In this fast paced mechanized world, manufacturing and servicing units play a dominant role in many aspects. In these sectors, one has to deal mostly with the fasteners. While handling them, only specified amount of torque has to be applied. Using a higher or lower torque often can damage the whole machine. To serve this purpose torque wrenches have come into existence. The torque wrench manufacturers have upgraded the quality standards in many manufacturing and servicing firms. This torque wrench can be applied to the fastener directly or sometimes using an impact socket.
Types:
- Click type or setting type wrenches: This wrench is set to required torque before actual application on the fastener. The wrench of this type has a scale on it. The torque point is indicated by the wrench as it makes a ‘click’ sound or changes its geometry at that point.
- Indicating or measuring torque devices: The applied torque is indicated either by a mechanical dial gauge or electronic display.
- Torque screw drivers: The above two torque wrenches may not be effective when it comes to the handling of smaller jobs. They are specifically used when smaller torques are required. Other parameters remain similar to that of the above listed devices.
Lubrication:
Steel-on-steel can result in significant increase of friction between the surfaces. Most part of the energy supplied by torque is utilized to overcome the friction on the nut and machine interface. Thus, it can be inferred that lack of lubrication increases the required torque levels. This may result in the increase of pressure application and also causes damage to the fasteners as well.
Desirable Features of The Torque Wrenches:
- The design has to compact and robust
- Durability is another key factor in these devices. They must withstand extreme working conditions.
- They have to be highly accurate.
- Presence of multiple scales like Nm, kg.m, lbf.in can eliminate the measurement conversion process.
- They must have flexible operating conditions.
Use and Maintenance:
- The operator must be protected by safety equipment like safety glasses, gloves etc.
- When it comes to the issues like direction, lubrication, torque pattern, the manufacturer’s instructions have to be followed.
- The accessories have to be preferred only when it is specified by the manufacturer.
- Inspect the tool regularly and replace the worn-out parts.
- After use, the torque wrench has to be cleaned and stored in a safe place.
- It has to be protected from corrosive environment. High temperatures and high humidity can considerably affect the performance of the torque wrenches. Care has to be taken against such factors.
- The torque has to be applied in a slow and methodical manner. The sudden jerk movements have to be avoided.
- Torque wrenches shouldn’t be marked or etched. Labels shouldn’t be placed on them.
- Never drop the torque wrenches. It can result in ineffective calibration of the torque wrenches.
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