Quick Answer
The CLD-Series is a line of pneumatic torque multipliers designed for precision tightening and loosening of heavy-duty fastening connections.
Unlike impact wrenches, CLD multipliers operate with smooth, continuous, non-impacting rotation. Torque is controlled through the compressed air supply using a Lubro-Control Unit (LCU), and the tool automatically shuts off when the preset torque is achieved.
The series covers torque ranges from 121 to 8,257 lbf.ft (165 to 11,195 N·m) and includes output drive sizes from 3/4" to 1 1/2".
Who This Is For
- Maintenance technicians
- Field service technicians
- Heavy equipment technicians
- Manufacturing engineers
- Petrochemical facilities
- Power generation facilities
- Transportation and shipping operations
- Industrial maintenance teams
- Heavy machinery manufacturing
- Applications involving high-torque bolted connections
When Should You Use This?
Use a CLD Pneumatic Torque Multiplier when:
- High torque is required for heavy-duty bolting
- Faster fastening is needed than a manual multiplier can provide
- Smooth, non-impacting operation is preferred
- Automatic shut-off at the preset torque is required
- Operator exposure to impact wrench vibration and hammering should be reduced
- Compressed air is available
- Precision tightening and loosening are required
- Flexible tool positioning is important
- A hydraulic wrench would be slower or more cumbersome for the application
The CLD is designed to increase speed and productivity while avoiding the slow ratcheting process and setup associated with hydraulic torque wrenches.
When Should You NOT Use This?
The CLD may not be the best choice when:
- Compressed air is not available
- A compact manual torque multiplier is more practical
- Cordless operation is required
- Electronic fastening data collection or traceability is needed
- A suitable reaction point cannot be established
- The available air supply cannot be properly filtered and regulated
- Torque requirements fall outside the CLD-Series range
For remote locations without compressed air or electricity, consider an HG or MTM hand torque multiplier.
How the CLD Pneumatic Torque Multiplier Works
The CLD uses a pneumatic motor and heavy-duty gearbox to generate controlled high torque.
During operation:
- The multiplier is connected to a filtered, regulated air supply.
- The Lubro-Control Unit regulates the air pressure supplied to the tool.
- Air pressure is adjusted according to the required output torque.
- The appropriate impact socket is installed on the square drive.
- A reaction device is positioned securely against a suitable reaction point.
- The operator activates the tool.
- The multiplier rotates the fastener smoothly and continuously.
- The tool shuts off automatically when the preset torque is achieved.
Result:
- Controlled high-torque fastening
- Automatic shut-off
- Faster bolting cycles
- Low vibration compared with impact tools
- Reduced operator effort
- Improved productivity
Torque adjustment and control are regulated by the LCU through the compressed air supply.
Core Features
- Pneumatic torque multiplier
- Rotating-body tool design
- Accuracy better than ±5%
- Automatic shut-off at preset torque
- Smooth, continuous, non-impacting rotation
- 360° rotating handle for flexible positioning
- Precision tightening and loosening
- Compact design
- Heavy-duty gearbox
- Torque controlled through the Lubro-Control Unit
- Faster operation than hydraulic torque wrenches
- Reduced vibration and hammering compared with impact wrenches
- Multiple torque ranges and drive sizes
- Reaction foot, bar, and ring options
- Designed for heavy-duty industrial bolting
Available Models
The CLD-Series includes multiple pneumatic multipliers covering a broad range of torque requirements.
