How Do I Calculate Torque?

Tightening a bolt to torque is easy, right? Just grab a torque wrench and push or pull until it reaches the specified torque or until it lets go. Unfortunately, whether you are working in the oil and gas industry, on pipelines, industrial or other related work, we know this process is much more complex. It requires careful calculations to determine the torque for a bolt.

Because industrial and oil and gas assemblies are often under much higher pressure than automotive engines and wheels, it can be hard to know how tight the tightening torque should be on your connections. If you're an engineer, you know that finding the tightening torque takes the formula Ft = π*D2*P / 2n, where the diameter, pressure and number of bolts all come into play. But what about everyone else in the field?

That is one of the many reasons our clients find flange spreaders. Providing a specific strength torque wrench allows people to get back to work instead of stressing over the formulas.

How to Properly Tighten a Bolt To Torque

Why do Bolts Need to Stay at Tightening Torque?

Because our company works a lot with the oil and gas industry, we understand the demands of the oilfield and pipeline. That's why we know the bolts you're tightening may need to come apart again using an appropriate flange spreader – if it comes apart.

There's an old joke that the most senior member of the crew doesn't need a torque wrench because they know at what torque their various joints pop. Trying to take apart flanges during turnaround season can often feel like that joke has come to life.

To make your life easier after the next turnaround, ensure that your crew is using an appropriate torque wrench to ensure they're hitting the proper tightening torque, making it easier to reduce the use of flange spreaders.

Enerpac W Series Torque Wrench

A quality torque wrench will ensure that field maintenance can be done as efficiently as possible. In fieldwork, the proper torque wrench can do a world of good, making it easier to get the work you need to do in the installation, inspection, maintenance, repair and replacement of components.

You'll need a torque wrench that does a great job working on bolts and nuts, with a range of position points on both. One popular option is the Enerpac W‐Series UltraSlim Bi‐Hex Cassette, which has been tested in the field. And, with the right care for Enerpac's W-Series Hexagon Wrench, you'll have a tool that lasts you many years to come, even around salt water.

Quality Bolting Solutions from Aztec Bolting

With a solid dedication to the pipeline, refining, petrochemical, wind energy and oil and gas industries, Aztec Bolting is proud to serve Texas, Oklahoma and the Gulf Coast with intelligent solutions to help your crew get the job done. With convenient locations in League City, Port Arthur, Midland, Corpus Christi, Sweetwater, Oklahoma City and Lafayette, you can receive a fast response to your oilfield, pipeline and other industrial needs.

Please feel free to reach out today with any questions, for details on our products, or to get a quote on the tools with the proper torque and training your location needs.