The terms torque wrench and breaker bar may cause confusion for those who are not familiar with the different tools and their uses. A torque wrench and breaker bar are two separate tools that are used for different tasks. A torque wrench is a precision instrument that is used to apply a specific amount of torque, or twisting force, to a nut or bolt.
The torque wrench is designed to allow the user to accurately tighten nuts and bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque settings. The breaker bar is a tool that is used to break loose stubborn nuts or bolts when they are stuck or rusted and won’t budge with a standard socket wrench. In this blog post, we will explore the difference between these two tools, their uses, and how to use each of them properly.
Contents
1. Differences in design
The main difference between torque wrenches and breaker bars is in their design. Torque wrenches are designed to be used in tight spaces and often have a flex head to help you adjust the angle of the tool.
They usually have a scale along one side with which you can adjust the amount of torque you want to apply. On the other hand, breaker bars are designed to provide more leverage and torque force in bigger spaces. They have a longer handle and provide more mechanical advantage, allowing you to easily break stuck bolts.
2. Use of force
When it comes to the difference between a torque wrench and a breaker bar, one of the main differences is the use of force. A torque wrench is designed to be used with a specific amount of force to ensure that the fastener is securely tightened.
On the other hand, a breaker bar is designed to use a large amount of force to break or break-off stubborn fasteners. The breaker bar is also useful for loosening tight bolts and nuts.
3. Types of fasteners
The choice of fastener to be used with a torque wrench or breaker bar depends on the type of job to be done. There are three main types of fasteners: screws, bolts, and nuts. Each type of fastener has its own individual benefits and drawbacks.
Screws are the easiest to install and remove, but have the least holding power. Bolts have more holding power than screws, but require more effort to install and remove. Finally, nuts provide the strongest grip, but are the most difficult to install and remove.
4. Torque accuracy
Torque accuracy is one of the key differences between a torque wrench and a breaker bar. Torque wrenches are designed to be used with precision and accuracy. The torque can be set to a certain level and will remain consistent throughout the entire process. This allows you to complete the job correctly and safely.
In contrast, breaker bars do not have the same level of accuracy and precision. They are generally used for loosening and tightening bolts, but they cannot guarantee torque accuracy.
5. Cost differences
The biggest difference between a torque wrench and a breaker bar is cost. A torque wrench is usually more expensive than a breaker bar because of its additional features. Most torque wrenches will offer a range of settings, enabling you to accurately measure and adjust the torque you are applying.
Breaker bars are generally more affordable and easier to use, but they can only be used to loosen and tighten fasteners to a specific tension. Additionally, breaker bars are designed to generate more torque than a torque wrench, but they are not suitable for precision tasks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the torque wrench and the breaker bar are both extremely useful tools for any DIYer or professional mechanic. While the torque wrench is used to tighten bolts and nuts to a specific torque value, the breaker bar is used to loosen them. Each tool is designed to help you perform a specific task, and it is important to understand the difference between them so you can choose the one that is best for the job you are doing.
