Measuring Torque: 10 Basic Questions to Ask When Selecting a Torque Tester

Testing torque is an essential component in the manufacturing environment for many companies. Measuring torque is a process that is often neglected or misunderstood, which may lead to the incorrect torque measurement equipment being selected or used for torque testing applications.

All torque testers can be used to measure torque. There are various types of torque analyzers to choose from and each torque meter may offer some slightly different features. When selecting a torque tester it is important to do your homework in advance. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Call in a torque expert. Request a product demonstration to ensure you are selecting the proper torque measurement equipment that fits your torque testing needs.

A torque analyzer is a finely tuned instrument designed for testing, calibrating and monitoring torque applications. Selecting the proper torque testing instrument starts with you defining your testing needs. Some basic questions to start with are:

Torque Tester Selection: 10 Key Questions to Ask

1. What type of torque tools are being tested or calibrated?
2. What is the torque range needed to adequately cover all the torque tools being tested?
3. Do you have a defined torque testing process?
4. What is the type of torque is being measured: static or dynamic (or both)?
5. Is the instrument being used for a torque verification process?
6. Is the tester being used for a torque auditing program?
7. Is the torque analyzer being used in a calibration lab?
8. Do you need a flexible tester with the ability to connect with external torque sensors now or perhaps in the future?
9. Do you need to collect, save and export torque testing data?
10. If testing pulse tools, are you measuring pulses counts?

Mountz is a pioneer in developing torque testers. With nearly 50 years of experience and manufacturing expertise, Mountz has engineered and manufactured 17 generations of innovative torque testers. Being an ISO 9001 certified company and ISO 17025 accredited company, Mountz knows quality. Understanding that manufacturers have various torque testing needs, Mountz has developed a broad range of torque analyzers to meet those demands.

Daily, weekly and monthly, assembly torque tools are used to tighten fasteners with precision torque control. How do you know when a tool starts to drift out of tolerance? One solution is to have a torque analyzer system be used as a line checker. Have the tester placed in the production area and have the torque tools verified daily or weekly to ensure the tools aren’t falling out of calibration. Other options to consider is using a hand held portable torque meter system or have the torque testing system placed on a mobile cart. Then, your quality team can travel around to test and verify the torque output. Checking the tools more frequently with a simple torque tester, ensures assembly tools aren’t falling out of calibration, which will increase productivity and decrease product defects or rework costs.

Calibrating a hand or power torque tool is process that manufacturers need to ensure occurs on standard and consist basis. Regular tool calibration ensures repeatable accuracy and adherence to international standards. When selecting calibration equipment, it is key to select a flexible torque tester. A unit with the ability connect to an external torque sensor allows you to cover a wider capacity range of torque. The  instrument needs the ability to save and export calibration data for ISO and SPC documentation. The analyzer should be capable of handling various torque testing methods and support different units of measurement.

With a “Torque Auditing” program, the torque analyzer needs to work in conjunction with a torque sensor.  It needs to support testing and auditing methods that can measure items like “first movement” or “torque & angle” data. Measuring torque doesn’t stop once the assembly process is complete. As part of the overall quality control process, manufactures should include a “Torque Auditing” program. A method to detect loose fasteners or any signs of joint relaxation. Torque auditing validates the fastening process, the torque tool, the product design and the materials used for the application.

Manufactures that use pulse tools should consider a torque tester that measures both torque and pulse counts. An analyzer with the ability to count pulses provides a unique feature. This test data provides a guide for the setting the torque on a pulse tool as well as evaluating the maintenance schedule for a pulse tool. The new FTA-100 torque tester by Mountz displays both the peak torque reading and the number of pulses performed during a preset time frame to reach the final torque value. It is worth seeing the FTA-100 in action.

Companies looking to improve their product’s quality, safety and reliability should not overlook the importance of ensuring torque testing occurs in all phases of their manufacturing process. Measuring torque should occur in three facets of the assembly process.

• Prior to Assembly
• During Assembly
• After Assembly

Using a quality torque tester 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. Torque measurement should occur in all three facets of the assembly process.

Visit the Mountz torque analyzer website section for all your torque testing needs. Have a Mountz representative visit your facility and provide a torque tester demonstration. Request an appointment today.