Among the types of wrenches, which one is designed to apply rotational force when tightening or loosening?

A torque wrench is specifically designed to apply a precise amount of rotational force to a fastener, such as a bolt or nut, ensuring it is tightened to the manufacturer's specifications. This tool measures the amount of torque being applied, which is crucial in applications where the strength of the connection is critical, such as in automotive or construction settings. When precision is necessary, such as in situations involving sensitive components or when proper tension is vital for safety and performance, the torque wrench is the ideal tool to use.

The other types of wrenches each have their own specific uses but do not primarily focus on controlling the amount of torque applied. Open-end wrenches and socket wrenches are designed for general gripping and turning of nuts and bolts but do not provide a measurement of the torque being applied. Pipe wrenches are specifically used for gripping and turning pipes and may not achieve the precision provided by a torque wrench when it comes to tensioning fasteners.