When using a torque wrench, it is extremely important to understand how to correctly use this precision tool.
Following these few simple rules will ensure your safety and longevity of your torque wrench:
- Read instruction manual before using your torque wrench.
- Safety glasses or goggles should be worn at all times when using any hand tool.
- Always pull, DO NOT PUSH, to apply torque and adjust your stance to prevent a fall.
- A cheater bar should NEVER be used on a torque wrench to apply excess leverage.
- Do not use with sockets or fasteners showing wear or cracks.
- Ratchet mechanism may slip or break if dirty, mismatched or worn parts are used, therefore, properly inspect your torque wrench before using.
- Make sure direction lever is fully engaged on the ratchet.
- All mechanical torque wrenches are calibrated from 20% to 100% of full scale, therefore, they should never be used below or above those limits.
- To determine which torque wrench capacity is best suited for an application, many factors must be considered. However, as a recommendation, use a torque wrench in the middle 50% of the overall capacity of the tool. This will result in longer tool life, ease of use for the operator and increased accuracy from micrometer adjustable type torque wrenches.
- Always grip handle firmly in the centre of the grip.
- Approach final torque slowly and evenly.
- Stop pulling wrench immediately when target torque is reached.
- Torque Wrench should be properly cleaned and stored.
- Micrometer adjustable type torque wrenches should always be stored at its lowest torque setting. Remember to always unwind handle after each use.
- Wrenches should be re-calibrated if dropped and should never be used in excess of its capacity.
- Micrometer Adjustable Torque Wrenches should be exercised a minimum of three times at 100% of full scale before use.
- The wrench selected should be calibrated in the same torque units that are specified.
- Use of a cheater bar will result in an inaccurate reading and can possibly damage the wrench.
- Clean torque wrench by wiping. Do not immerse.
- The wrench should be sent to a qualified calibration lab once every year or every 2,500 cycles for re-calibration.
Article courtesy of Warren & Brown Precision Tools