A torque limiting extension is a tool accessory used to help guard against over-tightening or damaging both the target and the tool itself. The torque limiting extension is a special adapter that can fit onto most standard impact tools.
It works by allowing enough torque so the user can reach a specified tightening range, and then limiting the amount of torque after that point. The limitation is set in two ways: either using a preset torque range or adjusting the torque range manually.
When the preset torque is reached, the extension slips and disconnects from the tool, preventing damage from over-tightening. In some cases, the torque limiting extension can also be set to disengage before the preset limit is reached, so the tool doesn’t strain against the target too much.
This helps ensure the target isn’t damaged because it was over-tightened.
What are torque extensions used for?
Torque extensions, also known as torque sticks, are used to help apply precise amounts of torque to fasteners such as nuts and bolts. This helps ensure bolts and connections are joined together properly and securely.
Torque extensions essentially serve as a way to amplify the force transferred from a torque wrench when fastening connections. This is especially useful when working in tight spaces or when more than a standard amount of torque is needed.
Torque extensions are primarily used in automotive and general machinists’ duties, and they help to prevent over-tightening and the associated risks of damaging bolts or the surrounding area.
Does an extension change torque?
Yes, an extension can change torque. Torque is a measure of a force applied to an object over an angular displacement and is often affected by the length of the lever arm used in producing the torque.
An extension increases the lever arm, which in turn increases the torque. This can be seen in the form of a wrench – the longer the handle, the more torque can be applied to the bolt, which makes it easier to loosen or tighten it.
Therefore, by increasing the length of the lever arm, an extension can be used to increase the torque produced.
Are torque sticks reliable?
Yes, torque sticks are reliable tools for tightening fastened components and they are an important part of any automotive technician’s tool kit. Many modern vehicles use more elaborate designs to reduce the amount of torque needed to tighten fasteners, but torque sticks are still the tried-and-true method of checking and tightening fasteners to specific levels.
They are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, which makes them a great choice for the casual DIY mechanic.
Torque sticks are reliable because they are designed to measure torque precisely and consistently. A torque stick is essentially a calibrated metal rod that fits over a fastener and has markings that show how much tension is being applied.
Specific torque settings help ensure that components are tightened to the proper level, which helps protect your car from long-term damage. Plus, since torque sticks are designed to apply consistent levels of torque, they reduce the risk of stripping fasteners and components.
Overall, torque sticks are a reliable tool for tightening fastened components, and for many people, they’re the best choice when it comes to precision and accuracy. They are relatively affordable, easy to use, and help protect your car from future damage and mechanical issues.
How do you calibrate a torque stick?
Calibrating a torque stick is a critical aspect of ensuring its accuracy for use. If done incorrectly, the readings could be inaccurate and lead to injury or damage to the item being worked on. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly calibrate a torque stick:
1. Inspect the torque stick for any visible wear or deformity before starting. Replace any worn or damaged parts with the proper replacements.
2. Now set up the torque stick on a suitable work bench or table. Place the positive end of the stick into the chuck of the torque wrench. Make sure the torque wrench is in the appropriate range (in N-m) for the calibration.
3. Connect the negative end of the torque stick to the negative terminal of the electrical supply. Make sure the wire is properly attached.
4. Power up the torque wrench and adjust the setting so that the pointer on the scale is aligned with the zero mark.
5. Increase the setting so that the pointer moves towards the calibrated setting. Make sure the head of the pointer is pointing at the calibrated setting.
6. Once the pointer is pointing at the calibrated setting, tighten the rotation until the pointer reaches the calibrated setting. At this point, the torque stick is now calibrated.
7. Repeat steps four through six to check the accuracy of the calibration.
8. Finally, always keep the torque stick clean and dry, while regularly calibrating it. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your torque stick is accurately calibrated and ready for use.
Can you set torque on Dewalt impact driver?
Yes, you can set torque on a Dewalt impact driver. Different Dewalt impact drivers have different ways to set the torque, so it’s important to read the owner’s manual for the specific version you have.
On many models, the torque setting is adjustable by rotating a dial on the front of the driver. The amount of torque will usually be given as either Newton meters (Nm) or foot pounds (ft-lbs). It’s important to keep the torque setting low when driving in screws, as higher torque settings can cause the screw to be driven too deeply which can lead to damage to both the screw and the material.
