Not sure what to look for in a torque wrench? Here is all you need to know before purchasing.
Torque wrenches are equipment used to tighten or loosen bolts in the automotive,
industrial and construction sectors. Invented way back in 1948, they come in all types of
variants. From those that perform simple handheld operation of tightening to complex low-
level operations, different torque wrenches have diverse roles to play.
Torque is the tightening force needed to fasten nuts and bolts. It is critical to automotive
components and industrial components. While applying too much force runs the risk of
damaging the parts, less force brings on the danger of malfunction and accidents.
As a precision tool, you need to run a check on its durability and accuracy among other
factors before you buy it. Here are the top 6 factors to keep in mind when buying a
torque wrench!
1. Quality
The use of the right torque is directly related to the integrity-quotient of a job and fundamental
to the efficiency of a machine. Using a below-par tool will not just compromise quality but is
also likely to increase overall costs while running accident risks.
This said, it is important to choose the right brand that can stand the pressure of regular
use. Size of the drive socket, its type determined by the flexibility of use, and quality of the
material all determine its success as a commercial torque wrench. Quality of the torque
will determine its functional success and durability in the long run. This also entails the
mechanism with which the torque works – hydraulic or pneumatic. Torque wrench
mechanisms are rightly adapted to their specific usage. Pick one that will precisely fulfill your
vertical needs.
2. Material
Once you know the functions that the torque wrench is going to perform, you need to pick one that
is made using quality material. Torque wrenches made using strong metals are among the most
durable to produce the desired torque level. The material also determines the convenience of use
given that they are crafted with features making them ergonomic and user-friendly. From those
employing highly complex mechanisms of hydraulic torques and pneumatic torques to simple and
low maintenance handheld tools, material used to make them determines quality of product or
service delivered using them.
3. Accuracy
Maintaining specifications in any industrial and manufacturing sector requires the use of
high-precision torque wrenches. Loose screws and stripped joints are enough to ruin reputation
in a highly competitive market and bring down sales. The use of high-precision
torque wrenches is indispensable for product durability, accuracy and of course, safety.
Hydraulic and Pneumatic torque wrenches are electronic variants that measure the torque
through the gauge attached to a torsion rod. The force is visible on a digital display where
the details can be saved and displayed as constants all through the operations.
Given this, it is extremely important for you to buy a torque wrench that is built to give you
maximum accuracy. From its smallest part to the larger connecting rod, each part of the
wrench will play a vital role in the quality of your production.
It is important to look for torque wrenches that are tested to keep the Standard Deviation
(SD) to less than ±3% and the torque tolerance at ±10% of the specified torque. In addition
to this, it is crucial to carry out torque analysis at regular intervals, check calibration and
deviation levels for fool-proof electronic torque wrench performance.
4. Capacity
A big criterion to pick the right tool is to know its precise application. There are different
high-accuracy torque wrenches available in the market, each catering to specific operational
needs. Automotive sector to industrial units, torque wrenches have several applications
depending on their sizes and capacities. There are small, medium or high capacity torque
wrenches, know them to pick the right one.
There 4 major sizes of square head range, each used for a specified torque range and
function.
- Small sized 1/4 inches drive torque wrenches are suitable for small nuts and bolts as
in motorcycles, bicycles and garden equipment. The torque range they produce is
between 4 to 21 ft-lb of torque. - Small 3/8 inches drive torque wrenches are used mostly for the automotive sector.
They are among the most versatile according to their size and cover a wide range of
functions in cars, passenger vehicles and light trucks producing 15 to 75 ft-lb of
torque. - Medium 1/2 inches drive torque wrenches cover larger nuts and bolts as in engine
mounts and suspensions. - Large and high capacity 3/4 inches drive torque wrenches are used for special
applications such as tractor trailers, large cargo aircraft and plant machinery. They
can produce up to 1000 ft lbs of torque.
5. Force
Manufacturing and industrial units have the need of high-force torque wrenches of the
highest standards. These are available in a choice of 1 inch and ¾ inches square drives and
produce torque in the range of 300 Nm/221.2686 ft. lbs. and 2000 Nm/1,475 ft lbs. They are also
equipped to avoid over torquing with an accuracy on +4%.
These tools have an internal mechanism where a cam control system deploys a controlled breaking
once the specified torque level is achieved to rule out the possibility of operators’ imbalance.
6. Price
Prices of high-quality and industrial standard electronic torque wrenches vary according to
their specifications. There is no point compromising on price when it comes to buying the
right tools for quality output. These are essential investments for your business that will
help earn better returns.
AMG Bolting Solutions prides itself on selling premium hydraulic, pneumatic and lithium battery torque
wrenches. Now that that you know what to look for in a torque wrench, we encourage you to shop our
online store and request manufacturer direct pricing for our high-quality torque wrenches.