Torque Wrenches
Looking to measure and aid the tightening of a bolt or nut? Look no further than a torque wrench. Indirectly, a torque wrench is used for the measurement of torque (tightness) but unfortunately, because of friction (usually un-calibrated or inconsistent) between the mating hole and the fastener.
- A typical torque wrench
For a more accurate reading or measurement, it is better to measure bolt tension instead of using torque to do this. However on many occasions, to measure the torque is the best practical method available.
What is a torque wrench? Essentially, it is a tool. To be able to apply a torque to a bolt or fastener, the Torque Wrench Tool should be used. There is not a lot of difference between one of these and a socket wrench as the only difference is its unique internal mechanisms.
In its most simple form the torque wrench boasts a lever arm somewhere between the wrench head and the handle. When torque is applied the elastic tool bends as a result.
Developed in the 1920’s, the Beam type torque wrench is popular. The Click type torque wrench provides an extremely accurate measurement level falls short of the Beam type torque wrench as it is more complex and suffers some loss of calibration. While the Beam type version suffers little by comparison from error and malfunction it does however suffer from lack of accuracy of scale reading when applied in the automotive industry. On a Beam type wrench due to a rather large distance between scale and indicator arm, there is a tendency to parallax error.
Wondering how best to use torque wrenches? A tip that has always stood me in good stead is to avoid setting the Micrometer Torque Wrench to zero. A limited amount of tension is required in order for tools to work without occurrence of failure on account of tip block rotation that is unwarranted.
When the stored micrometer tool has the setting of 20% or above, set the tool to fifty per cent of the scale at its fullest. Make sure the tool is exercised five times before use once the settings have been established.
If you are looking to measure the amount of torque, look no further than torque wrenches for the job.