…. go round and round. But care must be taken to make sure they stay on! That is where a torque wrench comes into the picture. A torque wrench is a specialized tool used to apply a specific amount of torque to a fastener, such as a nut or bolt. Torque wrenches are essential for ensuring that fasteners are tightened to the correct specification, preventing over-tightening or under-tightening, which can lead to mechanical failures or safety issues. Some torque wrenches have an extension (called a ‘breaker bar’) which allows a mechanic to exert up to 500 ft/lbs of torque to tighten the wheel nuts. TMS Mechanical Consultant Sean Keating prefers a standing orientation which utilizes the mechanics weight to exert enough force. Some transit properties use a longer bar and tighten by hand. Either way, the operation produces a ‘clicking’ noise when the desired torque is achieved. Recently, Sean showed helper Milan Streit how to torque the wheel nuts on our 1964 GM coach, #4612. Helper Richard Dyer assisted.