In large construction projects there are many factors that cause delays and unplanned expenses. Some are uncontrollable like weather. Other factors such as improper planning, lack of workers, or inadequate tooling are controllable.

Selecting an improper tool for one aspect of a project can cause delays, rework and costs increases.  Worldwide, impact wrenches are a commonly used tool to fasten bolts because the initial purchase is inexpensive.  But the impact wrench is like a small “time bomb” that will eventually lead to catastrophic or latent failures, which are costly.

Impact wrenches are destructive by nature with its “hammering” design. An impact wrench can easily damage parts and the threads of a fastener due to the lack of proper torque control. The wrench is not designed for toque control. The tool tends to under and over tighten the fastening application. An impact wrench is not ergonomically friendly to an operator and an impact wrench requires a high maintenance budget. The tool typically needs service multiple times each year.

During the maintenance of heavily operated railroads or laying down new railroad tracks, using an impact wrench for bolting applications is a costly decision. Lack of proper torque control requires an additional step in the fastening process. Either an additional torque tool is required for re-tightening the bolt or for applying the final torque to the bolt. Neither is an efficient process.

The construction group handling the project of laying down new railroad tracks in the Gotthard Base Tunnel construction project initially were using  impact wrenches to fasten the bolts used with railroad ties. The project is railway tunnel that is currently being constructed beneath the Swiss Alps, which is expected to open in 2016. It will be the world’s longest rail tunnel, surpassing the Seikan Tunnel in Japan.

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A Canadian Rail Yard Selects Mountz Torque Multiplier to Help Raise and Lower Decks During the Loading of Automobiles into Rail Cars

A rail yard in Canada was searching for a torque solution that would speed up the process and remove strain on its operators. The application was to assist their operators raise and lower the decks on the AutoMax rail cars in preparation of loading new cars at a local automotive manufacturing plant.

The rail company has a remote yard about 6.5 miles from the automotive facility. The function of this rail yard is to prepare the rail cars for the different types of automobiles that will be loaded into them before the rail cars arrive at the automotive plant.

There are 3 different types of rail cars that are used at this yard. Two of them use a manual crank to raise and lower the decks. The other rail car used a gravity, weight system to raise and lower the deck.

For the rails cars that utilized a manual crank system, an operator was required to climb into the  rail car and manually turn the crank 40-50 times in order to raise it or lower it. There was crank at the front and back ends of each rail car. The estimated prevailing torque for the crank handle was at a minimum of 150 foot-pounds. The rail yard operators could quickly prepare 2 to 4 rail cars, but their strength quickly diminished thereafter. The rail yard was looking to speed up the process of getting the rail cars prepared for loading and reduce the number of operators suffering from potential work-related injuries.

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From tightening large industrial bolts used in windmill gearbox assemblies to bolting maintenance applications for oil & gas pipelines and rigs, the Mountz electric torque multipliers achieve precision torque in a quick, cost-efficient manner.

The electric torque multiplier shuts-off when pre-set torque is achieved. It’s a non-impacting and operates at a smooth, continuous rotation; the electric torque multiplier increases speed and productivity, as it is faster than a hydraulic wrench and is less expensive. The tool eliminates the cumbersome set up time and slow ratcheting process of hydraulic wrenches. The electric torque multiplier is also ergonomically safer than the harmful hammering of impact wrenches and eliminates the frequent costly repairs of impact wrenches.

When installing or removing heavy-duty fasteners that require power, precision and safety, the Mountz electric torque multipliers is the solution. Without the hassles of air hoses, the electric torque multipliers simply plugs into a power outlet. The speed, frequency and torque output of electric torque multiplier are correspondingly regulated and controlled with a built-in controller.

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In nearly every heavy industrial application, turning threaded fasteners, nuts and bolts is generally viewed by two criteria: (1) The need to fasten tightly enough to prevent movement of parts and achieve a good seal without exceeding the fastener’s elasticity level. (2) Successful removal of fasteners after long periods of environmental exposure to harsh conditions.

Selecting the right heavy torque tool for the job is crucial. When it comes to turning nuts and bolts, especially stubborn corroded ones, what could be more basic than power?

You need controlled power. That is, “controlled torque,” which provides You need controlled power. That is, “controlled torque,” which provides smooth torque, with continuous rotation. Other wise, you could outdo yourself and strip threads, break bolt heads or even cause personal injury.

Technicians are finding that the best solution for applying high torque today is with a complete range of torque control products, including manual and powered torque wrenches and torque multipliers. Mountz torque multipliers provide precision torque control, making it easier and often safer to assemble and service-threaded fasteners while reducing application problems and tool costs.

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