Proper Torque Wrench Storage

[oldschoolcraft]

I have two torque wrenches. One is a cheap 1/4” hex bit Wheeler brand chinesium that does up to around 50 inch pounds. Then I bought a Proto 1/2 drive click fixed head torque wrench that has a dial on the handle to twist to the correct setting.

The wheeler says in the instructions to keep it set at the lowest torque setting for storage. I guess keeping it set higher puts strain on the internal mechanism. I don’t recall seeing that instruction with the Proto and for the Proto it would be a hassle to reset it to lowest torque each time since it takes more rotations of the handle.

Should all torque wrenches be stored at lowest setting? Or just some?

I have been keeping most of my metal tools on my hot patio. Does the proto 1/2 torque wrench have any plastic or rubber innards that might degrade in the heat? It was expensive so if it needs to be stored inside, I will.

Does everyone store their torque wrench in a dedicated hard case? The proto came with a form fitted case but it kind of ***** because it’s one case that’s made for multiple torque wrench SKUs so it’s like a foot longer than it needs to be to allow the same vac molded plastic case to work for the larger handled torque wrench. It’s huge.

 

[tamaraw]

Depends upon the type of wrench. Most wrenches that use an internal coil spring should be left at their lowest setting to reduce tension on the mechanism and mitigate inaccuracy over time.

For something like a split beam, deflecting beam, or dial type where the mechanism is not under tension, you can leave it at whatever you like.

I don't know what your climate is like but I might be more concerned with corrosion than heat. As for the case, not necessary if it sits in a foam/rubber lined drawer or whatever but a good idea if it's going to be brought in a trunk or mobile box.

 

[Kuma601]

My clickers sit in the tool drawer with the scale at zero. The cases take up to much space.

 

[Benny Franklin]

Internal spring wrenches get reset to the lowest torque when stored, in their hard cases. I have 3/4, 3/8, and 1/4, up to 300ft lb

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Mine is what proto calls the micrometer style. Does that have internal springs under tension that required it to be stored at lowest setting?

 

[65ranchero]

Yes , to a low setting
I was always told click type are stored on low torque
I think my SO tw had instructions ( long gone) that said to store it with no tension.
Micrometer TW should be set at low tension.
As others have said, dial or beam no need to reset they are all in a low setting when not in torque.

 

[vga]

I have never stored any of mine with spring tension of any amount present. I back off all the way

 

[ecotec]

I back off the click type torque wrenches.

My split beams are at whatever setting they were at the last time I used them.

 

[Al Borland]

Always turn mine down before storage, except when I forget. Shop at work would calibrate for me and they were always in tolerance.
Even the "Horrid Fright" 3/4" was/is accurate. Only one that got out of calibration was an old Sears "beam and pointer" one that got bent.

 

[Schurkey]

My clickers sit in the tool drawer with the scale at zero. The cases take up to much space.

I have never stored any of mine with spring tension of any amount present. I back off all the way

They should be turned down to the lowest torque setting, not beyond that to "0".

 

[Walkers]

I have never lowered the setting on my click type torque wrench. I check it every year or two and have always found it accurate. I have been doing it this way with the same wrench for 40 years. YMMV.

 

[Certified Drunk]

I back off the tension and turn the it to off. LOL

 

[Buckaroo5]

I learned that the clickers absolutely needed to be stored at the lowest setting. I also have a split beam and turn that down although I don't think it is absolutely necessary. It takes no time to turn them down once you get in the habit.

 

[Buckaroo5]

I learned that the clickers absolutely needed to be stored at the lowest setting. I also have a split beam and turn that down although I don't think it is absolutely necessary. It takes no time to turn them down once you get in the habit.

 

[Komet]

I have click types, they are kept at the minimum torque setting. Always kept in the case with moisture inhibitors, always wiped down after use. Stored indoors in a heated part of the house so they experience less temperature change. Same way I store my guns I guess, I try to treat them extra nice so they'll stay as accurate as possible.

 

[Kuma601]

The CDI's I have stop at 0, that is where they are in storage.

 

[MarcSeattle]

Some clickers have a new design that doesn't need to be turned down to zero. Hazet for example specifically states that it's no longer necessary for their torque wrenches.

Despite that, I always turn mine down to zero, even with Hazet. I can understand leaving them at a particular setting in an industrial setting to save time, but that's not my use..

 

[RedneckWelder]

I have four micrometer torque wrenches (inch pound 3/8 low range, ft lb 3/8 normal range, 1/2 drive normal range, 3/4 normal range). All get turned to a little below zero and stored in their own dedicated drawer, none have ever had an issue in a decade of use and yearly calibration

The dial indicator inch pound for doing differential setup gets stored in its case due to fragility.

 

[Roger1998]

I'd suggest to set click types at the lowest reading. If the lowest reading is 50 ft-lbs., stop there. Don't unwind the handle till it stops because the internal components can slip if there is no tension on them.

Electronic torque wrenches, which are becoming more popular, do not need to be set to a lower setting.

 

[Odd-job]

I store mine together so they don't get lonely.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Mine are all in a foam lined drawer. The nice thing about the foam is it forces you to back them all off for storage.