11 Top Tips for your Hydraulic Torque Wrench Operations

Hydraulic torque wrenches operate at high pressures, with most operating at 10,000 psi, producing torque outputs of over 50,000 ft./lbs. These types of torque wrenches are powered by a hydraulic pump, which in turn is powered by electric power or pneumatic pressure.

To guarantee the best performance of a hydraulic torque wrench is by implementing a proper maintenance and calibration schedule that should be followed alongside the operating guidelines.

With the correct care, a hydraulic torque wrench will provide accurate measurements for many years, saving on capital expenditure.

Here are some tips to help you operate your torque wrench safely and correctly:

1. Examine – Visually inspect all components before use, and ensure all parts are firmly secure. Once the tool has been inspected, run it at full scale at least 3 times before starting the job to ensure all moving parts are moving correctly.
2. Calibration – Be sure to operate the torque wrench within the manufacturer’s advised calibration range, or following a certain amount of cycles.
3. Documentation – Ensure you have the correct pressure-to-torque chart for the chosen tool at hand.
4. Power Source – You must have the appropriate power for the torque pumps. For example, air pumps require the right hose diameter along with correct psi and CFM input at the pump.
5. Hydraulic Fittings – Make sure hydraulic fitting connections are fully engaged on the hoses to the tool and pump.
6. Sockets – Check any square drive sockets to ensure they are in good condition. Any worn sockets should never be used as they won’t securely hold the nut. If the socket size isn’t correct, the wrench may not provide the correct torque value.
7. Personal Safety Checks – The operator must be wearing the appropriate PPE, with all the correct safety equipment. Operators must wear safety goggles, and any long hair tied up so that it is far away from the face, with any jewellery removed.
8. Hand Placement – Ensure operators have a firm grip on the middle handle of the wrench and keep both hands far away from the wrench’s reaction arm. If two hands are needed, place one hand on top of the other during use.
9. Application – Apply torque in a slow, methodical manner. Fast or jerky movements can cause the applied torque to increase or decrease more than desired and possibly damage the tool.
10. Shut Down – The operator must fully turn off the pump on the pendant switch when removing the tool from the bolt.
11. Storage – Always set a click-type torque to the manufacturer’s torque setting when storing the tool. Store torque wrenches in a clean, dry and protected area. Avoid marking, etching or placing labels on the tools whilst not in use as well.

These top tips will help you ensure that your torque operations run smoothly and safely, whilst keeping your wrenches in a good working condition, saving money on the cost of new tools and any downtime.

Quality Supplier

Here at HTL, we feature a premium range of hydraulic torque wrenches readily available for hire and sale. With precise torque control, these tools provide customers with a safe, reliable and economical solution to their controlled bolting requirements.

Please find out more and request a quote on our website, https://www.htlgroup.com/request-quote/.