Enhancing Reliability: A Guide to Preventive Maintenance for Torque Wrenches

Ensuring the consistent accuracy of torque wrenches requires periodic checks for wear or defective parts. Implementing a well-structured preventive maintenance program enhances tool performance and minimizes unexpected downtime, ultimately saving both time and money.

As torque wrenches are used more frequently, they wear out or may go out of calibration faster. Monitoring the number of cycles per day or total hours of tool usage is the most accurate method for establishing appropriate maintenance intervals. It's generally recommended that torque wrenches undergo servicing according to manufacturers' guidelines or no longer than every 100,000 cycles. Additionally, a visual inspection should be conducted to identify signs of wear, such as old or dry grease, loose components, or parts showing excessive wear.

The ratchet of a torque wrench requires particular attention. It should be inspected for wear, cleaned, and lubricated regularly. Ensure that ratchet screws are tight and that the ratchet spins freely when turned. The wrench handle should remain secure, free of corrosion, and devoid of lubricants during use. Neglecting to inspect, lubricate, adjust, and replace worn parts can result in premature wrench failure.

Protecting torque wrenches from dust, grime, chemicals, and other hazards is essential. Store the wrench properly in a case or storage device and keep it in a dry, clean environment. When cleaning the wrench, use a dry cloth on the exterior. Avoid using external cleaning fluids or chemical solvents, as they can corrode the internal lubrication of the tool, leading to premature failure. If disassembly is necessary, follow the manufacturer's documented instructions or seek assistance from a qualified technician.

Most click wrenches feature an internal spring mechanism compressed against a lever. Adjustable wrenches use springs that must meet a linear capability test. After use, externally adjustable click wrenches should be returned to the minimum scale value. This preserves the linearity of the spring and maintains the wrench's calibration. All calibrated wrenches should be set to the minimum setting when stored. Calibrated torque wrenches utilize a spring with a known linear range. Leaving a calibrated wrench at one setting can impact spring linearity over time, leading to errors. Hence, the recommendation to revert the wrench to its minimum setting when not in use. For applications requiring a fixed torque setting, consider using a "preset" version calibrated by a torque tester, eliminating the need for constant adjustment and preserving linearity.

A torque wrench is a precision tool and should be treated and maintained with the same care as a measuring instrument.

The Mountz Advantage 

At Mountz, we understand the importance of human customer support. That's why our experienced team takes the time to understand your application requirements comprehensively. Drawing on our extensive industry experience, we offer personalized recommendations to streamline your assembly processes and enhance efficiency.

Mountz stands out in terms of durability. We know that preventing downtime is paramount to your success, so our tools are built to last. Rigorously tested to meet the highest standards, our products deliver unmatched reliability, ensuring your operations run smoothly without interruption.

Trust Mountz for industry-leading torque solutions designed by experts, backed by exceptional customer support, and built to withstand the demands of your assembly processes. Contact us today and experience the Mountz advantage firsthand.