Understanding the Importance of Torque Multipliers
Downtime costs industries billions in revenue every single year. Most of the reasons for downtime can be prevented with regular maintenance and proper asset management. When a large piece of equipment, such as a windmill fails, it can have devastating effects. Or if refinery equipment breaks down, it can cost the entire community.
One way to properly manage assets is using the right tools to maintain them. Torque tools are very helpful when it comes to maintaining industrial equipment that is held together with bolts, threaded fasteners and screws.
How Do Torque Tools Prevent Equipment Failure?
A torque tool is used to control and apply a specific torque to a fastener, such as a nut or a bolt.
When the right amount of torque is applied to a fastener, it helps decrease the likelihood of equipment failure later on. If too little torque is applied to a threaded fastener, the fastener will not remain securely in place. When it comes under stress, it will become loose. It might even fall out completely.
All that it takes is just one fastener to fail for the rest of them to start to come loose too because it places the entire assembly under stress.
Kinds of Torque Tools
There are a variety of torque tools. The right one for your job depends on several factors, such as the use and type of fastener. It also depends on the job site. Some tools are manually operated while others require power.
A torque multiplier might be needed as well. A torque multiplier is a tool that provides mechanical assistance when loosening and tightening nuts. This tool is invaluable for seasoned professionals. It can be used for a wide variety of applications. Almost any item that can be moved through torque can be loosened with torque.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or a beginning do-it-yourself enthusiast, a torque multiplier is an indispensable addition to your toolbox because it provides you with extra grit and power.
Benefits of Using a Torque Multiplier
A torque multiplier offers a variety of benefits, including:
- Improved safety
- Ease of use
- Higher efficiency
- Greater precision
- Increased productivity
Trying to move heavy-duty bolts and fasteners with elbow-grease alone can be grueling, difficult work. However, with a torque multiplier, it is much easier. This tool can help you work smarter, instead of harder.
Proper Use of a Torque Multiplier
To use a torque multiplier efficiently and safely, you must choose the right type of multiplier for your work.
Manual
A manual torque multiplier is designed to loosen and tighten things like large industrial bolts and other heavy-duty fasteners. It is hand operated and typically lightweight. A manual torque multiplier is especially useful on job sites where there is no power or electricity.
Electric
An electric torque multiplier is easy to operate and provides precision tightening and loosening of heavy-duty fasteners. It is directed by a microprocessor and built-in controller. Electric torque multipliers are especially useful when constant tightening and release of heavy-duty bolts is needed.
Pneumatic
A pneumatic torque multiplier utilizes compressed air for power. It is the most powerful type of torque multiplier. A pneumatic torque multiplier works with a continuous, smooth rotation. This makes it extremely easy to use, even with heavy-duty applications. This type of multiplier provides very precise tightening and loosening of heavy-duty fastening connections.
All three types of multipliers make loosening and fastening bolts and other fasteners easy. However, electric and pneumatic are better for heavy-duty applications or at job sites where continuous operation is needed.
Conclusion
No matter which type of multiplier you choose, make sure you follow all manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for safe use. For more information about torque multipliers, contact us today. We can help you select the right torque multiplier for your needs.