It’s also important to use the correct type and size of bit for the job, as this will make it much easier to set the torque correctly.
What type of wrench should be used to tighten a bolt to a specified degree of tightness?
The type of wrench that should be used to tighten a bolt to a specified degree of tightness depends on the size and shape of the bolt. Generally, a combination wrench is recommended for bolts, as they provide a stronger grip than other types of wrenches due to their two ends—a closed-end and an open-end—which allows for a more precise tightening of the nut or bolt.
If the bolt has a more complex shape, an adjustable wrench may be the better choice, as it enables the user to place the wrench at the optimal angle that best fits the shape of the bolt. A torque wrench can also be used to securely fasten a bolt to a specific degree of tightness.
This type of wrench is designed to indicate when the required torque is reached, ensuring that the bolt is tightened exactly as needed.
Is a torque limiter a clutch?
No, torque limiters are not the same as clutches. While both controls can be used to limit the amount of torque that gets transferred through a system, they are still very different tools. A torque limiter is a type of mechanical over-torque protection device that is designed specifically to protect a system from damage due to overload.
It works by quickly and precisely limiting the amount of torque transferred through the system, allowing it to continue working safely. On the other hand, a clutch is a friction-based device that uses friction to connect two rotating parts, allowing them to drive each other.
It is used to allow the smooth transfer of rotary power from one component to another. While both are used to limit torque transmission, the torque limiter is the more precise and reliable tool of the two.
What happens when a torque limiter is driven past its limit?
When a torque limiter is driven past its limit, it triggers a mechanism that disconnects the power from the drive. The purpose of a torque limiter is to prevent damage from excess torque on the drive system, so it disengages the drive at a predetermined torque level to keep the system safe by protecting the motor and other components of the drive system.
This triggers a reset control circuit or a mechanical reset that locks the drive and its load in the disconnected position until it is manually re-engaged. Sometimes, the torque limiter may require replacement or maintenance due to wear and tear.
If this is the case, then the drive should be taken off-line until it can be serviced.
What is torque limiter in main engine?
A torque limiter in a main engine is a device that is designed to protect the engine from reaching overloading or over-torque conditions, by cutting off the supply of torque in cases where the engine is excessively strained.
It also helps to protect the engine from damage and reduces the risk of a breakdown, by limiting the torque of the engine before overrun conditions occur. The torque limiter is fitted between the engine output shaft and the drive shaft, or between the drive shaft and the load, and is permanently connected to the load or driven equipment.
It typically consists of a clutch and lever, allowing for easy and safe adjustment of the torque limit. When the engine is over-torqued, the torque limiter will mechanically disengage the drive from the driven equipment, without any damage to the engine or the load.
The torque limiter can then be reset to a lower torque setting, allowing for a safe restart of the engine.
What is the use of torque overload release clutch?
A torque overload release clutch is designed to protect mechanical components and systems from potentially catastrophic damage due to excessive torque loads. It works by “slipping” or releasing when a certain amount of torque is exceeded, thereby maintaining a safe operating torque limit.
This type of clutch is typically found in applications such as machine tools, on-road or off-road tractor-trailers, forklifts, and elevators.
The torque overload release clutch has a friction disc and a pressure plate along with an inner drive plate. A series of ball bearings apply force against the pressure plate. When there is an overload situation, the springs are compressed and the ball bearing force increases.
This increases pressure on the pressure plate causing it to slip and disengage from the inner drive plate. This allows the drive train to spin freely, reducing or releasing the torque load.
The torque overload release clutch is essential in applications where it is not feasible to manually monitor the amount of torque being exerted. By using the clutch to limit the torque load, it can help protect expensive machinery and ensure the safety of operators.
It is also used in instances to limit transient power peaks, prevent overshoot of starting torques, and reduce shock loads. It can also help in controlling the amount of slip, which is beneficial in applications that require precise belt or chain pulley speed reduction.
Is it OK to loosen bolts with a torque wrench?
Yes, it is okay to loosen bolts with a torque wrench, as long as you set the torque wrench to the proper torque setting for the bolt. When using a torque wrench, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and make sure you are using the proper torque setting for the bolt.
It is also important to make sure you are using the proper tool for the job – a torque wrench is specifically designed to tighten and loosen bolts to a specific torque setting. If you do not have the necessary torque setting, you should use a wrench specifically designed for the job.
