Fasteners and bolts are commonly used to securely clamp two or more items together. Although these components seem like a small part of the design and assembly process, it shouldn’t minimize their importance. Improperly tightening fasteners can unknowingly cause catastrophic or latent failures. Lack of torque control for fastening applications has caused wheel detachment on vehicles, failures with life saving medical instruments and prevented electronic devices from functioning.
Investigating failures in the fastening process is costly and time-consuming. Common elements that can be attributed to fastening failures are:
1. Failure of improper torque control: under tightening and over tightening a fastener
2. Selecting the incorrect torque tool for the fastening application
3. Improper design and torque specification
4. Lack of torque testing for joint relaxation in fastened joints
5. A non-calibrated torque tool is used for the fastening application
The technology used in a cam-over wrench prevents fastening failures and ensures proper torque control. The Mountz cam-over torque wrenches are designed to provide reliable and precise torque control for bolting applications that do not tolerate over-torque conditions. Improper torque control increases manufacturing costs and delays. Using a cam-over wrench removes the operator influence out of the fastening process and offers precision and repeatable torque results.
A standard click wrench cannot ensure proper torque control. When the set torque is reached with a click wrench, the tool typically emits an audible “click.” The operator can feel the impulse from the tool and most break about three degrees after the set torque is reached and then become positive. This positive action can cause over-torque conditions. An operator often gives the wrench a couple extra pulls.
Engineered to prevent fastening failures, the accurate cam-over torque wrench prevents a fastener or bolt from being under and overtightened. The design action of the cam-over wrench is such that when the tool reaches its set torque value the mechanism disengages from the drive thus limiting the torque applied. Inside the wrench, a precision radial ball clutch “slips-free” when the set torque is reached preventing under and over tightening. Also, the thrust bearings ensure the torque setting is independent of any end load applied by the operator. As a quality control tool, the torque wrench allows any user to deliver the correct torque with confidence regardless of task and operator skill level.
Making a safer world through accuracy and precision is the core purpose of Mountz, Inc. With nearly 50 years of torque experience Mountz knows quality. Understanding that manufacturers have various torque fastening applications, Mountz offers a range of cam-over torque wrenches to meet those demands.
The TSN and TSP tools are a preset torque wrench that provides a tamper-proof internal torque adjustment setting. There is no external adjustment scale so the wrench must be preset using a torque tester. A preset torque wrench is similar to a person setting an alarm clock to signal the achievement of a selected time. The torque wrench is pre-set to the required torque value of the application and then the tool signals the operator when torque is achieved.
The TSP cam-over wrench is an externally adjustable torque tool that offers different setting options for applications that require more than one torque value. The adjustable torque wrench features an external adjustment torque scale, which allows an operator to quickly and accurately adjust the torque setting on the tool as needed for different applications.
Cam-over wrenches are perfect for maintenance and production applications where the lack of torque control is not tolerated. Built for a variety of industries like automotive, semiconductor, electronics, energy, medical, aerospace and defense, the cam-over torque wrenches ensure proper torque control.
Using a quality cam-over torque wrench makes a safer world through accuracy and precision. Controlling torque is essential for companies to ensure their product’s quality, safety and reliability isn’t compromised. The failure of a three-cent fastener that isn’t properly tightened can lead to catastrophic or latent failures. Fasteners that are insufficiently fastened can vibrate loose and excessive torque can strip threaded fasteners.
Failures in the fastening process can be avoided by good design practices, proper torque control and routine torque auditing practices. Avoid fastening failures by selecting the proper torque wrench. Have a Mountz representative visit your facility and provide a cam-over torque wrench demonstration. Request an appointment today.
