Torque Wrench vs Breaker Bar? Which One is Best?

The torque wrench and breaker bar are the most familiar tools in the automotive and mechanical industry. The function of these two tools is to properly tighten and loosen the nuts and bolts; though their work is something related, but their features are very different.

Sometimes beginners and professionals become confused about their differences and work purposes. This article will help you to know more about torque wrench and breaker bar. What are they used for, and what is the main difference between them?

So let’s get introduced to both tools before going into a detailed comparison.

What is Torque Wrench?

A torque wrench is an advanced-level automotive tool that is always used for maintenance and repair tasks. It is designed to be used for tightening purposes according to proper measurements.

The torque wrench is made of durable and sturdy materials. It can be easily handled. Whether you work on a small or large project, the torque wrench is the perfect choice for a specific torque.

What is a Breaker Bar?

Breaker Bar is a well-known common tool in the automotive and mechanical industry. Many people know it as Power Bar. It is mainly used in the unbolting task, and if there is no need for accurate measurement, it can be used for tightening. Many people also use it to break extremely tight fasteners easily.

It has a long non-ratcheting bar, which can produce a lot of strength and torque. As a result, tightening and loosening work can be done much faster.

Torque Wrench vs Breaker Bar Detailed Comparison

In this part, we make a detailed comparison of these two tools and analyze the two tools part by part, which will help you know which tools are suitable for each purpose and which one will be perfect for your work. So let’s see.

Price

First of all, if we compare the price, then we can see that the torque wrench is a bit more expensive than the breaker bar. There are many reasons for this, which we will see in the next, but one of the main reasons is that the torque wrench has many advanced level features, which is perfect in detailed work, due to which its price is a bit expensive.

On the other hand, the breaker bar is a common mechanical tool, and it is much more budget-friendly than a torque wrench in terms of the price range.

Smarter Picks

A torque wrench is a modern tool that has the capabilities to work at advanced levels. The torque wrench is the smart pick from these two tools options for accurate torque measurements to the nuts and bolts. It also has more next-level features starting from LED indicators, which further ensures the accuracy of the work.

On the other hand, the breaker bar is not a modern tool, but it will help you achieve faster performance by saving time. It does not have any kind of torque measurement mechanism, which allows you to work fast, but there is a possibility of over-tightening in the field of work.

Variety

There are multiple different models of torque wrench available for various works. That’s why you can find many types of torque wrench in the market according to your work. For example, some wrenches are click wrench, digital wrench, beam wrench, etc.

On the other hand, there are no various models or options of the breaker bar. That’s why you will not get a different choice of a breaker bar for your project.

Tightening and Loosening

The torque wrench is designed with an exact measurement mechanism, which can be used to properly tighten the nuts and bolts. However, many people mistakenly used it for loosening. That’s why there is a chance that it will be damaged by using it several times.

On the other hand, the breaker bar is the perfect choice for both tightening and loosening. It has a large handlebar, which helps you easily create pressure and loosen bolts effortlessly. It does not have any kind of measurement mechanism, so if measurements are not required in your torque work field, then the breaker bar is also an excellent choice for tightening for you.

Durability and Lifespan

Torque wrench and breaker bar are both made with high sturdy construction and durable aluminum, which can provide high strength torque for tightening and loosening effortlessly. Also, the two tools have to be maintained very carefully. It makes both tools last for a long time. Specially, After each use, try to store the torque wrench in a durable case.

So there is no difference between the two tools in terms of durability.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can a torque wrench be used as a breaker bar?

“No.” The torque wrench is specially designed for accurate tightening work, so you can’t use it for tightening and loosening purposes like a breaker bar.

Is the breaker bar the same as a torque wrench?

Though the breaker bar and the torque wrench functionality are slightly similar, there are still many differences. The main difference is that there is no torque measuring mechanism in the breaker bar, due to which if you use it for tightening purposes, you will not get accurate torque results. On the other hand, the torque wrench has a measuring mechanism. That’s why it is perfect for tightening.

Again the torque wrench is not designed for loosening, so you cannot use it for loosening, but the breaker bar is perfect for loosening.

Conclusion: Which one is best?

Torque wrench and breaker bar, both tools are perfect for two different work areas. If you are working on tightening and loosening nuts and bolts without any accurate measurements, then a breaker bar is an excellent choice for you.

On the other hand, if your job is tightening with accurate measurements, then the torque wrench is the ideal choice for you. In this case, you can not use the torque wrench in the field of loosening and loosening purpose; you will need a breaker bar. Lastly, we do not judge these two tools as alternatives to each other; both tools are essential for your mechanical work. That’s why I will suggest you keep both tools and use them as needed.

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