How Often Should You Calibrate a Torque Wrench?

Why Is Torque Wrench Calibration Necessary?

Torque wrenches are essential tools for applying the correct torque to fasteners in many different industries. Calibration is essential to ensure the tools remain accurate, safe, and compliant with industry standards.

We will go on to explain how often should you calibrate a torque wrench below. Over time and use, torque wrenches lose their accuracy, which can lead to damage to equipment, safety risks, and costly failures. Regular calibration is not a recommendation; it’s a critical requirement.

What Do Industry Standards Say?

​ISO 6789 recommends recalibration every 12 months or 5,000 operations, whichever comes first. This being said, calibration frequency depends on a number of factors, including:​

• If the tool is used daily, it will need more frequent calibration than a tool that is only used occasionally.​
• If the torque wrench is dropped or banged, this can cause it to lose its accuracy and will require immediate calibration.​
• Environmental factors need to be considered, as exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, and moisture all negatively affect the wrench’s performance and require more frequent calibration.
• The nature of the work being performed is another consideration. In industries where there are high stakes, like aerospace, automotive, and energy, calibration is required more frequently due to the nature of the tasks.

Usage-Based Vs. Calendar-Based Calibration: What’s the Difference?

Usage-based calibration is performed after a specific amount of use, while calendar-based calibration is performed at set intervals, regardless of the use.

​When Is Immediate Calibration Needed?

There are a number of scenarios where calibration should be performed as soon as possible to prevent your tools from applying incorrect torque levels without you knowing. These instances include if the tool has been dropped or banged, if the torque wrench has been overloaded, a noticeable change in the performance of the torque wrench while in use, or if the torque wrench is poorly maintained.

​Practical Tips for Extending Calibration Consistency

Above all, ensuring your torque tools are calibrated correctly, either based on usage or based on the calendar schedule, is the best way to ensure you are working safely. That said, there are some practical tips that help:

Proper storage: always wind down to the lowest torque setting before storing to avoid weakening the internal spring. Ensure it’s placed in a cool, dry environment.

Keep it clean, wipe down with a clean dry cloth after every use to remove dirt and grime. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the tool’s finish or internal components.

​Keeping your documentation up to date. You should have clear, written procedures for which equipment requires calibration and create a schedule for when calibration needs to happen. Maintain up-to-date records of all calibration activities and keep any documentation.

Provide all staff members who will be using any torque tools with proper handling and procedure, which will help minimise human error.

Conduct regular checks using verifiers such as Norbar TruCheck, which allows you to check your tools.

Now is the time to review your calibration schedule, assess your current procedure, and determine whether they align with industry standards, tool usage, and the criticality of the tasks being performed. Don’t delay, schedule a calibration or verification today. Ensuring accuracy and safety in your business.

Hopefully, we have been able to answer the question of how often should you calibrate your torque wrench above. If you are in need of calibration solutions for your torque wrenches, please contact us directly to make an appointment.