Q&A for How to Use a Torque Wrench

You should be able to simply pull it out by hand. If you can't, try twisting the bit counterclockwise to see if it loosens. If it doesn't, you may need to use a wrench or channel locks to get the bit off.

The size of your wrench refers to the size of the socket at the end. This is totally independent from the threading on the nut or bolt that you're screwing in. To make sure threading matches, you need to check the threading on the inside of the nut or bolt. To do this, measure the distance between 2 threads with a ruler or measuring tape. This can be kind of hard to do, so you may need to use a magnifying glass.

The torque for the lug nuts should be 80 pound-feet. Adjust your handle by turning the small dial to 0 and the handle itself to 80.

Turn the wrench's handle so it's at the nearest setting printed on the handle, which is either around 90 or 100 foot pounds. Then, adjust the lower dial so the 0 lines up with the vertical line on the wrench's body

It depends on the job. However, it’s definitely recommended for work where precise tightening is required. For example, if you’re tightening lug nuts on a car wheel, making the nuts too loose or too tight could cause serious damage, including loss of life. A torque wrench will help you determine just the proper amount of tightness.

No, a torque wrench is designed for tightening. Using it for other purposes could damage the wrench and make it less accurate.

With any wrench, you should pull instead of push as much as possible. Pulling gives you more control and makes it less likely that the wrench will accidentally fly out of your hand while you are turning the bolt.

First, clean it. Then, apply ONE DROP of oil directly to the ball. Depress the ball to make sure the lube flows behind it. If your tool has a button on the top of the head to depress and release sockets, lube that mechanism also.