How to Fix a Torque Wrench: Step by Step Details Guide

Most people have this question in mind that how to fix a torque wrench? Well, a torque wrench is used to apply and control torque to fasteners such as screws and nuts. It is an essential factor to ensure customers' safety in case of tire replacement, industrial maintenance, general mechanics, etc.

Each type of vehicle has different torque wrench specifications determined by the manufacturer and must be observed during the car's maintenance. The wheels and all other bolted parts like cylinder heads, etc., must use a torque control solution to tighten the required torque.

You must keep a torque wrench repair kit with you because you may need it at any time. It is well-known to the majority of the industry today, and the most commonly use a combination of torque wrench and impact wrench.

Common Problems of Torque Wrench

Torque wrench maintenance is very important if you want your tools to work correctly. However, there are many reasons behind a broken torque wrench. Here in this section, you will get to know about some of the common problems that are mentioned as follows:

Incorrect Torque Reading

We recommend that you readjust the new torque wrench after using it every time. This gives the rest to the springs and thus helps keep the shape of springs intact. If you have never reset the wrench and noticed any difference in torque measurement, it is a good idea to get in the habit of reducing the output to zero after using it every time. In this way, the torque wrench will last much longer.

Wrong Application

Recommend and design the torque tools only after understanding the usage. The research before an application is significant because you can analyze several factors before recommending the torque tools and components to get the job done quickly and without failure.

Damage to Threads

Tightening nuts and screws with a cross-thread using an impact wrench or with the aid of torx bits will further damage the threads irreparably. The best way to avoid this damage is not to tighten the screws manually or as required before using the impact wrench.

Water Issues

The torque wrench is not waterproof, and some parts may be damaged if it comes in contact with water, so it is crucial to keep the torque wrench dry and away from liquids such as water. However, it can be quickly dried if the torque wrench is accidentally dropped into water or comes in contact with water in any way.

Improper Handling

Another issue addressed about the broken torque wrench is improper handling. The common problem identified due to improper handling is that the torque wrench tool is not cleaned after using it. Regular cleaning is essential after use, as dirt from the previous use can also wear off the device. Technicians often pull the hose to adjust or lift the tool during operation. This can damage the rotating column seals.

For safety reasons, it is recommended to use the handle for ease of handling and to keep the operator's fingers away from the reaction points. Ensuring that each tool has a delegated case and location is essential for easy storage and access.

Wrong Size of Torque Wrench

The size of the torque wrench is essential. Always pay attention to the size of the fasteners and fittings you use. This will help you in buying the correct size. The torque of the impact wrench should be greater than the torque required for the application.

Incorrect Positioning of Reaction Arm

To apply torque with a torque wrench or ratchet wrench using Newton's 3rd Law, you need a reaction arm that self-locks at adjacent points. By doing so, a standard torque wrench aligns itself with achieving parallel placing of the reaction axis and the action axis on the same plane.

How to fix a Torque Wrench

Wondering how to fix torque wrench? Here are the steps mentioned below for repairing a broken torque wrench:

Step 1

Adjust your torque wrench according to the settings listed by the manufacturer.

Step 2

Loosen the tightener present at the end of your wrench. (Don’t take it off.)

Step 3

Look for the measurements on your torque wrench.

Step 4

Turn the wrench's handle clockwise to raise or anti-clockwise to lower the settings and then twist the dial located on the handle to make minor adjustments.

Step 5

Add a smaller number on the handle and a number on the hash mark to find the total torque.

Step 6

Lock the tightener by screwing it back to the end of the wrench.

How to Calibrate a Torque Wrench

Torque wrench repair and calibration are essential for it to work. Here are the steps mentioned for torque wrench calibration.

Step 1

Measure the length of the torque wrench from where your hand rests to the square drive.

Step 2

Secure the vise by placing the square drive of the wrench.

Step 3

Multiply the lengths of the torque wrench measured in the first step by 20 and consider the resultant value as the weight of the wrench.

Step 4

Attach the 20 pounds weight on the torque wrench to the position where your hands rest to measure the torque length.

Step 5

If there comes a click sound from the system, move the 20-pound weight towards the head until the clicking sound stops.

Step 6

If you notice torque wrench not clicking first time, move the weight in the opposite direction to the square until the clicking sound comes and move it back again until the clicking sound is stopped.

Step 7

Measure the distance to the square drive from this point and then multiply it by 20 pounds.

Step 8

The formula “T= F x D” gives you the torque measurement of your tool.

FAQs

1.) Can I fix a torque wrench?

Yes, you can. If the lower handle of the torque wrench rotates freely, experts can fix the wrench by replacing the ball bearings.

2.) Why does my torque wrench not click?

Try to loosen the screw you are trying to tighten completely. Use only a torque wrench for tightening (do not use a torque wrench to loosen the fasteners). If your torch wrench is still not clicking, you need a new torque wrench.

3.) Does a torque wrench need calibration?

The adjustable wrench doesn’t need calibration before every autoclave. However, it would help if you regularly lubricated the wrench head and around the edge of the dial. For regular usage, one time every month is enough. If you use it often, do it more often.

4.) Can you over tighten with a torque wrench?

Over tightening can damage the fasteners, and over tightening can make the items to be installed or assembled structurally unsafe and weak to use.

5.) How often should a Torque Wrench be calibrated?

It is common to calibrate the torque wrench after every 5,000 cycles or every 12 months. Keep the cycles or months in the count so that the torque wrench is not damaged.

Conclusion

Using a torque wrench is very convincing, especially when you are entirely familiar with all its features and usage techniques. But if your tool is faulty, it may be difficult for you to work with it. This article contains a complete guide about torque wrench repair. Read the article above for detailed insight.