However, one aspect is often underestimated: calibration. A torque wrench is only as reliable as its last calibration.
Why Calibration Is Essential
A torque wrench is a measuring instrument. Its accuracy can gradually decrease due to heavy use, wear and tear, or improper storage.
This has direct consequences:
- Excessive tightening torques can damage bolts or threads.
- Torque values that are too low can cause connections to come loose and lead to vibration problems.
- Loss of reliability in critical connections in, for example, turbines, pipes, or pumps.
Calibration ensures that the torque wrench continues to operate within the specified tolerances—which is essential for safety, performance, and compliance with quality standards.
What Calibration Exactly Entails
Calibration is the process of comparing a torque wrench to a reference standard (a calibrated tester) to measure deviations. During calibration, the device is checked to ensure that the indicated torque matches the actual torque.
If necessary, the wrench is adjusted, and a calibration certificate is issued to confirm that the tool complies with the required standard (such as ISO 6789).
The Risks of Uncalibrated Torque Wrenches
- Failure costs: errors in connections lead to costly repairs or downtime.
- Safety risks: Overloaded bolts can break unexpectedly.
- Audit issues: Projects without a verifiable calibration history do not meet quality or safety standards.
- Reputational damage: Errors in assembly processes can undermine the reliability of the final product.
How often should you calibrate?
The frequency depends on:
- Usage: The more often the key is used, the faster it wears out.
- Load: Heavy industrial use requires shorter calibration intervals.
- Environment: Temperature fluctuations or dirt can affect measurement accuracy.
As a general guideline:
“Check and calibrate at least once a year, or every 5,000 applications.” However, for critical applications (such as offshore or power plants), many companies recommend calibration every six months.
How Archey Supports Its Customers
Archey offers not only high-quality torque wrenches, but also a comprehensive calibration and maintenance program:
- Calibrated torque wrenches supplied with a certificate.
- Recalibration service in accordance with international standards (ISO 6789).
- Recommendations on the correct torque settings for each application.
- Training and knowledge sharing on how to work safely and accurately with torque wrenches.
Conclusion
A torque wrench is not just an ordinary tool, but a precision instrument. Without regular calibration, its reliability diminishes imperceptibly—with all the consequences that entails.By investing in calibrated tools and periodic inspections, you prevent failure costs, enhance safety, and ensure quality at every stage of the process. With Archey as your partner, you’re choosing precision, reliability, and craftsmanship—accurate down to the Newton-meter.
