What does torque refer to in the context of power tools?

Torque in the context of power tools refers to the twisting force the tool generates to tighten or loosen fasteners. This is essential for tasks such as driving screws or bolting components together, where applying the correct amount of twisting force ensures proper fastening without damaging the materials involved.

Understanding torque is crucial as it directly affects the effectiveness and efficiency of power tools. For example, insufficient torque may result in a fastener that is not securely tightened, while excessive torque can strip threads or break the fastener entirely. Thus, tools that are designed to apply specific amounts of torque are often equipped with torque settings or features that help the user achieve the desired results.

Torque is distinct from speed, power consumption, or weight handling, as those factors pertain to different aspects of tool performance. Speed refers to how fast the tool operates, while power consumption relates to the energy drawn by the tool during operation. Additionally, the weight a tool can handle concerns its load-bearing capacity, which does not directly correlate to the twisting force applied for fastening.