Choosing a socket for a power tool might seem like a simple task. Open any tool catalog or tool chest, find the correct drive size, select the hex size you need - and off you go. But it's not that simple. The socket is often the most overlooked component when properly installing fasteners with power tools.
A socket is also a tool. These items come in many designs and sizes and you need to select the right design and size for your application. Sockets are exposed to continuous strain during the fastening process. Depending on the fastening application, maximum wear resistance and highest elasticity are key items.
With the investment you have with each power tool, you need to ensure you have the proper socket to get optimum performance from the tool as well as ensuring operator safety. With over 45 years of experience, Mountz is a specialist in torque. Here's a quick guide to proper socket selection that will improve your results when using a socket with a power tool.
1. Impact sockets - they call them that for a reason. It means they are built to withstand impacting and they have some important safeguards built into their design. Usually with a Rockwell hardness specification of HRC43-45, impact sockets can be used with most any non-torque control power tool, but especially impact tools. So next time you are tempted to put a chrome socket from your tool chest on the end of your impact wrench, grab the protective eyewear at the same time. Take steps to secure it to the tool with a pin and o-ring. After all, the tool spins in free speed at several thousand RPM, so protect yourself and others around you by securing the socket to the tool. IMPACT TOOLS = IMPACT SOCKETS.
2. Torque control sockets - torque control tools that shut off, ratchet or have some method of stopping at a precise torque are perfect candidates for torque control sockets. Torque control sockets are often called power sockets because they have a hole in the drive that is meant to lock onto a power tool pin detent. These sockets are produced at a Rockwell hardness of HRC47-49, and they resist deformation longer due to the higher hardness rating. Put them on an impact wrench and they might work for a while, but likely they could crack or break. TORQUE CONTROL SHUTOFF TOOLS = TORQUE CONTROL/POWER SOCKETS.
3. Sleeve drive sockets - sleeve drive sockets are a hybrid of the impact and torque control socket and they are used for Pulse or Impulse nut runners - tools that have the speed of an impact wrench, but with torque control. Pulse tools run at speeds over 4000 RPM so the pin and o-ring thing is really important for safe use. In addition pulse tools have an extended anvil to accept the round sleeve of the socket, giving it added support. The sleeve drive socket on pulse tools drives out vibration and wobble found in a standard impact socket. In addition, sleeve drive sockets have an HRC47-49 Rockwell rating, giving them longer life than a standard impact socket. Sleeve drive sockets are more expensive than impact or torque control sockets. There's a good reason too. After heat treat sleeve drive sockets need to be machined a second time to ensure they are concentric. IMPULSE TOOLS = SLEEVE DRIVE SOCKETS.
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Once a torque specification is determined, the joint should be audited to verify the product has been fastened to the specified torque. It is important to audit the joint for accuracy and to ensure your product's quality, safety and reliability isn't compromised. The failure of a three-cent fastener that isn't properly tightened can lead to catastrophic or latent failures. Fasteners that are insufficiently torqued can vibrate loose and excessive torque can strip threaded fasteners. It is important for many companies to ensure that proper torque is being applied and maintains gauge requirements associated with the ISO 9001 Quality Standard.
To perform this test, there are three common methods that have been established to provide an accurate reference to the applied torque.
1) First Movement Test - Once the fastener has been tightened, employ the use of torque measuring tool. Mark the tightened fastener and surrounding application. In the tightening direction, begin to slowly apply force to the tool until the first movement in the fastener is noted. The reading recorded is a good indication of the original torque applied to the joint. This is the best way to determine residual torque.
2) Loosening Test - This is a similar process to the first movement test described above, except instead of the tightening the fastener, the torque is applied in the direction that loosens the fastener. At the point the fastener breaks loose, the torque reading is recorded. The torque value to loosen the fastener is the approximate torque that was applied to the joint.
3) Marking Test - Once the fastener tightened, mark clearly the surface of the fastener, nut or bolt and continuing the mark onto the surface being clamped for reference. This time loosen the fastener and retighten until the marks on both application and fastener are aligned. The torque required to return the fastener to its original location is the reference to the original torque applied to the fastener.
What is Residual Torque? It is the amount of tension that remains in a joint after fastening a threaded fastener.
Many users may want to verify residual torque. By checking the torque after assembly, you not only verify adequate torque was delivered to the fastener, but may also detect missed or loose fasteners, or joint relaxation. But since the application is already seated and friction during rundown is different than the friction in a static joint, the torque reading will vary from those in the tool crib and from the dynamic values. These differences will need to be accounted for when engineering a residual torque specification.
The equipment used for these testing methods would be:
Dial Screwdrivers
Dial Wrenches
Digital Torque Wrenches or Digital Screwdrivers
Torque tester with a Rotary Torque Sensor, Torque Screwdriver Sensor or Torque Wrench Sensor to move the fastener
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