A torque wrench is a tool that allows one to control circular force, or torque, when putting in, removing or tightening a bolt or a nut. The torque wrench comes in many different styles and levels of complexity depending upon its applications.

A simple torque wrench, called a beam torque wrench, has a scale on the wrench, which will measure the amount of torque being used. The scale is attached to a slightly flexible arm that will show the scale of torque when the torque wrench is in use. This type of torque wrench may be okay for general use, but it tends to be somewhat inaccurate in its measurements. When one must very specifically measure the amount of torque, using the simple torque wrench is inadvisable.

Another type of torque wrench in quite common use is called a click torque wrench. Prior to using the wrench, one can set the wrench to provide a specific amount of torque and no more. When the amount of torque needed is reached, the torque wrench mechanism slips so that no more force can be applied.

Click torque wrenches are typically used to tighten bolts on the wheels of cars. Too much torque can strip the metal holding the bolt, and cause the wheel to become loose. The click torque wrench may also be used to fasten roof bolts, bolts on bicycles, and in any application where nuts and bolts need to be tightened.

The torque wrench can vary greatly in price. The beam torque wrench is usually much lower in price, but may be a poor option where one requires accuracy in torque. The average beam torque wrench made by a tool company like Craftsman® costs approximately 20 US Dollars (USD).

A fairly well made click torque wrench comes at a higher price. Prices can range from 70-300 USD, or higher depending upon the size of the wrench required. People may also have sets of torque wrenches since not all nuts and bolts measure the same. For example, someone purchasing a torque wrench for a bicycle would want a much smaller diameter measurement fitting than a person purchasing a torque wrench to tighten roof bolts.