How a Quality Torque Multiplier Can Improve Productivity and Worker Safety

Types of Torque Multipliers

• Hand Torque Multipliers. Hand torque multipliers are highly effective for field service applications. Because they don’t rely on any external power source, hand torque multipliers can tighten bolts on the road, at sea, up towers, down mines, and anywhere else service techs need to travel. Delivering up to 36,880 lbf.ft of torque—roughly 40x the torque delivered by the largest hand torque wrenches—hand torque multipliers significantly expand service capabilities. By equipping service technicians with tools that can handle the largest jobs, companies can expand their business offerings. Less expensive than externally-powered multipliers, hand torque multipliers help large companies keep costs down and small companies gain entry to forbidding markets. 

• Pneumatic Torque Multipliers.Pneumatic torque multipliers rely on compressed air to increase the force applied to heavy fasteners. This is their greatest strength and greatest drawback. While pneumatic multipliers can fasten more quickly than hand multipliers, and more powerfully than electric multipliers, they must have access to a compressor and air hose to work. As such, they are most effective in heavy manufacturing facilities with the infrastructure to support them. Pneumatic multipliers compare favorably to other air tools in torque control and ergonomics, particularly impact drivers. While impact drivers hammer home bolts and send vibrations ringing through their operator’s bones, muscles, and tendons, pneumatic multipliers do the same work smoothly, without harming their operators. 

• Electric Torque Multipliers.Like pneumatic multipliers, electric torque multipliers rely on an external power source—AC electricity—and are best suited for factory applications. However, their weatherproofing and rugged construction, and the relative availability of electricity compared to air power, also render them effective for limited field applications such as servicing windmill gearboxes. In these applications, they outperform hand multipliers for speed, though they cannot match the amount of power hand multipliers supply at the highest ranges. They also outcompete impact drivers for ergonomics and control and hydraulic ratchets for speed and ease of use.

• Radial Gearing Torque Multipliers.Designed specifically for plate heat exchanger applications, radial gearing torque multipliers are indispensable for industries which rely on this technology. Used in the HVAC, chemical, dairy, marine, and petrochemical industries, radial gearing multipliers are available in both electric and pneumatic models. Electric models integrate easily into manufacturing or service areas without dedicated air compressors, while pneumatic multipliers provide additional power. 

Choosing a Quality Manufacturer of Torque Multipliers