Everybody knows that a Torque (or tension) wrench is used apply a specific pre-set torque to a bolt, nut and other fasteners. But what a lot of people don’t consider is that it's fundamental usage is to apply the set amount of Torque (tightening) to the fastener usually prescribed by the manufacturer of the item being worked on. Each of these would normally have a different torque specification which is pre-set or advised by the manufacturer. Each individual manufacturer will offer this information out of the need for Safety, Smooth Operation & Longevity. Usually items requiring the use of a Torque Wrench are Vehicles but also of a whole myriad of other possible applications in the Mining, Construction, Aircraft and other industries.

One of our suppliers of the highest quality Torque Wrenches is Chicago Pneumatic(CP). You may be surprised to learn that CP don’t just make quality Air Tools and I can confirm that the CP Torque Wrench Range is both of very high quality and also extremely well priced in our Australian Market. They have released this excellent guide to looking after your Torque Wrench so it stays performing accurately year after year. Here are some tips that will allow your Torque Wrench to not only continue to be used it years to come but also keep it's accuracy! 

1. A torque wrench is a tightening tool. It is a very sensitive and precise tightening tool, and should never been used to loosen bolts.
2. Handle your torque wrench as carefully as you treat a measurement instrument! The tool should always be stowed in its storage box and protected from any shock.
3. At the end of each day, or when it is not used, the torque wrench should be reset to the lowest value, to release the string pressure.
4. Only use one hand with a fluent and continuous move. Most of the torque wrenches have a mark on the handle, this is to indicate where to apply pressure.
5. Do not use an extension on the handle. This would impair the set value in being correctly signaled.
6. Avoid over tightening! When the required torque is reached, the torque control system of the wrench will be "activated", and the operator will hear a clear click sound. If you hear this "click" without moving the wrench at first, it means that the application has already been over tightened. The good practice here is to start over: Loosen the bolt first, tighten with an adapted tool and finish with the torque wrench to reach the correct and safe torque.
7. Tool Maintenance : As a high precision tool, a torque wrench needs to be re-calibrated on a regular frequency, and it's the tool's user responsibility. At Chicago Pneumatic, we recommend a yearly tool re-calibration or every 5000 cycles, at an official service center. Not to mention that if the tool has being dropped or damaged, it must be sent to service immediately. Did you know that you can change the square drive of the torque wrench without changing the tool?

"So follow these steps to keep that unit running smoothly and help you save money!"