5 Factors To Consider While Buying Torque Wrenches

Torque wrenches are specifically used to prevent over tightening or over loosening of bolts and nuts. It helps the operator to limit the applied torque within the specifications mentioned for a certain application. Since their inception in 1948, high quality torque wrenches have become extremely popular in automotive, industrial and construction sectors. Price plays an important factor while buying torque wrenches. More complex mechanism comes with a higher price tag. However, you should always check whether the crucial factors like performance level, equipment life and cost of operation are worth the price or not.

Following are 5 key factors that you should consider while buying torque wrenches:

1. High quality

It is crucial to assess the exact requirement of the job before buying high quality torque wrenches. As usage of torque wrenches are directly related to the fundamental construction of a machine, using sub-standard torque wrenches would be sufficient to ruin the integrity quotient of any project. Moreover, usage of high quality torque wrenches may help to avert inefficiencies in the job, apart from bringing down the tooling costs.

Firstly, you must determine the size of drive sockets like whether it’s 1/4”, 1/2”, 3/4” or 3/8” drive, which will be used on a regular basis. Secondly, you must decide on the highest torque setting that is precisely required for the job. Then, you would need to determine the type of torque wrench based on the operator’s flexibility. Most commonly used ones are beam torque wrenches and click torque wrenches.

The beam type (or dial type) is the least complicated among all types of torque wrenches and thus the least expensive as well. This low maintenance tool is unable to provide any type of physical or audible feedback indication after reaching the desired highest level of torque. Click torque wrenches come equipped with ratcheting feature that empowers the operator to attain greater productivity. Convenient, user-friendly interface along with physical and audible indication features have made this product a preferred choice among operators.

2. High accuracy

When it comes to high accuracy torque wrenches, there are two types that must be mentioned. Brief descriptions of both these types are given below.

*Electronic torque wrenches

Electronic torque wrenches measure torque through a strain gauge connected to the torsion rod. Operators can view the transducer generated signal on the digital display. Measurement details and limit values can be saved and displayed as constants during the process. If required, it’s possible to transfer the internal reading memory to a printer or a computer.

*Slipper-type torque wrenches

Powered by slip-free technology, these torque wrenches are the perfect fit for production facilities where high accuracy torque value on a repetitive mode is crucial. These tools help maintain quality level, apart from playing a key role in reducing operator error. These high accuracy torque wrenches have advanced features like electrical switch, RF transceiver capacity, pin retention, high voltage insulation and left-hand operation.

3.High capacity

Various types of high capacity torque wrenches are available in the market to meet almost every type of requirement. If you are aware of the defined application for the tool, procuring high capacity torque wrenches may become quite simple. Else, it may lead you to a confusing and erroneous purchase.

These tools have various applications for both the industrial and the automotive sector and are categorized as small, medium and large types, depending upon their capacity and size.

Small sized torque wrenches provide torque range varying from 30 to 200 in. lbs (or otherwise mentioned as 4 to 22 Nm) supplied with 3/8” or 1/4” square drive. Nm or Newton-meter is the measurement unit of torque in metric standard.

For medium torque wrenches, low range varies from 20-30 ft lbs. with a high range of roughly 250 ft lbs. Generally, 1/2” square drive is supplied with these types of torque wrenches.

High capacity torque wrenches are ideal for heavy industrial and automotive use like machinery, large plant and truck maintenance and are made to provide up to 1000 ft lbs. of torque range.

4.High precision

High precision torque wrenches empower manufacturers to maintain the torque level as per the specifications. In a worst case scenario, stripped or loose screw joints are enough to ruin the reputation and market of a product. Hence, use of high precision torque wrenches is becoming crucial due to the safety, accuracy and durability provided by them.

Manufacturers should emphasize on torque analysis along with checking of calibration and deviation level on a regular basis. The failure rate as per industry standard is 0.6 per million. This can be achieved by keeping the SD (standard deviation) less than ±3% and the torque tolerance at ±10% of the specified torque.

4. High force

High force torque wrenches are made to meet the highest industry requirements. These tools provide torque range varying within 300 Nm and 2000 Nm and are available in a choice of 1” and 3/4” square drives. Along with an accuracy level of plus or minus 4%, some models come equipped with a big break to avert the probability of over torquing.

The internal mechanism of these high force torque wrenches consists of a cam control system that helps to deploy a controlled breaking system once the specified torque level is achieved. This feature lowers the possibility of the operator getting imbalanced.