How do you pick the perfect torque wrench?

This is the ridiculous result of LinkedIn using AI. I have been asked to ‘give perspective, as an expert, as to what makes a good torque wrench’ … my days, have you ever heard anything so ludicrous ? I’m a chap who’s been involved in music and entertainment for my whole career, apart from 5 years in aviation management - I wouldn’t know a torque wrench if it bit me. One glance at my profile would tell you that. LinkedIn, sort yourself out - you’re getting embarrassing …

Torquing is a vast subject and in today's Industrial world this exists in almost all segments, however with at various levels of complexity. A simple rule to follow when selecting a tool is to use a thumb rule dictated by 3Fs: Form-Fit-Function. Remember the ultimate objective of tightening a fastener is to ensure the bolted connection shall stay safe & deliver its purpose through its installed life. It is important to understand that the right amount of strain induced in the bolt-nut assembly is a critical requirement & torque is one way of achieving it. In safety & quality critical applications Torque measurement has to be complimented with angle control as well. There is more to share.

hoosing the Right Torque Wrench: A Blend of Science and Experience. Accuracy is paramount. In CNC operations, precision dictates success; similarly, a torque wrench's calibration is vital. Consider the application. Just as cutting tools vary by material, torque wrenches differ for specific tasks. Opt for durability. Remember the resilience of induction-hardened components? Your torque wrench should exhibit similar longevity. User-friendliness matters. As in CAD design, where user-centric tools like AutoCAD shine, your torque wrench should be intuitive. In mechanics, as in life, the right tools elevate outcomes. #TorqueWrenchMastery2023.

You must first know the grade of bolts you working with and check how much newton/meters you must torque.every bolt has it’s own torque you just need to know them??

Every torque wrench operates within a given accuracy range, such as ±2-4% over 20% to 100% of full-scale. Imagine that a beam-type wrench has a 40-250 ft-lb range with an accuracy range of ±2-4% over 20% to 100% of full-scale. This means that at the lower end of the accuracy range, i.e., 50 ft-lbs (20% of 250 ft-lbs), the wrench is accurate within the ±1 ft-lbs (2% of 50 ft-lbs). If the scale is graduated in increments of 5 ft-lb or, even worse, 10 ft-lb increments, it’s almost impossible to read accuracy within the ±1 ft-lbs. So it’s important to consider the accuracy range, measurement scale, and gauge graduation.

Accuracy of the Torque reading from a tool within its range is dependent on how it is measured: In mechanical tools it is measure on a pre-graduated scales. In Air powered stalling type tools there is a relationship between the air pressure & the expected torque delivered. In Hydraulic tools similar relationship exists between the Hydraulic pressure & torque. Typically these are read out of a chart. In electric and battery tools depending on the type the torque can be read by Current algorithm or built-in Transducer. Accuracy of all these vary over a range and one has to choose the right type of tool based on accuracy factor & importance. I would advise to analyze what happens in absence or when you sacrifice a feature - the consequences.

This is very true. The output drive changes with the Torque requirement. In some cases people use drive reducing adaptors to use sockets with smaller square drive. One has to be careful in such cases not to exceed the max torque allowed on the reduced Sq.Dr. size. From safety perspective too this kind of usage needs special attention as the possibility of the arrangement slipping out of the Nut is greater. The first step should always be the right tool for a right job.

In Manual Torque Wrench - there are 3 types each offering specific feature: Click Wrench - as the name suggests Clicks when set torque is reached. Overtightening after Click is possible. Breaking Wrench - the wrench arm breaks at a hinge point when the set torque is delivered. Much less chance of overtightening as operator feels the temporary breaking very well. Slipping Wrench - the wrench slips once the set torque is delivered. Overtightening is literally not possible.

Pay significant attention to routine maintenance and service of the Wrenches & never use a Wrench without a valid Calibration. Always use genuine OEM spares & their recommendations on its usage & care. Secure the socket well on the drive to mitigate injury due to falling objects.

Prior picking a torque, you should understand the application and what is the recommended torque to that particular joint. There are manual,Electric,pneumatic and Hydraulic wrenches available, the option need to taken based on the application,external power source, tools torque range. After selecting the right tool, you should follow the methodology. In oil & gas follows tightening of opposite bolts by 30,60 and 100% procedure. There are software developed to get the right tool and tightening procedure when you input the essential data's.

The 5S is crucial with every tool usage. Identify essential tasks and remove unnecessary tools. Organize tools by common use, standardize the setup, and then comes the challenge: explain this to your team for maintenance and auditing. Despite claims of non-repetitive tasks, you often find you only use a few tools. If not, consider job changes to eliminate infrequently used tools, like switching to different screws. In my experience, all technicians (including me) thrive in a clean, well-organized workshop.