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Torque wrench

technology Maturity 7-9 Next article →

A torque wrench is a very helpful tool. It helps people tighten fasteners like nuts, bolts, or screws. These fasteners must be tightened to a specific amount of force. This force is called torque. Using the right torque is a crucial part of building things. If a bolt is too loose, it might fall out. If it is too tight, it might break. A torque wrench ensures that all parts have the right tension.

Drehmomentschlüssel 3360
Drehmomentschlüssel 3360

There are many ways these tools work. One simple type is the beam torque wrench. It has two metal beams that run side by side. The first beam is the handle used to apply force. The second beam is an indicator that stays straight. When you pull the handle, it bends a little bit. The straight indicator beam then points to a number on a scale. This number tells you how much torque you are using.

Deflecting torque concept
Deflecting torque concept

Other tools use different ways to signal the right tightness. A click torque wrench uses a part called a clutch. This clutch often uses a small ball and a spring. When you reach the right torque, the spring lets the ball move. This makes a loud clicking sound. You can also feel the tool move in your hand. Some tools even use batteries to work. These electronic tools can show the torque on a digital screen.

DAZ-T50
DAZ-T50

People have been working to improve these tools for a long time. John H. Sharp filed a patent for a torque measuring wrench in 1931. He lived in Chicago. In 1935, Conrad Bahr and George Pfefferle patented an adjustable wrench. Bahr worked for the New York City Water Department. He wanted to fix the problem of bolts being unevenly tight. Pfefferle was an engineer for the S.R. Dresser Manufacturing Company.

JHSharp-TorqueWrench-1931-Model
JHSharp-TorqueWrench-1931-Model

Today, there are very strict rules for how these tools are made. The International Organization for Standardization has a rule called ISO 6789. This rule covers how tools are built and checked. There is also a standard called ASME B107.300 in America. These rules help make sure tools are accurate and safe. It is important to check the tools often. Most tools should be re-calibrated every 12 months. This keeps the tool working exactly as it should.

Two W&B torque wrenches
Two W&B torque wrenches
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🖼️ Images & Media (7)
File:Drehmomentschlüssel 3360.jpg
Drehmomentschlüssel 3360.jpg
File:JHSharp-TorqueWrench-1931-Model.jpg
JHSharp-TorqueWrench-1931-Model.jpg
File:Deflecting torque concept.png
Deflecting torque concept.png
File:Two W&B torque wrenches.jpg
Two W&B torque wrenches.jpg
File:Slipper torque concept.png
Slipper torque concept.png
File:DAZ-T50.JPG
DAZ-T50.JPG
File:Torque wrench extension 3.png
Torque wrench extension 3.png
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