Safety and proper maintenance and care are important when using any tool, especially with powerful precision tools such as torque wrenches.
Here are a few tips on how to prevent torque wrench accidents and make sure your torque tools function properly:
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Always wear safety goggles/safety glasses when using a torque wrench or any other hand tool.
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Inspect the wrench, and look for cracked/worn sockets. Take time to properly lubricate and replace parts that are worn.
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Make sure you heed the manufacturer’s instructions on torque direction, torque tighten/release cycles, torque pattern and sequence, proper force, and use of lubrication on fasteners.
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Never use handle extensions or other accessories unless the wrench manufacturer explicitly allows such modifications.
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Do not surpass the recommended working range of a torque wrench. Dependable measurements come from a percentage of that working range. Most mechanical wrenches typically have a useable working range of 20 percent to 100 percent of full scale. With electronic wrenches, that range is 10 to 100 percent of full scale.
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Take care not to drop or slide your torque wrench. Impact on a hard surface can cause the wrench to lose calibration. If a wrench is dropped – or even if you suspect it has been – have it inspected by the manufacturer or by a trusted calibration laboratory.
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Avoid exposing your wrench to extreme temperatures or humidity, corrosive environments or fluid immersion.
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Do not mark wrenches or place labels on them.
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You should never use a torque wrench as your main method of tightening or loosening fasteners. Rather, they’re meant to apply specific torque during final assembly.
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When a wrench signals that a specific torque has been reached, stop pulling right away.
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Always store a torque wrench in a protective case when you’re not using it, and store click-type torque wrenches at the lowest level on their scales.
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Have your torque wrench inspected and recalibrated on a regular basis. While professionals differ on how often – some say 2,500 repetitions, others say more – a good rule of thumb is to get a wrench calibrated every six months.
If you need calibration services for your torque wrench, Maxpro can help. We’ve spent the last 23 years cultivating a reputation as a trusted supplier of quality torque tools as well as a source for reliable calibration and repair services. Industrial bolting safety is always a priority. Contact us today, and we’ll make sure you’re working with tools that are both safe and reliable.
