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Types of Torque Wrenches Used in Aviation

Torque Wrenches used in aviation Maxpro Corp.
Air travel is the safest form of transportation today, and one of the main reasons can be attributed to the expertise of aircraft mechanics and engineers as well as the reliability of the tools that enable them to work safely and efficiently. Planes are made up of thousands of parts held together with tens of thousands of bolts or fasteners. Because aircrafts must withstand varying degrees of altitude, speed, and temperature on a daily basis, each bolt must be tightened with a very precise amount of torque.

High-precision manual torque wrenches are capable of exerting a very precise, preset amount of torque to a fastener, so they are an important tool in an aircraft mechanic’s inventory. Because accuracy is so important when it comes to aircraft maintenance, it is crucial that these wrenches are calibrated on a regular basis. In this post, we’ll review two common high-precision manual torque tools for aircraft mechanics and the importance of maintaining them with an accredited calibration institute.

Click Type Manual Torque Wrenches

Click type torque wrenches are an industrial strength, handheld tool with a knurled handle and a non-slip grip. These torque wrenches have a calibrated clutch and a spring loaded pull down lock that unloads when a preset amount of torque is achieved. They’re also equipped with a spring that prevents the wrench from slipping once the desired torque is reached. These wrenches are incredibly accurate with top models offering a +/- 3% accuracy clockwise and a +/- 4% accuracy counterclockwise.

Dial Indicating Beam Manual Torque Wrench

Dial indicating torque wrenches have a beam that serves as both a handle and a torque fastener as well as a shock resistant dial gauge indicator that provides visual evidence of torque exertion. With a clockwise and counterclockwise accuracy of +/- 3% (from 20% to 100% of full scale), some dial indicating beam wrenches are more accurate than click type torque wrenches. Overall, these wrenches are known for their durability, dependability, and accuracy, which makes them ideal tools for aircraft mechanics.

Manual Torque Wrench Calibration

In order to maintain accuracy and optimize performance, aircraft mechanics are required to calibrate high-precision manual torque wrenches on a regular basis. Failing to do so can lead to operator errors and inconsistent readings down the line. According to the International Organization of Standardization (ISO), a torque wrench should be re-calibrated every 5,000 uses or 12 months; however, many professionals in the aerospace industry recommend more frequent recalibration of 2,500 to 3,000 uses or every 6 months.

Other factors can increase the need for frequent calibration as well. Torque wrenches must be stored properly (at the lowest marked setting and in a dry location) and operators should avoid overloading the wrench.

It is common for aircraft mechanics to maintain inventories with companies accredited in torque wrench calibration, as this makes it easier to ensure tools stay in compliance with maintenance standards. Selecting a company with the right accreditations and with years of professional calibration experience is critical for maintaining the accuracy of a torque wrench.

At Maxpro, we provide our partners in the aerospace industry with best-in-class calibration services. Every calibration receives a certificate for documentation and our turnaround time is typically 3-4 days. We also offer some of the tightest uncertainty calculations for torque equipment in the industry.

As an ISO/IEC 17025 certified institution, we have a formalized program that documents all processes and procedures related to calibration. These processes are audited regularly by outside accreditation groups. Our employees also receive training on ISO 17025 processes, so that you can guarantee that they are well trained professionals. In addition to the ISO/IEC 17025 certification, we are also accredited with the A2LA, the top accreditation institute (with the most stringent standards) in the industry. With these certifications, aircraft mechanics can trust us to ensure that their high-precision torque wrenches are well calibrated and capable of applying torque with accuracy and repeatability.

In an industry that prioritizes safety, quality high-precision manual torque wrenches and professional calibration services are crucial for aircraft mechanics and engineers to do their job effectively and for aircrafts to maintain an excellent safety record. If you are looking for high quality torque tools for aircraft mechanics and certified calibration services, Maxpro can help you. For over 25 years, Maxpro has developed a reputation as an industry leading torque wrench distributor and calibration laboratory. Contact us today.

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