This article is going to guide you how to use a Torque Wrench safely. A torque wrench is a valuable tool that securely fastens nuts and bolts onto projects. They are used to fix and maintain everyday items, such as car tires. Although the torque wrench is an incredibly helpful and necessary tool, the user should practice safety when handling it. There are many tips one could follow to ensure that he is using a torque wrench effectively without sacrificing his own safety.
The process of using a torque wrench is simple and requires that one assembles a minimal amount of materials. Once the tools are assembled, completing a project takes barely any time when a torque wrench is used; the tool makes maintaining things a breeze. Because they are not complex tools, understanding its components and knowing how to fix and maintain a torque wrench does not require that one learns any difficult skills.
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What is a Torque Wrench?
Torque is a measurement of twisting force, and a torque wrench is a tool that applies a specific torque to fasteners. It is usually in the form of a ratchet, also called a socket wrench. During the early 1900s, the overtightening of bolts on water mains and steam pipes was prevalent; the torque wrench was designed to be a solution to prevent this overtightening.
Although operators desire to measure bolt tension, no suitable method has been found to produce accurate results. Therefore, torque is the next best thing and is measured instead of bolt tension. To date, using a torque wrench to measure torque is the most practical method for matching specifications to particular applications.
How does one safely use a torque wrench?
Although there are many steps one could take to ensure that he is using a torque wrench in the safest way possible, there are a few safety tips that top the list.
- Wearing safety glasses or goggles are vital pieces of protective equipment.
This eye protection should be worn any time a hand tool is being used.
- Do not use torque wrenches with sockets and fasteners that are cracked or show wear and tear.
Damaged materials may not secure the bolts and nuts well enough. Unsecured parts are a major safety hazard.
- One should pull rather than push when applying torque and adjust his standing position to prevent a fall.
These are just extra methods of precaution; one can never be too careful.
7 Easy Steps: How to Use A Torque Wrench
Using a torque wrench is very simple. The process merely involves having the needed materials and knowing the right technique for the particular project. Below are steps on how to use the click adjustable torque wrench, a very common wrench that delivers accuracy and the durability needed for repeated use.
1. Obtain the Necessary Materials
Gather nuts and bolts that are clean, dry, and undamaged. Also, ensure that the threads are in good condition, as using undamaged materials helps the wrench be more effective and could also make removing the fasteners in the future a much easier task.
Purchase a calibrated torque wrench from an auto parts store. If the torque wrench is used, take it to an auto parts store to be recalibrated.
2. Get Familiar with the Project’s Torque Specifications
Search the project’s instructions for the number of foot-pounds, which will inform you of how much torque is needed for the bolts or nuts that are to be fastened. If no foot-pounds are listed, find this information online.
Pay close attention to the pattern given in the instructions because the pattern shows which method is to be used to tighten the bolts.
3. Prepare to Use the Click Adjustable Torque Wrench
Using a socket or a wrench, tighten the nuts or bolts onto the threads.
4. Adjust the Torque Wrench
Click Adjustable torque wrenches have adjustable dials. Loosen the dial. Keep turning the handle until the wrench has reached the desired torque specification. Tighten the adjustable dial.
5. Begin to Fasten
While holding the handle, place the tip on the fastener. Turn the wrench clockwise until a click can be heard. Turn again until you hear another click. Repeating this action simply ensures that the recommended torque has been met.
6. Finish the Project
Tighten each of the project’s fasteners using the recommended pattern.
7. Reset the Wrench
After all of the fasteners have been tightened, reset the wrench to zero. Keeping the wrench at zero when it is not in use helps keep it calibrated by reducing the pressure on the internal spring.
Torque Wrenches FAQs
How often should a wrench be calibrated?
Most recommendations are that wrenches get recalibrated yearly or once every 4,000 to 5,000 cycles, whichever happens first.
If an adapter is added to a wrench, does the torque have to be recalculated?
Whether a not the torque has to be recalculated depends on the type of adapter that is being used. A crowfoot adapter lengthens the wrench, so the Adapter Torque Formula should be used to determine the new torque. With drive size adaptors, however, the torque value stays the same.
Do extensions affect the torque wrench’s accuracy?
Some can. Extensions that are vertical to the drive do not affect accuracy. Extensions that are horizontal to the drive, however, make the effective length longer and require the use of the Adapter Torque Formula.
Can “cheater bars” be used on torque wrenches?
Cheater bars should never be used on torque wrenches because they affect accuracy and could cause serious bodily harm.
Can broken torque wrenches be repaired?
Most torque wrenches can easily be repaired. Unfortunately, however, some parts are not easily accessible, such as parts for obsolete older wrenches or foreign wrenches.
Conclusion
Torque wrenches are easy to use and maintain. They make it exceptionally easy to securely tighten fasteners. No matter what one is aiming to fix, torque wrenches can be very valuable tools when it becomes time to work on and complete a project. Choose the right wrench and right torque, and any undertaking can be a simple task.
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