Torque and Chrome

Is a Torque wrench the same as a socket wrench?

I'm looking at getting Craftsman tools and I need a socket wrench.

Public Comments

1. Torque wrenches are a special kind of socket wrench with a dial. Some mechanical designs require the bolts be tightened to a certain torque and the wrench indicates this. A good example are the bolts in a engine block cylinder head. Without the proper torque, the gasket is in danger of leaking. If the bolts are too tight, it could crack the block. Torque wrenches are generally used by professionals who repair machinery. Ordinary socket wrenches do the same job and are cheaper, but there is no way of accurately determining the torque. Fortunately, in most simple applications torque isn't an issue.
2. A torque wrench IS a socket wrench with a torque indicator added to it. Craftsman sells socket wrench sets with wrenches included. Look at those next to the torque wrenches to see the difference. If you just need a socket wrench, buy that. A torque wrench is more expensive.