In terms of maintenance, what does a torque wrench help ensure?

A torque wrench is a specialized tool designed to apply a specific amount of torque to nuts, bolts, or other fasteners. This precision is essential in maintenance and assembly processes to ensure that the fasteners are tightened to a manufacturer's specified torque value. When fasteners are over-tightened, it can lead to several issues, such as stripping threads, damaging the fastener or the material it is being fastened to, or creating stress fractures, which could lead to failure.

Using a torque wrench ensures that fasteners are tightened just enough to secure them without exceeding the specified tension. This capability is crucial in many applications, such as automotive assembly, machinery, and construction, where the integrity and safety of a joint depend significantly on the correct torque applied to the fasteners.