How to Set a Torque Screwdriver Correctly

Before you touch the dial

A torque screwdriver is built to stop you from over-tightening. When the screw reaches the set torque, an internal clutch clicks, slips or releases, and you stop turning. That only helps if the number you set is the right one.

Look up the torque value first. It usually comes from the instructions for the device, the fastener or the part you are assembling. If no value is given, do not guess. Ask the maker or use a lower value and check that the part is secure without being strained.

• The required torque value and its unit
• A bit that fits the screw head exactly, with no wobble
• The screwdriver's manual, since each model locks and adjusts a little differently
• Clean, dry threads and a screw that turns freely by hand first

How to set the torque, step by step

The exact controls vary, but most adjustable torque screwdrivers follow the same pattern. Check your manual for the locking method on your model.

• Unlock the setting. Many models have a lock ring, lock nut or locking collar near the handle. Release it so the handle can turn freely.
• Point the tool away from you and anywhere you can hold it steady. Rotate the handle or adjustment collar until the scale shows your target value.
• Line up the marking on the handle with the reading on the scale. Read at eye level to avoid a parallax error.
• Lock the setting again. A setting that is not locked can drift while you work.
• Fit the bit and seat it fully in the screw head.
• Do a test on a spare screw or a scrap part if you can, and confirm you hear or feel the release at the right moment.

Wera and Wiha: what to expect

Both brands make torque screwdrivers in preset and adjustable versions. A preset tool is factory set to one value and has no dial, so there is nothing to set. An adjustable tool has a scale and some form of lock.

For an adjustable Wera or Wiha model, follow the same pattern above. Unlock, turn to the value, lock. Then check the model's manual for the scale layout, the unit shown on it and any limits on the adjustment range. Do not set a value outside the printed range, because the tool may no longer be accurate there.

Handles and scales differ between models, so we do not list a single procedure for every product. The manual for your exact model is the final word on how its lock works.

Reading the scale and converting units

Small torque screwdrivers often show values in N·m, in-lb or cNm (centinewton meters). If your instructions use a different unit than your tool, convert before you set it. These are standard conversions:

Tightening technique that keeps the setting accurate

Technique matters as much as the setting. Hold the handle by the grip area, not the adjustment collar, and keep the tool in line with the screw. Pull with a smooth, steady motion rather than jerking.

The moment you feel or hear the release, stop. Turning past the click defeats the purpose of the tool. Do not use it to loosen screws, and do not use it as a regular driver or a pry tool. Torque screwdrivers are made for tightening to a value, and rough use can throw off the calibration.

If a fastener has to be tightened in a pattern, such as several screws on a cover, tighten them in stages and in a cross pattern. Snug them all lightly first, then bring each to the final value.

Safety and care

Switch off and unplug any powered equipment before you work on it. For live-circuit-adjacent work, a driver rated as insulated is a separate tool, and you can compare those on our best insulated screwdriver set page. A torque screwdriver is not a substitute for proper electrical safety.

Wear safety glasses when driving screws, especially with small bits that can chip or pop out. Keep fingers away from the bit tip and the part being held.

For care, keep the tool clean and dry, store it in its case and avoid drops. Some manufacturers recommend returning the dial to the lowest setting for storage, while others do not, so follow your manual. If the tool takes a hard knock or you rely on it for critical work, have it checked against a calibration reference.

When a torque screwdriver is not the right tool

Most household jobs do not need one. Phillips and slotted fasteners on furniture and cabinets are fine with a regular driver and a careful hand. Our best screwdriver set page covers general sets for those jobs.

Torque control matters on small, delicate or critical fasteners, such as electronics, bikes, optics and instruments. If that is your work, a best precision screwdriver set can cover the small drive types you will pair with a torque handle, and the bits must still match the screw head exactly.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I set the wrong torque value?

Too low and the screw may work loose. Too high and you can strip threads, crack a part or damage the screw head. Recheck the value and unit before you start.

Can I use a torque screwdriver to loosen screws?

It is best not to. These tools are designed for tightening to a set value, and loosening with them can strain the mechanism. Use a normal driver of the right size for removal.

How do I know the tool is still accurate?

Follow the maker's guidance on checks and recalibration. If the tool has been dropped, or the click feels different, have it verified before you use it on important work.

Does the bit I use change the result?

A loose or worn bit can slip and give a false release. Use a bit that fits the screw head tightly, and replace any that are rounded or damaged.