How to Choose a Reliable Torque Gauge for Use in the Automotive Industry

What is Torque?

Torque gauges are an important tool for measuring torque in many automotive environments, but some people are not aware of what to look for when they’re in the market for this instrument. Luckily, Cooper Instruments & Systems is here to help guide you through this process.

Torque essentially measures the turning force on an object, e.g. how much turning power a car has. For instance, with a foot long wrench applying 500 pounds of pressure in a perpendicular fashion, this would be 500 pounds of torque. In a car, this is what causes acceleration. The higher the torque, the better the car can accelerate (torque is different from horsepower, which calculates the power needed to move a certain amount of weight during a certain period of time).

Torque is far easier to measure than horsepower. Horsepower is measured using dynamometers, but dynamometers get the horsepower calculation from measuring torque. Both torque and horsepower combine to give an idea of the overall power of the car. More torque and horsepower generally mean a better performing engine.

Finding a Torque Gauge

To measure torque appropriately, it’s vital to have the right tools. Advice on finding a torque gauge depends largely on a person’s level of experience in the automotive industry. An old hand could easily go it alone and get a decent torque gauge on the internet, where torque gauges can be found for a good price. Someone new to the process will definitely want the help of professionals.

At Cooper Instruments & Systems, we provide the assistance necessary to get a torque gauge that fits your needs and budget. There are different kinds of gauges, some of which may work better with different makes of cars and different vehicles, and we can help in selecting the right one. Click to view our selection of torque load cells or torque gauges. In addition to torque gauges, we also can assist with pressure gauges, calibration of systems, and more.

For more information about Cooper Instruments & Systems or how to select the right torque gauge for your application, please give us a call at 1-800-344-3921 or fill out our online form and someone will be in touch.