How To Take Care of Your Torque Wrenches

A torque wrench is a precision tool designed to employ a specific amount of force to a fastener.

Whether trimming head bolts on an automobile engine, lugs for tire and rim installation or scrutinizing fastener tolerances on high-energy gear, it's extremely important that appropriate care is used.

Guidelines are generally provided noting acceptable torque ranges, so the order in which particular attachments are tightened and the amount of times a fastener has to be tightened and corrected to guarantee uniform torque program.

Failure to properly torque fasteners can result in equipment damage, personal injury or worse. With good care, a high-quality torque wrench should supply precise measurements for many years.

It's important to follow appropriate maintenance and use practices, such as:

- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding torque direction, correct pressure, torque pattern/sequence, use or non-use of lubrication on fasteners and torque "tighten/release" cycles.

- Do not exceed the recommended working range of the torque wrench. Reliable measurements are based on a proportion of the working range. Generally speaking, most mechanical wrenches have a useable range from 20% to 100 percent of full scale. Most digital wrenches have a useable range from 10% to 100% of full scale.

- Don't use accessories or manage extensions unless expressly allowed by the torque wrench manufacturer.

- Take the time to inspect the tool and check for worn out or cracked sockets. Properly lubricate and replace worn parts.

- Avoid dropping or slipping a torque wrench. Dropping a torque wrench onto a hard surface may cause the instrument to shed reliable calibration. If you suspect that a wrench has been dropped, then have the tool inspected by the manufacturer or respectable calibration support.

- Always store a torque wrench in a protective case and/or location when not being used.

- Avoid exposure to temperature extremes, higher humidity, fluid immersion and corrosive environments.

- If using a click-type torque wrench, always store it at the lowest level on the scale.

- Prevent marking, etching or placing labels on torque wrenches.

- Use a torque wrench to employ a particular torque value throughout the last assembly process. Do not use a torque wrench because the key way of tightening or loosening fasteners.

- As most torque wrenches are length specific, always grasp the torque wrench at the middle of the grip. If two hands will need to be properly used, place one hand on top of the other.

- Apply torque in a slow, methodical fashion and avoid abrupt, jerking movements.

- When the wrench indicates (by clicking, beeping or lighting) that a specific torque has been reached, stop drawing instantly.

After 5,000 cycles or up to a year of use, whichever comes first, have your torque wrench scrutinized and recalibrated by the manufacturer or respectable calibration service.