- 954-417-4818
- webrequest@kelilabs.com
- Kimball Electronic Laboratory, INC.
Covers how torque wrenches are calibrated, why they drift, intervals, and what to expect from calibration.
Torque wrench calibration helps ensure that a torque wrench applies the amount of torque indicated by its setting or display.
Because torque wrenches are commonly used for critical assembly and maintenance work, regular calibration helps organizations maintain confidence that fasteners are being tightened according to required specifications.
Torque wrench calibration compares the torque produced by a wrench against a calibrated reference standard.
The wrench is tested at specified torque values throughout its operating range. The measured output is then compared with the expected value to determine its performance.
Torque wrenches can change in performance over time due to regular use, wear, improper storage, overloading, impacts, and other conditions.
An inaccurate torque wrench could result in a fastener being under-tightened or over-tightened even though the wrench appears to be set correctly.
Calibration helps identify these measurement errors before they affect important assembly or maintenance work.
During calibration, the torque wrench is typically placed into a torque calibration system or analyzer capable of accurately measuring the torque produced by the wrench.
The wrench is tested at multiple points across its operating range. The results are compared against the applicable specifications or tolerances and documented as part of the calibration.
If the wrench does not meet the required tolerance, adjustment or repair may be necessary.
Calibration can be performed on many common types of torque equipment, including click-type torque wrenches, dial torque wrenches, digital torque wrenches, torque screwdrivers, and torque analyzers.
Calibration requirements can vary depending on the type of equipment, torque range, manufacturer specifications, and intended application.
There is no single calibration interval appropriate for every torque wrench.
Calibration frequency may depend on manufacturer recommendations, frequency of use, previous calibration results, customer requirements, operating conditions, and how critical the torque application is.
Organizations should establish an interval that provides appropriate confidence in the wrench throughout its period of use.
Frequent use, accidental drops, overloading, improper storage, wear, and environmental conditions can all potentially affect torque wrench performance.
A torque wrench should also be evaluated when there is reason to question its accuracy, even if its scheduled calibration date has not yet arrived.
Accurate torque application is important anywhere fasteners must be tightened to specified requirements.
Proper torque wrench calibration helps organizations maintain reliable assembly processes, identify equipment that has drifted outside acceptable limits, and support quality and maintenance requirements.
