Apart from the fact that a torque wrench is often used in environments where health and safety are at a premium, such as gas pipelines and power plants, their use also has safety guidelines that should and must be followed.

These safety best practices apply whether the torque wrench is being used in an industrial setting or at home as part of a DIY job, such as car maintenance.

Always Wear Eye Protection: No apologies for making this #1.

The high pressures and forces involved with the use of torque wrenches make it imperative that you wear eye protection so that should anything suddenly break, snap, or split, your eyes are not at risk.

Wear Protective Gloves: In truth, this safety best practice should apply to the use of all tools, but in the case of torque wrenches it is especially important.

There is a possibility of a fastener snapping, for example, which can cause your hands and fingers be at serious risk of severe bruising, or even broken bones.

Inspect Your Torque Wrench For Cracks And Signs Of Wear: Another best practice that should be automatic for anyone using tools.

In this case, you want to look for signs of wear on sockets and moving parts of the torque wrench.

Also, look for cracks that can be vital should the torque’s wrench stability and structural integrity be compromised.

Follow All Manufacturer Instructions For Use Including Lubrication, Torque Direction, And Tighten/Release Cycles: Research torque wrenches and you will soon discover that there are a plethora of products, manufacturers, and suppliers.

For this reason, and to ensure your safety, whichever individual torque wrench you use, you must read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on its safe and proper use.

Do Not Use Extensions On The Handle Unless Specified As Safe To Use By The Manufacturer: It is an age-old trick to increase leverage by adding an extension to something which you are trying to turn.

However, unless this is specifically stated as safe by the manufacturer, do not use any kind of extension on the handle of your torque wrench.

Store And Carry Torque Wrenches In A Carry Case: Whilst normal wrenches might be able to stand up to some rough treatment such as being dropped, torque wrenches are far more delicate.

Therefore, it should be stored and protected in a carry case when not in use or being moved.

Always Use The Correct Sockets For The Torque Wrench: Should you try to use a socket that is too large or too small for your torque wrench then you are risking an accident.

Only use the recommended sockets, and in addition, inspect sockets before use for signs of cracks or wear.

Never Exceed The Capacity For The Torque Wrench You Are Using: The safest way to use a torque wrench is not at or beyond its maximum limit but closer to its mid-point.

This reduces the risks of the torque wrench being damaged or its malfunctioning and causing an accident.

Adjust Your Stance To Maintain Your Balance And Always Pull The Wrench Rather Than Pushing It: Some of the environments in which you may use a torque wrench have higher risks of injury should you lose your balance and fall.

For this reason, always stand in a manner that maximises your balance and stability.

Torque Wrenches Should Be Inspected And Recalibrated Every Six Months: Whilst many tools can go years without needing close inspection, torque wrenches are at the other need of scale.

Every six months they should be inspected and recalibrated to maintain their effectiveness and safe use.