If you’ve landed on this page, the likelihood is you already have an idea of what a torque wrench is and what it is used for – but you’re asking yourself “Where can I get my Torque Wrench Calibrated”? Firstly, it’s important to cover the basics so you can get a good understanding of why Torque Wrench calibration is so important.
What is Torque?
A torque measurement can be described as measuring how much force causes an object to rotate around an axis, which is the pivot point. Torque is measured in either pound-foot (lb-ft), pound inch (lb-in), or Newton-meters (N-m).
What is a Torque Wrench?
A torque wrench is a tool used specifically to loosen or tighten fasteners such as nuts, bolts, and lag screws, to a particular pressure using torsion (twisting). By safeguarding that the proper tension is used, we can avoid the over or under-tightening of fasteners. This is crucial to ensure the safety, assembly, and performance of the equipment to the recommended specifications of the job.
In terms of a torque wrench, size matters – the length and the amount of force you can exert on the handle determines the amount of torque that will be applied. The specified torque is set by adjusting the scale integrated within the handle. When the torque indicator shows that the desired torque has been reached, the user can stop applying the force.
Different Types of Torque Wrench
They are often mechanically operated, although digital versions without internal moving parts are also available that are of course much more accurate for the necessary application. Typical applications of a torque wrench may be in industries such as automotive, maintenance, and construction trades. You may have a standard torque wrench, beam torque wrench, click torque wrench, dial torque wrench, digital torque wrench, or industrial torque wrench.
In this post, we will outline what the torque wrench calibration process involves, how often it is recommended that it is carried out, and where is best to get your torque wrench calibrated.
Torque Wrench Calibration: What Is It?
To correctly calibrate a torque wrench, it is first placed horizontally into a torque applicator and connected to a digital torque transducer – this combined is the torque wrench calibration tool. In either a clockwise or an anti-clockwise direction, torque is then applied by applying force until the instrument makes an audible ‘click’ or ‘breaks’ (folds) to indicate the instrument has reached the set value.
In certain cases, a torque wrench multiplier tool can be used to increase the amount of torque in small spaces or using a lower-range torque wrench.
The torque wrench calibration procedure is carried out over 3-5 test points, spaced equally across the instrument measuring range. Some instruments are non-adjustable or ‘pre-set’ torque tools, in which case, the repeatability is tested 10 times for accuracy.
Calibration of torque tools must follow ISO standards. The current valid ISO standard is ISO 6789:2017 and precedes the now withdrawn ISO 6789:2003.
Importance of Torque Wrench Calibration Services
It is really important to maintain the calibration of your torque tool equipment. Failure to do so could lead to inaccurate or unreliable readings, which can be especially dangerous in certain industries. For example, in the automotive trade, the incorrect amount of torque to a wheel fastener could cause it to either come loose or shear off.
How Often Should You Calibrate Torque Wrenches?
It is standard practice to calibrate a torque wrench once every 12 months or 5,000 cycles – whichever the sooner.
In addition to high usage, leaving torque values in place on your torque wrench after each use can in turn affect the internal components of your instrument.
Calibrating your instrument at regular intervals helps to guarantee the consistent and accurate performance of your tool.
Where Can I Get My Torque Wrench Calibrated Near Me?
Torque Wrench calibration can be carried out on-site with minimal downtime, or at our calibration laboratory in Merseyside for a more cost-effective service where time permits. We hope this has gone some way to answering the question “Where can I get my torque wrench calibrated”
With nearly 50 years’ experience, GNW can arrange to collect any number of torque wrenches from you Nationwide, or we welcome drop offs. Our experienced technicians will calibrate to ISO 6789:2017 and typically our turnaround is 1-2 days. If time is of the essence, then it is even possible for us to calibrate your torque wrench tool while you wait at our premises – just call 01704 536010 to discuss.
Our torque wrench calibration service costs from as little as £30 + VAT and includes a full traceable test certificate on completion.
To summarise, the calibration of your torque wrench is imperative to ensure the safety and efficiency of your equipment.
- Failure to calibrate your torque wrench tool could result in over or under-tightening of fasteners.
- Calibration should be performed regularly, no less than once a year.
- GNW can handle your requirements professionally and efficiently with minimal disruption.