High precision torque wrenches are required to calibrate frequently. Don’t add extensions & stop tightening with it after the click sound.
Torque wrenches are among the most common tools you have to have for quick fixing & maintenance. Torque wrenches play a critical role in precision maintenance. However, there are some factors worth keeping in mind to increase your torque wrench’s longevity.
A torque wrench is a high-precision tool that primarily helps to tighten bolts & nuts. The main difference between a torque wrench & any traditional fastener is that a torque wrench uses predetermined torque.
Thus, a torque wrench ensures perfect tension. It also fixes the over
& under-tightening issues of nuts & screws.
Who Use Torque Wrenches The Most?
Torque wrenches come in a variety of shapes. Each size is suitable for specific purposes. People use them in situations where maintaining exact torque is crucial. People working in the automotive industry use torque wrench the most.
Again, the torque wrench is widely popular in the construction sites. You can use it to do your DIY projects, home repairs, or even use it to change your car tires. Even woodworkers need wrenches.
Based on the job, there are also a few different types of wrenches like the hydraulic wrench, beam wrench, and the electric wrench. If you are working in a junkyard, then you definitely need one.
However, a torque wrench requires proper maintenance; otherwise, you will need a second one sooner than expected.
Torque wrenches are not cheap. You need to know a few things about the torque wrench to use it effectively.
So, here we discuss 8 significant features you must know about torque wrenches-
1. Wrench Adjustments
A torque wrench has various measurement units for use. Remember to adjust the torque setting according to your need.
Suppose you want to change the tire of your car. You can’t use just any torque wrench. Each car manufacturer provides a unique torque setting, & you have to maintain this torque value.
You will see a small knob at the end of your torque wrench. Loosen the knob first, & then set the torque value according to your manufacturer’s demand. If you don’t have the manual or lost it somehow, don’t worry.
You can Google the specific torque value you need for a particular car tire. After setting up the value, tighten the knob. You are good to go!
2. Remember The One-Click Sound
After setting up the required torque value, you may start tightening the screws. But how much should you do? Are you under-tightening or over-tightening?
Don’t stress yourself anymore. The torque wrench provides the perfect solution to this problem. Once you tighten a screw, the torque control system will be activated automatically.
When you reach the required torque level, you will hear the click sound. Then you need to stop tightening.
3. Check Anticlockwise Threading Capability
One of the common issues with these torque wrenches is that they only work in one direction—either clockwise or anticlockwise.
So, before buying, double-check the specifications. Many maintenance works will require you to tighten the screw both ways.
You may be a lefty, & if you forget to check the specifications, you will face trouble. You may wonder what will happen if you force the torque wrench to work in the wrong direction.
Forcing it to work otherwise will affect the torque control. Your tool will become useless within a short period.
4. Learn to Use Specific Torques & Convert Accordingly
The torque wrench usually comes with three predetermined sizes: ¼, ⅔, & ½ inches. You shouldn’t use a ½-inch torque wrench where you need a ⅔ inch one. Using an inappropriate torque wrench will have an adverse effect.
There’s a chance of breaking the torque wrench itself if you twist too much. If you look closely, you’ll notice there are different units marked on the tool. Use according to your need.
You will need a different torque for changing tires and a different torque when you are looking for transmission troubles that need to be checked.
You don’t need to do additional math to convert the units. If you can’t find the lb-ft unit, change the torque wrench type. If you want the cm-kps unit, it’s also available.
5. Don’t Add Extensions To Your Torque Wrench
A torque wrench is not like the traditional wrenches. So, don’t add any extensions except those pre-installed ones.
Using pipes or other objects as extensions are harmful to the tool. Doing so will deteriorate your tool’s longevity & will affect accuracy adversely.
Besides, there is risk involved too. Sometimes these additional pipes or objects come off because of the lb-ft misfit. You can injure yourself seriously.
6. Be Careful While Undoing
A torque wrench’s main job is to tighten the screws & nuts. Some people use a torque wrench to loosen bolts. If you want to use it as a loosener, you need to do it cautiously.
If you see that even after putting maximum torque, your tool can’t loosen a nut/bolt, stop immediately, it is a clear sign that your tool cannot undo the bolt/screw. Use another loosener/ torque wrench instead.
Avoid using your torque wrench as a breaker bar or a ratchet. You will only wear it out.
7. Calibrate Timely
Calibrating a torque wrench means checking its accuracy. There is no need to tell how vital it is to test a tool’s accuracy.
Over time, every tool loses its accuracy. The same is the case with a torque wrench. If you don’t check timely, you may get inaccurate results.
So, how frequently should you test? If you do DIY projects, then calibrating once a year is enough.
Statistically, you need to calibrate a torque wrench after every 2500 repetitions. While calibrating, be sure to keep within a 5% error. Any value exceeding the 5% requires complete replacement.
Don’t put down your tool carelessly. It will harm the calibration.
8. Store Correctly
For proper storage, use the given box. It’s much safer than any other method. This keeps it free from unnecessary rust and corrosion. Keep your tool in a moisture-free environment.
Before putting it back into the box, wind it to the minimum setting, not zero. Thus, the spring inside the torque wrench will be in a perfect state.
A fully compressed torque wrench will damage the spring over time, resulting in severe inaccuracy.
Takeaway
A torque wrench is a life-saving tool where ultimate torque precision is a must. Therefore, handle your torque wrench carefully to make it last longer and provide a better service.
