Originally Posted by
Retro Grouch
A torque wrench is designed to measure foot pounds. That's literally 1 pound of force applied 1 foot from the axis.
If the handle didn't pivot on a pin, the force that you apply would be spread over a range of about 4 or 5 inches. The handle pivot concentrates all of your effort at one measured point. Incidentally, when you use it, you should take care that the handle stays free floating.
Absolutely correct! The pivoting handle shouldn't contact the the wrench arm when applying force or you will get an incorrect torque value reading.