If your torque wrench won't click, has stopped clicking, or doesn't trigger when you reach your set torque, the most likely cause is the position of the push-through square drive. This applies to Teng Tools bi-directional torque wrenches. In most cases the wrench is working perfectly and just needs the drive set for the direction you're tightening.
Is your torque wrench not clicking?
Common ways customers describe this issue:
"My torque wrench isn't clicking"
"My torque wrench has stopped clicking"
"No click when I reach the set torque"
"The wrench won't click or trigger, it just keeps turning"
"It feels stiff and never reaches the click"
"I think my torque wrench is broken or needs a warranty"
If this sounds like your wrench and it's a bi-directional model (one with a square drive that pushes through the head), check the square drive position first. It's the most common cause, and it only takes a few seconds to fix.
Why a bi-directional torque wrench might not click
Bi-directional torque wrenches are designed for both clockwise and counter-clockwise fastening. The square drive pushes through the ratchet head to switch the direction the wrench works in, and the click mechanism only operates in the selected direction:
Standard position: the wrench clicks when tightening clockwise (right-hand threads, which is most bolts and nuts).
Pushed-through position: the wrench is set for counter-clockwise use (left-hand threads or loosening). If you pull clockwise with the drive in this position, the wrench will not click, no matter how much force you apply.
It's very easy to push the drive through without noticing, and the next time you use the wrench the setting is easy to overlook, because very few tools have this feature.
How to fix a torque wrench that won't click
Look at the square drive. Check the ratchet head. If the square drive peg is pushed all the way through and sticking out the opposite side from its normal position, the wrench is set for counter-clockwise use.
Set the drive for the direction you're tightening.
To tighten right-hand threads (clockwise), the square drive should be in the standard position, not pushed through. If it's pushed through, push it back.
To tighten left-hand threads (counter-clockwise), the square drive should be pushed through.
Check your torque setting. Make sure your desired torque value is set on the scale (Nm primary scale, ft-lb reference scale) and secured with the twist lock.
Test again. Pull smoothly on the handle, using the handle markings for the correct force application point. The wrench should now give an audible click when the set torque is reached.
Re-check fasteners tightened while the wrench wasn't clicking
If the wrench didn't click, you may have over-tightened the fasteners you were working on. We recommend re-checking the torque on those fasteners with the wrench set up correctly. This is especially important for safety-critical fasteners such as wheel lug nuts, suspension components, and engine parts.
If your torque wrench still doesn't click
If the square drive is in the correct position, your torque is set and locked, and the wrench still doesn't click, contact our support team so we can look into it or start a warranty claim. Please have the following ready:
Your order number or proof of purchase
The product name and size or torque range (for example, 1/2" drive, 50-250 ft/lbs)
A short video of the wrench in use, with the ratchet head and square drive clearly visible
Whether the wrench has been dropped or exposed to impact, and roughly how long you've been using it
Please don't continue using a wrench that isn't clicking for safety-critical fasteners.
About Teng Tools bi-directional torque wrenches
Designed for both clockwise and counter-clockwise fastening
Click-type mechanism with an audible torque signal
Push-through square drive for easy directional changes
Reversible 24-teeth ratchet mechanism (DIN 3122) with 15° swing arc
Twist lock to secure the set torque
Primary Nm scale with an additional ft-lb reference scale
Integrated angular gauge for post-tightening adjustments
Handle markings for correct force application