What is the purpose of a torque wrench in machining?

The purpose of a torque wrench in machining is to apply a specific amount of torque to a fastener. This tool is essential in ensuring that fasteners, such as bolts and nuts, are tightened to the manufacturer's specified torque settings. This is crucial because too much torque can lead to over-tightening, which may damage the fastener or the components being joined, while too little torque can result in insufficient clamping force, potentially leading to loose connections and mechanical failure.

Using a torque wrench helps achieve the desired clamping force consistently, which is especially important in applications that require precision and safety, such as in automotive assembly and machinery setups where the integrity of the connection is critical. Thus, possessing a proper understanding of how to use a torque wrench and its importance in ensuring proper assembly is key for machinists.