Maintain Torque Tool Quality with These Torque Testing Best Practices

Torque tools, such as an Enerpac torque wrench, are essential in a variety of industrial bolting applications like wind turbine erection and pipeline maintenance. A torque wrench needs to use just the right amount of force for the specific application for tightening and removing nuts and bolts.

If too little torque is used, the tool will be unsuccessful in removing the nut, or it may not tighten the nut fully for a sure connection. If the bolt is too loose, it could come off unexpectedly during operations that use high pressures, forces, or loads. On the other hand, if too much torque is used, it can damage bolts and nuts during removal or fastening items. The Enerpac torque wrench could become damaged as well as the equipment. In addition, workers who are using the tool may become injured.

Torque Tools Require Recalibration

Enerpac torque wrenches go through a variety of testing phases when they are manufactured. Torque analyzers, rotary torque sensors, and dynamic torque measurements will check tool setup before assembly and for auditing the wrench to ensure it hasn't fallen out of calibration during the manufacturing process.

Once the tool is assembled and purchased by the industrial company, it will still need to be regularly recalibrated. Testing both the bolt and the torque wrench can ensure that the tool is using the correct amount of force required on the nuts and bolts that are at the particular job site.

You should also ensure that the torque tester is used according to the manufacturer's recommendations so you get an accurate reading.

Torque Testing Best Practices

Torque testing tools, such as the Skidmore tester designed by Skidmore Wilhelm, need to be properly set up so that outside factors won't prevent the measuring tool from providing optimal performance. You will need to place the Skidmore tester on a wide base so that it is stable and so that vibrations do not affect its readings. Any type of vibration could have a negative impact on torque output from the Enerpac torque wrench.

Utilizing a Skidmore tool stand for the Skidmore tester will ensure you have the right base to perform torque testing. If you are using a regular work table, make sure that it is securely anchored to the floor or any nearby structural I-beam and that the table or work bench weighs at least 300 pounds. Then securely anchor the Skidmore tester onto the table surface with the right fasteners.

You should also ensure other factors will not alter the Skidmore tester's functions. Always use the Skidmore tester on the torque wrench in a clean and dry area where there is no condensation. Check the room temperature as you don't want the torque tester to overheat, and allow the tester tool to cool off in-between testing periods. Evaluate the temperate of both the torque tester impact tool and the test belt assembly; they both should have the same temperature before you perform each test run.

In addition, you should use the smallest impact sockets possible with the testing tool and use the same impact socket or adapter throughout the testing phases as changing to a different impact socket may give the wrong output reading. You should also avoid using socket extensions.

When using the Skidmore tester, always make sure to clean the test bolt assembly so it is free of any debris. Then lubricate the test assembly periodically.