Torque Wrench Calibration Service

Torque wrenches must be calibrated regularly to ensure that they continue to work effectively. On this page, you can learn why this is important as well as key information including how regularly the service should be completed.

Whether the torque instruments are used for automotive or aircraft maintenance, pipeline work or heavy vehicle maintenance all torque tools are precision instruments and should be treated as such. They should be serviced and calibrated on a regular basis to ensure the operator guaranteed accuracy and that the particular tool is operating at peak performance. Our Nata traceable calibrations meet or exceed ISO 6789:2017-2 standards which are currently the highest international standard for torque wrench calibration.

You might have heard that it’s important to re-calibrate your torque wrench on a regular basis. Or, you could be wondering whether you need to wind it back to zero after each use. These two questions are crucial for quality and production managers. If your torque wrench isn’t working effectively, then it will have a tremendous impact on the production process. 

When exploring issues with calibration, it is important to refer to the ISO6789:2017. This includes key information on quality conformance testing as well as recalibration procedure. Many people do refer to this as the key torque wrench standard. 

Back in 1992, this document dictated that tools should be tested at 5000 cycles in both directions. However, there was no guidance provided for when a recalibration should be completed. In 2003, a new edition of the document including quality conformance testing as well as recalibration. It then became important for individuals who were using torques wrenches rather than individuals who were responsible for creating them.

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If you do require torque wrench calibration, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

When Should A Torque Wrench Be Calibrated?

It’s worth noting that the integrity of the calibration for any tool will be dependent on numerous factors.

However, the simplest answer is that a torque wrench should be calibrated at 12 months or 5000 cycles. This can be considered the minimum requirement. It will guarantee the tool remains accurate for daily use and ensure that errors are corrected in a timely manner. 

That said, certain businesses will have their own procedures to test devices such as a torque wrench. This can take precedence over the typical 5,000 cycles that are often recommended.

Why Is Torque Wrench Calibration Vital?

The regular calibration of a tool like a torque wrench will ensure that there is repeatable accuracy and that the tool matches international standards. It will also guarantee that the equipment used will be operating at a peak level of performance.

This also means that issues can be identified and dealt with before they begin to cause any issues for the user. Problems can develop when there is an issue with broken components are parts that have been worn down.

Signs that your torque wrench has been worn down might include:

  • Old grease
  • Loose screws
  • Worn parts

If you notice any issues like this, then the torque wrench does need to be removed from the service and inspected thoroughly before being put back in use.

There are many businesses and industries where torque calibration equipment will be used.

For instance, in research and development, there will often be the introduction of new assembly techniques and materials. As such, it will be essential that accurate torque application is part of the process.

Torque calibration can also be a vital part of inspection and quality control. If torque wrenches are calibrated regulation, it can help improve levels of quality control, saving a company both time and money, improving the efficiency of processes. Of course, calibration will save money at a production level as well and greatly lower the risk of a product failing when it is in service.

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We support a wide range of businesses and are confident that we can deliver the solution that you need.

What Impacts Recalibration Intervals?

As mentioned, there are numerous factors that can impact when a torque wrench will need to be calibrated.

This does mean that circumstances can differ dramatically depending on the use and the business in question. Factors that impact whether a torque wrench will stay in calibration include:

  • Frequency of use
  • Critical nature of work being performed
  • Care was taken in use
  • Storage
  • The setting of the wrench as a percentage of a full scale

Different businesses will have unique standards. For instance, if a torque wrench is being used to assemble a helicopter, it would make sense that wrenches would be tested before every use more often. This is due to the fact that the torque process will be essential for ensuring that the vehicle is safe to use.

Overload will also be an important consideration. If a torque wrench is subjected to an overload of more than 20% of the maximum capacity, it should be recalibrated.

There are other factors to consider too. For instance, your torque wrench might be dropped or banged mistreated on a regular basis. Alternatively, you could be using it in wet, cold, humid or hot conditions. All these factors could mean that you will need to recalibrate the tool more often than the standard 5000 cycles.

Do You Need To Wind A Torque Wrench Back To Zero?

You might be wondering whether a torque wrench does need to be wound back to zero.

It is beneficial to wind it back to the lowest torque setting marked on the tool as this reduces the load on the internal springs and will maintain the calibration for a longer period.

 

Getting Your Torque Wrenches Calibrated
Many business owners assume that torque wrench calibrations are going to be expensive, time-consuming, or laborious.

However, the best and easiest way is to ensure that your tools are sent to a certified laboratory where they can be tested and, if necessary, serviced, adjusted and calibrated. This will mean that you can avoid the need to invest in calibration equipment and maintain your torque wrenches on a regular basis. It also ensures that you won’t have to worry about completing calibrations as part of your business model or documenting the process. Instead, all of these tasks can be handled for you with ease by a team of torque wrench calibration experts.

Contact Xcalibration today
If you do require torque wrench calibration, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

We support a wide range of businesses and are confident that we can deliver the solution that you need. Our services also provide a calibration certificate to ensure that you can satisfy Quality Assurance.

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