When you’re working on your car, it’s important to have the proper tools and equipment. And one of the most important items that all mechanics must own is a torque wrench. Now, once you get your hands on this crucial piece of equipment, how do you care for it? How do you store it? What precautions should be taken? Well, here are some tips for storing your torque wrench so that it stays in good condition and lasts as long as possible.
A torque wrench is an important tool for any mechanic. It allows you to tighten bolts and screws to the correct specification, which is crucial for keeping your equipment in good condition. It’s important to store your torque wrench properly so that it doesn’t get damaged and so that it’s always ready to use when you need it. In this blog post, we will discuss how to store a torque wrench safely and efficiently!
Things to Remember When Storing a Torque Wrench:
1) Cut back on the clicks
Many users allow their torque wrenches to click multiple times. This applies extra force to the bolt, exceeding the suggested tension. The optimum technique for using your torque wrench is to apply smooth, firm, and steady pressure. Allow the click to linger when it sounds [1].
2) Working anticlockwise
When loosening a bolt with a torque wrench, always turn the nut or bolt anticlockwise. Turning it clockwise will tighten the bolt instead of loosening it and could damage your tool.
3) Should stick with manufacturer standards
The torque wrench should be calibrated to the manufacturer’s standards. This means that it will be accurate and consistent each time you use it. If you try to calibrate or adjust the wrench yourself, you could damage it and make it less accurate.
When not in use, store your torque wrench in a safe place where it will not get damaged. Make sure to keep it away from extreme temperatures, corrosive products, and other harsh chemicals.
4) Lock the tools in place
The wrench should be locked in place when not in use. This prevents it from being accidentally knocked loose and causing damage to the mechanism inside.
It may also help prevent injury if someone trips over one of its handles while walking by — or even worse, falling on top of it!
5) Undoing with torque wrenches
Torque wrenches can be used to undo bolts, as long as users don’t go over the maximum torque. However, if the bolt refuses to budge despite using the greatest force of the wrench, it’s time to try something else. Overreaching your maximum torque limit while loosening a bolt might lead to wrench inaccuracy and prevent you from using it in the future. If you have another device accessible, it’s usually safer (and nearly as quick) to use it instead.
6) Using marked loading points for accurate results
The majority of torque wrenches have a designated loading point on the handle, and they are length-dependent. Most people don’t, so you’re not alone there. Accurate torque, however, necessitates that your hand is on the marked load point.
7) Extending the handle
Never use a pipe or other extension with a torque wrench handle. The makeshift addition would harm the tool and corrupt precision. Then there’s the issue of safety. You run the risk of being injured by doing this low-tech “upgrade”. So, don’t do it [2].
Long-term Torque Wrench Storage
If you’re not going to be using your torque wrench for an extended period of time, it’s important to store it properly. This will help keep the tool in good condition and prevent any damage from occurring.
Here are a few tips for storing your torque wrench long-term:
- Store the wrench in a dry place where it will not get wet or damaged;
- Keep it away from extreme temperatures, corrosive products, and other harsh chemicals;
- Make sure to lock the tools in place when not in use;
- Wrap the tool in a soft cloth or put it in a storage case to protect it from scratches and bumps;
If you’ll be storing your torque wrench for a long period of time, make sure it’s set to the lowest possible setting but not zero. Putting a torque wrench in storage with it wound to a higher degree can cause the spring to weaken over time.
However, if you dial the wrench all the way back to zero, it’s possible that other components within the torque tool will shift a little. However, even a minor displacement may have a significant impact on the tool and its components, leading to component misalignment and decreased calibration accuracy [3].
Protecting Your Torque Wrench
There are a few things you can do to protect your torque wrench from getting damaged.
These tips will help keep the tool in good condition and prevent any damage from occurring [4]:
- Lock the tools in place when not in use. This prevents them from being accidentally knocked loose and causing damage to the mechanism inside. It may also help prevent injury if someone trips over one of its handles while walking by — or even worse, falls on top of it;
- Torque wrenches can be used to undo bolts, as long as users don’t go over the maximum torque limit. However, if the bolt refuses to budge despite using the greatest force of the wrench, it’s time to try something else;
- When using your torque wrench, make sure you’re always wearing safety glasses;
- Examine your torque wrenches for worn or cracked sockets and lubricate any rusty components that appear to be worn;
- All manufacturer guidelines on torque direction, lubrication, appropriate force, torque tighten/release cycles, and pattern and sequence have to be followed;
- Only use handle extensions and other accessories when the manufacturer specifically states that they are acceptable;
- Do not exceed the working range of a torque wrench and only employ wrenches to give precise torque during final assembly, not as a primary method of loosening or tightening bolt;
- The wrench should be handled with caution so that it does not fall and so that it is not dragged along the floor;
- Every six months, have your torque wrenches tested and adjusted;
FAQ
1. Should a torque wrench be stored at zero?
A torque wrench does not need to be wound back after being used on a regular basis. When storing a torque wrench for an extended period of time, though, users should always wind it down to the minimum scale setting and never to zero [5].
