In selecting a torque wrench, you need to know the torque required for the fastening application. In general, that seems like common sense. How can you ensure the proper torque is being applied while tightening a fastener or bolt with a torque wrench? By selecting the proper wrench for the assembly application, which can be a little confusing and stressful if not properly trained.
There are a wide variety of preset and adjustable torque wrench options to select. Educating yourself on the different torque delivery mechanisms offered for wrenches is worth learning. With mechanical torque wrenches, there three general types: cam-over torque wrenches, break-over torque wrenches and click wrenches. Each of the three wrench styles has a specific purpose and utility.
Click wrenches typically break at 3 degrees after the preset torque is reached and then the tool becomes positive. Thus, easily allowing for an operator to incidentally apply more force and over torque the fastener. Or intentionally apply more force because of the operator’s mindset is that “more force is good”.
A cam-over wrench removes the operator’s influence from the application as the tool prevents a fastener or bolt from being under and over tightened. As a quality control tool, the wrench allows any user to deliver the correct torque with confidence regardless of task and operator skill level.
Break-over wrenches improve control of the fastening process by reducing the risk of both over and under tightening. Upon reaching the preset torque value, the tool “breaks” at a specific point along the tool’s shaft – usually at a pivot point near the tool’s head. The unique break-over mechanism, provides an operator ample time to react once the target torque is reached and to stop applying any additional force to the fastener.
The MTBN break-over wrenches offered by Mountz is a quality option to consider. The tool is a preset production torque wrench with flexibility to adapt to different fastening applications as it is compatible with different head options. 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 compact and well balanced MTBN features a tamper-proof internal torque adjustment setting. There is no external adjustment scale, so the wrench must be preset using a torque tester. Designed and manufactured to meet or exceed the accuracy and repeatability requirements of ISO6789: 2003, Mountz offers various MTBN wrench models covering a torque range of 1.8 inch-pounds up to 147 foot-pounds.
If the MTBN doesn’t meet your assembly application need, there are other break-over wrench options. There are tools for lower torque range requirements, as well as adjustable break-over wrenches. The MTBN is designed to limit the amount of torque applied to a fastening application. The robust tool is a reliable and dependable torque solution.
A torque wrench is a precision tool and should be treated and maintained like a measuring instrument. A torque wrench must be properly calibrated and maintained on a preventative maintenance and calibration schedule. Learn valuable information regarding setting verification and calibration intervals, as well as preventive maintenance for torque wrenches from the Mountz white paper – “Understand, Maintain and Service Your Torque Wrench“.
Using a quality 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.
If you have questions about selecting the correct wrench for your assembly application, contact us – we are happy to assist!
