Torque tools are not used by a lot of average home tool users like myself, however there are plenty of laymen who know the value of precision pressure on a fastener. There are, of course, many more professionals who know the importance of this accurate tightening. Over-tightening and under-tightening can both have terrible consequences resulting in injury, broken parts and broken tools. Luckily, a good torque tool can solve that problem.

There are of course different types of torque tools, wrenches, drivers and such, but torque tools are generally divided into two groups:  fixed and variable. Between those two categories, there are different styles of torque wrench or driver to choose from. Today’s focus will be on Wiha’s various torque drivers, primarily because they have so many different styles and because we’re able to sell these torque tools at practically rock bottom prices. These torque tools are also easy to use as evidenced by the fact that they produce an audible click once fastening has reached the torque value.

So what does Wiha do with torque tools that sets them apart from anyone else? Mainly, they give you a lot of options, whereas most others have just the standard driver handle. Wiha also gives you high quality at a decent price.

Fixed Torque

Wiha’s fixed torque options would be used in situations where you don’t want users changing the torque value. By limiting the ability to change the torque value, you reduce the possibility of error. It’s pretty hard to use the wrong torque value when you can’t change it on the tool. Wiha has three different types of fixed torque handles and they each are best suited for particular situations.

Wiha EasyTorque

The Wiha EasyTorque is a fixed torque driver and is probably the most affordable way to get a torque tool that guarantees a certain level of precision. Available in 4.4 in.lbs/0.5Nm through 44.2 in.lbs/5.0Nm, the EasyTorque has a torque accuracy of ±10%. Some of the jobs people have used this tool for are: mounting a scope to a rifle, electrician work…and so on down the line.

Assuming you need to tighten a fastener to the level of torque this tool provides, it’s a great, low cost way to get a precision instrument that will tighten exactly as needed.

Wiha Wing Torque

Wiha’s Wing Torque tools are made so that you can bring the precision of torque tools to areas that are a bit harder to reach with your full hand grasping a tool. Basically tight quarters. The Wing Torque is available in 0.5Nm to 4.0Nm (±6% accuracy) and they need to be used with their own dedicated blades which are designed to help with a tighter fit. The loosening torque is +30% greater than tightening torque and it resets automatically for the next torque cycle. Definitely a must have in tight spots and wherever you need precise tolerances on your fasteners.

Wiha T-Handle Torque

If you have a bigger job that needs a good amount of extra strength and lots of repetition, the T-Handle torque will give you the grip you need. The Wiha T-Handles are available from 6.0Nm-14Nm (equivalent to 53-123 In/lbs) and are certified for ±6% accuracy. These would be great for the same types of jobs you would use the EasyTorque with, but you need some comfort due to prolonged usage.

The Wiha T-Handle Torque drivers are great tools if you have hand or wrist pain due to carpal tunnel syndrome or just want more comfort.

With fixed torque, Wiha provides three different styles and they work in a lot of different situations. They’ll help you get the right amount of torque when fastening or unfastening something and you’ll get a consistent level of pressure each and every time.

Variable torque

Variable torque drivers are tools that you can use for multiple jobs, so long as you care for your tool properly and choose the correct setting before each job. When storing your variable torque drivers for long periods, it’s important to dial it back down to its lowest setting.

“When a torque wrench is in regular use it does not need to be wound back. However, when storing a torque wrench for an extended period of time, users should always wind it down to the minimum scale setting and never to zero. A fully loaded torque wrench, left in storage for a long period, can cause a set in the spring, causing it to weaken over time. On the other end of the scale, by completely off-loading the spring, other components within the wrench may move fractionally relative to each other. When you reapply spring compression the orientation of these components can change, therefore affecting accuracy. All in all, it is better to leave a bit of compression in the spring while in storage.”

All of Wiha’s variable torque tools come with a torque setting adjustment tool, which you stick into the end of the torque driver and turn to the desired setting.

TorqueVario

The TorqueVario is basically the same tool as the TorqueFix, except you can change the torque value with the aforementioned adjustment tool by putting the tool into the spot where the blades go. As you adjust the torque, there is a small window that displays the torque value. To find the right TorqueVario for your needs, refer to Wiha’s catalog to find the right part number for the value you need and to help you find the correct value, Wiha’s Torque Converter does all the work.

The TorqueVario has some variety in styles, namely in the form of insulated and ESD safe handles. These two are only available in variable torque, probably because having multiple fixed torque insulated and ESD safe tools would be quite costly. Having a variable torque tool that’s insulated or ESD safe lets one tool do the job of several and saves you money. In the case of insulated, it also adds the element of safety.

The insulated handle is unique in that it will not accept non-insulated blades enhancing the safety by ensuring a non-insulated blade can’t be used by mistake. The insulated blades are also distinctive looking adding one more feature for safety. The insulated tools are tested to Wiha’s standard of test at 10,000 volts and rated safe for 1,000 volts.

Wiha’s ESD Safe TorqueVario handle also have their own blades and adapters, again ensuring the efficacy of the ESD-safe features. The ESD safe TorqueVario is designed for more delicate jobs, more in line with precision tools, and they provide minimal torqueing power. The ESD handle comes in 15-80in/oz, 5-10In/lbs., and 5-18 In/lbs. On sensitive electronics it’s probably a smart idea to use something with precise torque to prevent damage by over-torqueing.

The TorqueVario handle is one of the more versatile torque tools you can get and you can likely find one for any situation.

T-Handle

Like with the fixed torque T-Handle, there are also variable torques that come in a T-Handle. The included adjustment tool, by all appearances, goes into one of the sides of the handles and you can also use that as a place to put bits/blades like some T-Handles have. Variable Torque T-Handles come in 5Nm-14Nm and are certified for ±6% Accuracy. Aside from the fact that it’s variable, and therefore suitable for multiple jobs, it would be used for more or less the same reasons and features as the fixed torque, it just has a broader application.

iTorque

While some mechanics and tool guys think they can tell the proper amount of torque by feel after a lot of experience, that’s pretty much nonsense. Because most people who think they’re using proper torque end up over-torqueing, which on delicate screws, nuts and bolts is the worst thing you can do. If you find that you need to be super accurate, Wiha’s iTorque features a digital display and is certified to ±6% and is available with the torque ranges of 60-210 in/oz, 7-26 in/oz, and 9-45in/lbs. This would be an ideal torque driver for work on aircraft and motorcycles, situations where guesswork isn’t acceptable. This author used one for work on his motorcycle because he preferred to have better precision than he could guess at by hand though he wrongly asserts that some can guess proper torque.

The iTorque’s display also displays the cycle count taking all of the guesswork out of when something needs to be calibrated again. The torque is adjustable in two ways, firstly by way of a button and simultaneously turning the nearby dial, secondly, higher ranges are adjustable by using the adjustment tool. The iTorque is available separately or in a nice storage case with an assortment of bits. It’s a very convenient way to get a very precise tool thus ensuring quality work.

Wrapping up

Although a lot of guys think their hand can be used as a calibrated torque tool, you’ll find that is sadly not even close to true. When you’re working as an electrician, you need to be using a torque driver in certain situations or your work isn’t even up to code. If you’re working on your car or motorcycle, or if you’re doing aerospace work, the last thing you want is for a fastener to be over-torqued or under-torqued. Not being precise could be the difference between life and death, and at best basic mechanical failure. If you’re going to be needing precise torque a lot, a Wiha torque driver is a reliable and relatively affordable investment, especially considering the alternative costs of damage caused by improper torque.

There’s a torque driver for many different situations, take a look and find the one that’s right for yours. If you need help finding the right one, or have questions, give us a call, we’d love to help you out!