CLD Model Chart
| Model | Item # | Torque Range | S.I. Range | Square Drive | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLD55 | 210572 | 121–357 lbf.ft | 165–485 N·m | 3/4" | 48 RPM |
| CLD85 | 210573 | 225–660 lbf.ft | 305–895 N·m | 3/4" | 25 RPM |
| CLD85 | 210574 | 225–660 lbf.ft | 305–895 N·m | 1" | 25 RPM |
| CLD105 | 210575 | 270–796 lbf.ft | 365–1,080 N·m | 1" | 15 RPM |
| CLD125 | 210576 | 332–970 lbf.ft | 450–1,315 N·m | 1" | 12 RPM |
| CLD155 | 210577 | 435–1,275 lbf.ft | 590–1,730 N·m | 1" | 10 RPM |
| CLD225 | 210571 | 671–1,970 lbf.ft | 910–2,670 N·m | 1" | 8 RPM |
| CLD280 | 210578 | 870–2,552 lbf.ft | 1,180–3,460 N·m | 1" | 6.5 RPM |
| CLD380 | 210579 | 1,100–3,230 lbf.ft | 1,490–4,380 N·m | 1 1/2" | 4 RPM |
| CLD580 | 210580 | 1,534–4,510 lbf.ft | 2,080–6,115 N·m | 1 1/2" | 2.5 RPM |
| CLD780 | 210581 | 1,925–5,660 lbf.ft | 2,610–7,675 N·m | 1 1/2" | 1 RPM |
| CLD980 | 210582 | 2,810–8,257 lbf.ft | 3,810–11,195 N·m | 1 1/2" | 0.5 RPM |
The CLD85 is offered in two configurations with the same torque range but different 3/4" and 1" square drives.
Model Selection Guide
| If you need: | Recommended Model |
|---|---|
| Lowest CLD torque range | CLD55 |
| Up to 660 lbf.ft | CLD85 |
| 660 lbf.ft with 3/4" drive | CLD85, Item 210573 |
| 660 lbf.ft with 1" drive | CLD85, Item 210574 |
| Up to 970 lbf.ft | CLD125 |
| Up to 1,275 lbf.ft | CLD155 |
| Up to approximately 2,000 lbf.ft | CLD225 |
| Up to approximately 2,550 lbf.ft | CLD280 |
| Over 3,000 lbf.ft | CLD380 or higher |
| Maximum CLD torque capacity | CLD980 |
| Highest tool speed | CLD55 |
As torque capacity increases, rotational speed generally decreases. The CLD55 operates at 48 RPM, while the highest-capacity CLD980 operates at 0.5 RPM.
Lubro-Control Unit (LCU)
The CLD uses a Lubro-Control Unit to provide the compressed air required for controlled torque output.
The LCU supplies:
- Filtered compressed air
- Regulated air pressure
- Lubricated air
- Air pressure control for torque adjustment
Torque output is controlled by adjusting the air supply through the LCU according to the tool's torque settings.
The CLD product literature specifically recommends the LCU-2 and notes that pneumatic multipliers should use a high-quality air filter regulator.
Automatic Shut-Off
The CLD automatically shuts off when the preset torque is achieved.
This helps:
- Improve fastening consistency
- Prevent continued tool rotation after the target torque is reached
- Reduce operator dependence
- Improve productivity during repetitive bolting
- Provide more controlled tightening than conventional impact tools
Rotating Body & Handle
The CLD is described as a rotating-body pneumatic multiplier and features a 360° rotating handle.
This allows the operator to reposition the handle around the tool body to improve:
- Access around surrounding equipment
- Operator posture
- Reaction setup
- Tool handling in confined areas
Reaction Devices
The CLD requires a reaction device to counteract the rotational force generated during fastening.
Available reaction device styles include:
- Reaction Foot
- Reaction Bar
- Reaction Ring
The appropriate reaction device depends on the multiplier model and the available reaction point around the fastener.
The reaction device must be securely positioned against a suitable stationary surface before the multiplier is activated.
Setup & Operation
- Determine the required fastener torque.
- Select a CLD model with a torque range that includes the required value.
- Connect the multiplier to the Lubro-Control Unit.
- Connect the LCU to a clean compressed air source.
- Set the required air pressure according to the torque setting information for the selected CLD model.
- Install an impact-rated socket on the multiplier.
- Position the tool on the fastener.
- Install and securely position the appropriate reaction device.
- Position the rotating handle for safe and comfortable operation.
- Activate the tool.
- Allow the multiplier to run until it automatically shuts off.
- Release the tool and proceed to the next fastening operation.
Use a high-quality air filter regulator with pneumatic torque multipliers.
Accuracy & Torque Control
The CLD-Series provides accuracy better than ±5%.
Torque is controlled through the regulated air supply rather than through a conventional torque wrench. The LCU air pressure is set to correspond with the desired torque output.
