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11/30/2018

Maximizing Efficiency and Quality - The Importance of Proper Torque Wrench Maintenance and Calibration

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Summary:
A torque wrench is a precision tool and should be treated and maintained like a measuring instrument. A torque wrench must be properly calibrated and maintained on a preventative maintenance and calibration schedule. Learn valuable information regarding setting verification and calibration intervals, as well as preventive maintenance for torque wrenches. Also gain a better understanding of different torque accuracies listed by suppliers as well as understanding the scale used on different torque wrenches.


In the maintenance and manufacturing world, tightening, controlling, or measuring torque of fasteners is imperative for production efficiency and quality control. With inadequate torque a fastener can vibrate or work loose. Conversely, if the torque is too high, the fastener can break, strip or adjoining parts may fail causing premature malfunction, warranty or other liability. Faced with these problems, manufacturers are realizing that precise torque control can mean the difference between a safe, reliable, and economical product and complete disaster. Anybody who must tighten a threaded fastener needs to control, monitor, or measure torque with proper quality torque tools. If manufacturers and maintenance personnel wish to save money, make their workplace safer, enhance product quality, or reduce their exposure to liability only quality torque tools will get the job done properly.


"Click" type wrenches are the most widely used torque product in the world. A recent IMPO survey indicated that over 76% of respondents use traditional, click type torque wrenches. When the set torque is reached, a click torque tool typically emits a loud audible "click" and a slight moment of release of up to 3 degrees, before going positive. At this point of "click" a user should stop pulling as torque has been reached.


Because a torque wrench is considered a measuring tool it must be properly calibrated and maintained on a preventative maintenance and calibration schedule.