A bolt requires exactly 25 foot-pounds of torque per the manufacturer's spec. Which tool should you use?

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS exist because fastener clamping force is critical for both safety and function. UNDER-TIGHTENING risks: bolts loosen from vibration; joint opens; fluids leak; structural failure. OVER-TIGHTENING risks: bolt stretches beyond yield point (permanent deformation); threads strip in softer material (aluminum, plastic); components crack from excess clamping force; torque-to-yield (TTY) bolts must never be reused after being over-torqued.

Torque wrench types: CLICK-TYPE (most common) — preset the desired torque; wrench clicks and breaks over when target torque is reached; most reliable for consistent use; BEAM-TYPE — a pointer indicates torque on a scale as you apply force; simple, no preset required, accurate if read carefully; DIGITAL — shows exact torque on a display; some record peak torque; TORQUE ANGLE — measures both torque and rotation angle for TTY bolts.

Proper use: Apply torque smoothly and steadily; a rapid jerk can overshoot; for critical fasteners, apply in stages (50%, 75%, 100% of final torque); retorque after initial use if required. IMPACT WRENCHES provide no torque control — they are for rapid removal/installation, not final torquing of precision fasteners.

Units: ft-lbs (foot-pounds) and Nm (Newton-meters) are both common; 1 ft-lb = 1.356 Nm.