For critical fastening applications, periodically verify torque output according to the facility's torque control and quality procedures.
CLD vs. Hand Torque Multipliers
Both pneumatic and manual torque multipliers increase torque for heavy-duty fastening, but the operating method differs.
| Feature | CLD | HG / MTM |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Compressed air | Manual |
| Used with Torque Wrench | No | Yes |
| Automatic Shut-Off | Yes | No |
| Continuous Rotation | Yes | No |
| Speed | Faster | Slower |
| Operator Input | Low | Manual torque input |
| Best For | Repetitive high-torque bolting | Remote or occasional high-torque work |
Choose the CLD when compressed air is available and productivity is important.
Choose a hand multiplier when portability and operation without an external power source are the priority.
Common Applications
The CLD-Series is suitable for:
- Heavy equipment maintenance
- Power generation
- Petrochemical facilities
- Structural bolting
- Industrial machinery
- Transportation equipment
- Shipping and marine applications
- Manufacturing
- Field service
- Heavy-duty fastening connections
Use Cases (Real-World Examples)
Repetitive High-Torque Bolting
Problem: Operators must tighten many large fasteners, making manual torque multiplication slow and physically demanding.
Solution: The CLD uses pneumatic power and continuous rotation to increase fastening speed while automatically shutting off at the preset torque.
Alternative to Impact Wrenches
Problem: Impact wrench hammering creates vibration, noise, operator fatigue, and maintenance requirements.
Solution: The CLD uses smooth, non-impacting rotation, reducing the hammering associated with conventional impact tools.
Alternative to Hydraulic Wrenches
Problem: Hydraulic torque wrench setup and ratcheting slow down the bolting process.
Solution: The CLD provides continuous pneumatic rotation, reducing setup time and increasing fastening productivity compared with hydraulic wrench operation.
Extreme High-Torque Fastening
Problem: Large industrial connections require several thousand lbf.ft of torque.
Solution: The CLD980 provides a torque range of 2,810–8,257 lbf.ft (3,810–11,195 N·m) with a 1 1/2" square drive.
Maintenance
- Use clean, filtered, regulated, and lubricated compressed air.
- Inspect air hoses and fittings for leaks or damage.
- Inspect the square drive for wear or damage.
- Inspect reaction feet, bars, and rings before use.
- Keep the multiplier clean and free of contamination.
- Use impact sockets rated for the required torque.
- Inspect the Lubro-Control Unit and air regulator periodically.
- Verify torque output as required by facility procedures.
- Remove damaged or improperly functioning equipment from service until inspected or repaired.
Compatible Accessories
LCU-2 Lubro-Control Unit
Provides filtered, regulated, and lubricated compressed air for torque control.
Reaction Devices
Available configurations include reaction feet, reaction bars, and reaction rings.
6-Point Impact Sockets
A range of durable impact sockets is available for CLD fastening applications.
Integration & Advanced Notes
- Pneumatic torque multiplier
- Rotating-body configuration
- 360° rotating handle
- Automatic shut-off at preset torque
- Smooth, continuous, non-impacting rotation
- Torque adjustment through regulated air pressure
- Designed for use with an LCU
- Accuracy better than ±5%
- Torque capacities up to 8,257 lbf.ft
- Square drives from 3/4" to 1 1/2"
- Heavy-duty gearbox
- Reaction device required
- Faster operation than manual multipliers
- No electronic data collection or torque traceability
Media & Supporting Content
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- CLD Pneumatic Torque Multiplier Product Page
- CLD Product Data Sheet
- CLD Operating Instructions
- LCU Lubro-Control Unit
- Reaction Devices
- Impact Sockets
Related Content
- Hand Torque Multipliers
- Guide: Enhancing Quality in Heavy-Duty Manufacturing and Repair with a Torque Multiplier
- Guide: Choosing the Right Torque Multiplier
- Safeguarding Industrial Operations: The Importance of Torque Tools in Large Asset Maintenance
- Mountz Consolidated Tools Sales Bang Sheet
Need Help?
- Contact Applications Engineering for setup guidance
- Speak with Sales for product selection
- Call us:
- North America:(408) 850-9978
- International: +44 1428 741756
M-F 6am - 5pm PST
