Risks and Negatives Of Not Calibrating Your Torque Wrenches

Impacts and Risks Of Not Calibrating Your Torque Wrenches

The risks and negative impacts of using an uncalibrated torque wrench can be significant. These include:

Substandard Results: Using an uncalibrated torque wrench can result in substandard results, as the wrench may not be applying the correct level of torque to the fastener. This can result in equipment that is not assembled or tightened correctly, leading to poor performance, premature wear, and even failure.

Equipment Damage: Over-tightening or under-tightening fasteners can cause damage to the equipment or components. Over-tightening can cause bolts or fasteners to strip, break or deform, while under-tightening can result in parts that are loose or fall off. This can lead to costly repairs or replacements, downtime, and potential safety risks.

Safety Risks: Using an uncalibrated torque wrench can also result in safety risks, as fasteners that are not tightened to the correct torque level can become loose or fall off, leading to potential accidents or injuries. This is especially critical in industries such as aerospace and automotive, where the failure of critical components can have severe consequences.

Compliance Issues: Many industries have regulations and standards that require equipment and components to be assembled and tightened to specific torque levels. Using an uncalibrated torque wrench can result in non-compliance issues, leading to fines, penalties, or even legal action.

Benefits of Calibrating Your Torque Wrench Regularly

Calibrating your torque wrench regularly can offer significant benefits, including:

Accuracy and Reliability: Ensure that your torque wrench remains accurate and reliable, ensuring fasteners are tightened to the correct torque level every time. This results in equipment that performs better lasts longer, and is less likely to fail.

Safety: making sure that the equipment is working correctly, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries caused by loose or improperly tightened fasteners.

Compliance: maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulations, reducing the risk of fines or penalties for non-compliance.

Cost Savings: identifying and preventing equipment damage and failure caused by improper tightening results in cost savings from reduced repairs, replacements and downtime.

How Often Do You Calibrate A Torque Wrench?

The frequency at which you should calibrate your torque wrench depends on several factors, including the frequency of use, the nature of the work performed, and the industry standards and regulations that apply. 

Generally, it is recommended that torque wrenches be calibrated at least once a year or after every 5,000 uses, whichever comes first. However, this frequency may vary depending on the specific torque wrench and its intended use.

Do remember that torque wrenches should also be recalibrated after any significant impact or damage, as this can affect their accuracy and reliability. For example, dropping the wrench or exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity can impact its calibration and cause it to require recalibration.

How Can You Tell If Your Torque Wrench Needs Calibration?

If you’re not sure how to make sure a torque wrench is calibrated properly, look for the following: 

  1. The wrench is not clicking or signalling when the desired torque level is reached.
  2. The wrench is producing inconsistent or erratic readings.
  3. The wrench is not holding the desired torque level.
  4. The wrench is experiencing excessive wear or damage.

If you notice any of these signs, it is recommended that you have your torque wrench calibrated as soon as possible to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Where Can You Get Your Torque Wrench Calibrated?

You might be wondering where I can get a torque wrench calibrated. To ensure that your torque wrench is calibrated accurately and reliably, it is essential to use a reputable and reliable calibration service provider. Many manufacturers offer calibration services for their torque wrenches, but there are also independent calibration service providers that specialise in calibrating torque wrenches.

GNW is a leading provider of torque wrench calibration services with years of experience and expertise in the industry. GNW’s calibration services use state-of-the-art equipment and processes to ensure that torque wrenches are calibrated accurately and reliably. GNW’s calibration services are also backed by rigorous quality assurance processes, ensuring that the calibration results are traceable, accurate, and consistent.

What Sets GNW Apart from Its Competitors?

GNW’s calibration services are unique in several ways, including:

Experience and Expertise: GNW has years of experience and expertise in the calibration of torque wrenches, making it a trusted and reliable service provider.

State-of-the-Art Equipment: GNW uses state-of-the-art equipment and processes to ensure that torque wrenches are calibrated accurately and reliably.

Quality Assurance: GNW’s calibration services are backed by rigorous quality assurance processes, ensuring that the calibration results are traceable, accurate, and consistent.

Customisable Calibration Programs: GNW offers customisable calibration programs to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring that torque wrenches are calibrated to the required standards and specifications.

Contact GNW To Find Out More

As you can see, using an uncalibrated torque wrench can have significant risks and negative impacts, including substandard results, equipment damage, safety risks, and compliance issues. To ensure accuracy, reliability and safety, it is essential to calibrate your torque wrench regularly and to use a reputable and reliable calibration service provider like GNW.

If you are a professional who uses torque wrenches in your line of work, or if you own and use torque wrenches regularly, it is essential to ensure that your tools are calibrated accurately and reliably. GNW offers trusted and reliable torque wrench calibration services backed by years of experience and expertise in the industry.

To find out more about GNW’s calibration services, and visit our torque wrench calibration services page for more specific information. Get in touch today via our contact page, and we can talk you through the options available or schedule an appointment for your calibration. 

Don’t take the risks associated with using uncalibrated torque wrenches. Choose GNW for all of your calibration needs and experience the difference that our expertise and commitment to quality can make.