What type of wrench measures how much a fastener is being tightened?

A torque wrench is specifically designed to measure the amount of torque, or rotational force, being applied to a fastener, such as a bolt or nut, during tightening. This precise measurement is crucial in many mechanical applications to ensure that fasteners are tightened to the specified level without being over-tightened, which can lead to damage or failure of the joint.

Using a torque wrench allows the user to apply the correct amount of tension and maintain the integrity of the connection. It typically includes a gauge or a click mechanism that indicates when the desired level of torque is achieved. This is particularly important in fields such as automotive repair, construction, and manufacturing, where proper fastening is vital for safety and performance.

Other types of wrenches, such as combination, crescent, and adjustable wrenches, do not provide a measurement of torque; they are primarily tools for gripping and turning fasteners. While they can be used to tighten bolts, they lack the precision needed to control the amount of force applied to the fastener, which is why the torque wrench is the correct choice for this specific function.