Additionally, you should always follow manufacturer specific instructions and check the torque before and after the job to ensure that the desired force has been applied.
What happens if you over torque a torque wrench?
If you over torque a torque wrench, it can not only render the wrench unusable and unsafe, but it can also cause serious injury or damage to the object that is being tightened. Over-tightening is a common problem that can be easily avoided.
When a torque wrench is over-tightened, its accuracy can be thrown off, which could result in either an under or over tightened connection or nut. If a nut or bolt is over-tightened, it could potentially cause fastener failure, which could lead to disastrous consequences, such as a damaged part, leaking fluid, or even an explosion.
Additionally, If a torque wrench is over-tightened, it can decrease the rating of the wrench and potentially break the internal mechanisms. When a torque wrench is not properly tightened, the user could be at serious risk of personal injury, as the tight object could suddenly and unexpectedly come apart or fly apart, resulting in potential harm or death.
Therefore, it is recommended to use proper techniques and always go by recommended torque settings.
Is it OK to use a torque wrench as a ratchet?
No, it is not recommended that you use a torque wrench as a ratchet. While it may be tempting to do so due to the size and function of the two, it is not recommended for two main reasons. First, torque wrenches are designed to be used for specific applications and as a result, should only be used as intended.
Using a torque wrench as a ratchet could cause unnecessary damage to the tool, making it less reliable and accurate. Second, using a torque wrench as a ratchet could also increase the chances of over-tightening bolts and nuts, leading to damages and failure of threaded connections.
Additionally, misuse of a torque wrench can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the technology, compromising the overall safety of the application and giving inaccurate readings. Therefore, it is best to use a torque wrench for its intended purpose and reserve ratcheting for a separate tool.
How much torque does it take to loosen lug nuts?
The amount of torque required to loosen lug nuts varies depending on the size, type and the amount of threadlocker applied to them. In general, the recommended torque range for lug nuts is between 80 and 90 ft-lbs, but this can differ from vehicle to vehicle.
It is important to note that if it is necessary to use an impact wrench when loosening lug nuts, the torque increase should be monitored carefully as overtightening can cause serious damage to the wheel, stud and nut.
Additionally, if the lug nuts were applied with a threadlocker, more torque may be required to loosen them. It is important to use the correct tools and refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the required amount of torque to properly loosen the lug nuts on your vehicle.
Is a torque wrench really necessary?
A torque wrench can be a really useful tool for automotive or even construction work, as it helps ensure that you are tightening nuts and bolts to an exact specification. Over-tightening nuts and bolts can lead to their damaging and breaking, whereas under-tightening them can lead to them coming loose over time.
In general, it is considered best practice to use a torque wrench, particularly when dealing with delicate materials like plastic or aluminum where you need to avoid overtightening. It is also often necessary to use a torque wrench when attaching heavier components like drivetrains and suspension systems to ensure that they are correctly secured and will not come loose or be damaged by too much force.
However, if you are working on simple jobs that involve only a few nuts and bolts, a torque wrench may not be necessary. In these cases, it may be quicker and easier to just use a regular wrench or socket and tighten the bolts to the best of your ability by feel.
For example, attaching parts of a bicycle frame or replacing the brakes on a car might be done easily and safely with a regular wrench.
In short, while a torque wrench can be a helpful and necessary tool for certain jobs, it is only really necessary in situations that involve frequent or heavy use of nuts and bolts and/or where you need to be sure to fasten them to an exact specification.
Can you use a cheater bar on a torque wrench?
No, it is not recommended to use a cheater bar on a torque wrench. Doing so could result in over-torquing the fastener, which could cause significant damage to both the fastener and the component being assembled.
Moreover, a torque wrench is specifically designed to measure the amount of torque applied, and the cheater bar influences the accuracy of the readings. A cheater bar can also interfere with the torque mechanisms of some torque wrenches, leading to more inaccurate readings and potentially dangerous scenarios.
Furthermore, a torque wrench is designed to “torque to yield”, and using a cheater bar would cause the fastener to be over-torqued, leading to greater potential for component or fastener failure due to fatigue or wear and tear.
For these reason, using a cheater bar on a torque wrench is not recommended and should be avoided.