2. How do you unload a torque wrench?
To unload a torque wrench, users should turn it in the opposite direction of the loading until it’s released. If you don’t know how to release the load on your torque wrench, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or contact the company directly.
3. How long can you leave a torque wrench set?
Leaving a torque wrench set for an extended period of time can cause the spring to weaken over time and affect calibration accuracy. It’s best not to leave it to wound to a higher degree than necessary, otherwise, you could damage the tool [6].
4. Can you store a torque wrench in the cold?
No, you should not store a torque wrench in the cold. Torque wrenches are built to withstand harsh environments and temperatures, but they can be damaged by exposure to extreme heat or cold.
This is why it’s important that you don’t leave your tool out in direct sunlight when working with it for an extended period of time. For example, if there’s no shade available onsite then try putting up some sort of shade over where your tools will be placed so that they aren’t exposed directly to sunlight during breaks throughout the day. If possible; use a tarpaulin or other protective material over any area where equipment may sit idle while its user takes breaks throughout their shift (e.g., under a vehicle).
When torque wrenches are stored in cold environments, the oil inside the tool can start to gel and this will decrease the accuracy of the calibration. For this reason, it’s best not to store your torque wrench in a place that is too cold.
5. Should you double-click a torque wrench?
Fastening torque is always a good idea to double-click. You’re allowing the fastener to rest for a second before resuming tightening [7].
This can be more important if you’re working on an assembly where there are multiple fasteners in close proximity, like with a head gasket for example.
A double click allows the fastener to rest after reaching its specified torque value. This will prevent over-compression which can lead to damage such as cracks in metal parts caused when two pieces press together at different rates and also reduces stress on fasteners, preventing loosening.
Some people like to do a triple-click as it gives even more time for the fastener to relax.
6. Does it matter where you hold a torque wrench?
The handle of a torque wrench is located at the center of gravity. This means that you need to hold it in such a way so as not to alter its weight distribution by applying pressure on either side. It does not matter where you hold your torque wrench when using it properly.
However, if your grip alters the center point that could lead to inaccurate readings.
You should always follow manufacturer instructions for how best to use their products and what kind of maintenance schedule they recommend for optimal performance over time. If you’re worried about damaging something expensive or important (e.g., engine block), then have an expert perform any necessary repairs before attempting this task yourself!
7. How do you keep a torque wrench calibrated?
Adjust the tool’s weight with the torque wrench. The spring tension in most torque wrenches may be adjusted by turning a screw halfway up the handle of the wrench with a screwdriver. Hang a 20 lb weight from the torque wrench at your first mark and see if it clicks [8].
8. Is it OK to use a torque wrench as a ratchet?
While a torque wrench is designed to be used as both a ratchet and socket, it should not replace these two tools. It’s important that you always use the proper tool for each job so that your work doesn’t get damaged or ruined in any way.
9. How many times can you use a torque wrench?
A torque wrench can be used multiple times, but it’s important to note that the more times you use it, the less accurate it becomes. This is because over time, the tool will start to wear down and its calibration will become less precise.
On the advice of Raymond Melton of NailersHub, it’s recommended that you recalibrate your torque wrench after each use so as to maintain accuracy and ensure safe operation. Always follow manufacturer instructions for best results!
10. Are torque wrenches affected by temperature?
When a wrench is kept in the freezer, there’s a chance that condensation will form inside it, causing the internals to rust and affecting the tool’s accuracy and function. It’s important to work out the torque wrench before employing it in hot or cold temperatures to get the internal components and lubricant moving around.
11. Is it OK to use an oversized torque wrench to break loose small tight bolts?
This is not okay. A torque wrench may be set to a specific torque for little repetitive work, such as socket or switch terminations.
Useful Video: HOW TO Store torque wrenches
References:
- https://www.ultratorq.com/in-the-news/torque-wrench-storage-and-7-things-to-know-about-your-torque-wrenches
- https://www.ultratorq.com/in-the-news/torque-wrench-storage-and-7-things-to-know-about-your-torque-wrenches
- https://blog.maxprocorp.com/storing-a-torque-wrench-short-term-and-long-term
- https://blog.maxprocorp.com/storing-a-torque-wrench-short-term-and-long-term
- https://www.teamtorque.com/torque-tips
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ten-things-you-should-know-your-torque-wrench-craig-brodey
- https://mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/10978/is-double-clicking-a-mechanical-torque-wrench-just-a-habit
- https://www.wikihow.com/Calibrate-a-Torque-Wrench