals are provided. This is thanks to the click torque wrench. 

Adjusting the length of this model simply requires pushing in springs and turning a knob. When enough force is applied to the lever, it will snap with a clicking sound.

How Many Times Should a Torque Wrench Click?

Depending on the settings, a torque wrench may click anywhere from 6-8 times when the applied force is being applied.

If you want to tighten a screw, all it takes is one click. When tightening bolts, many people do so more than once, despite the tool’s warning not to. Apply even pressure with your wrench and hear it click just once.

Now, the thing about torque wrenches is that the clicks represent the working mechanism and the torque application. Upper and lower torque tolerances are typically marked on torque wrenches.

If you apply just the right amount of torque to a wrench, it will click. By the sound of the click a user is alerted that the desired torque has been achieved. 

Note: The number of clicks is not a constant measurement. So, it’s fine if your wrench clicks higher or lower than the average range.

How to Calibrate a Click Type Torque Wrench?

As you know by know the torque wrench will not click properly if it’s not properly calibrated. So, it’s important to make sure the click type torque wrench is calibrated properly.

You can calibrate or recalibrate your click-type torque wrench by following these steps-

Step 1: Setting Preload of the Wrench

First, you need to pre-load the wrench 5 times to the tool’s highest torque capacity. Don’t use any torque measurement in this process. However, do make sure to use a torque calibration tool that shows a reliable and accurate range.

Step 2: Taking Reading of the Torque Range

Next up is setting your click wrench at 20% of the torque range, take a reading of a total of five times.

Step 3: Increasing the Range and Repeating the Process

Then adjust your click wrench to 60% of the torque range, and again record 5 readings.

Complete the final 5 torque readings with the click wrench set to 100% of the maximum torque range capacity.

Step 4: Adjusting the Tolerance 

Check that all readings are within the allowable tolerance. If they are outside the accuracy limit, then adjust the wrench according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 5: Finalizing the Calibration Process

Now your click wrench is ready for use. It is recommended to check calibration every 5,000 cycles to ensure the best performance.

However, if you don’t notice any difference after the calibration, your wrench may have gone bust. In such a case, it’s best to get a new one. Otherwise, it’ll be difficult for you to be accurate with your current torque wrench.

LEXIVON 3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench is one of the finest in the market. Even its 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench is also quite popular. 

BULLTOOLS 1/4-inch Drive Click Torque Wrench is another budget banger. You can’t really go wrong with these wrenches.

If you want something more premium, you can check out Park Tool Ratcheting Click Type Torque Wrench. It has full adjustability depending on your requirements.

While those are some heavy-duty wrenches, there is another process that you can try to fix your wrench.

Second Process for Torque Wrench Calibration

Follow these steps to do the calibration in a different way.

Find the Distance from the Hex Key Drive to the Grip:

The torque wrench’s square drive attaches to a socket. Instead of fractions, use entire inches. Mark the measurement on the handle and write down the distance.

Securing the Square Drive in the Vice:

Orient your bench vice so the torque wrench’s square drive fits and the grip extends out. The square drive must be clamped down tightly in the vice.

Calculate the Appropriate Setting for Your Weight:

The formula is as follows: handle length times total weight divided by 12. Take your measured distance and multiply it by your desired weight. This is 20 pounds to get the correct torque wrench setting. 

That’s 40-foot pounds, or 480-inch pounds (24 inches times 20 pounds) (480-inch pounds divided by 12).

Hang the Weights from the Handle of the Wrench:

Make a loop in the rope and tie it around the weight. Using this method, you can suspend the load from the torque wrench’s grip. The length of the rope must be such that the object being hung will not fall to the ground.

Adjust the Torque Wrench Using the Weight:

Most torque wrenches have a screw located about midway up the handle. This screw can be turned to alter the spring tension. 

Test the torque wrench by suspending it at the 9-pound (4-kg) weight at the initial mark. 

Test it by raising and lowering the weight and seeing if it works. If not, tighten the spring by twisting the screw clockwise. These calibrations process is very similar to planar blade calibration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

That will depend all on the torque wrench not clicking. Hopefully, you’ve learned why your torque wrench isn’t clicking.

There is a chance that the wrench’s calibration will shift over time, making it less precise. Any torque wrench that is giving inaccurate readings needs to be calibrated. 

See you soon.