Torque wrench storage

Jeff423 · Mar 23, 2013

I've got an old Proto 1/2" Dr. torque wrench: 30-150 Ft.lbs. I think I read someplace that it should be stored at the lowest torque setting. Is this correct, should I back it off completely, or store it at some other setting?

Thanks,

Jeff

XAVMECH · Mar 23, 2013

Back off

Typically, we return all our "click-type" torque wrenches to the low end of the scale when finished. We also verify accuracy each usage with a Sweeney Dead Weight tester.

WardenRoss · Mar 23, 2013

if you don't store it at the lowest setting the spring tends lose its memory of its original shape. thus effecting the accuracy.

according to what i've read.

humidity and hard bumps are also bad for it.

Hillbilly77 · Mar 23, 2013

Yup, back it off all the way.

Jyezahn · Mar 23, 2013

Just make sure not to go PAST the lowest setting or you'll have to have it calibrated again.

Hillbilly77 · Mar 23, 2013

Jyezahn said:
Just make sure not to go PAST the lowest setting or you'll have to have it calibrated again.

Good point... I have a 3/4" drive Proto that says to store it ON the lowest torque setting and not PAST the lowest setting.

BigBill · Mar 23, 2013

Ditto store it on the lowest setting so the spring remains in new condition. I use both the beam torque wrench and the click type torque wrench. The click type torque wrench is great when you can't read the beam scale. I just listen for the click.

chief38 · Mar 23, 2013

Makes perfect sense to me.

I also loosen the blades on all my hacksaws when they are stored so there is no tension on the blades. When I store my calipers and micrometers I always leave then opened about 1/8" to allow for metal expansion & contraction. Anal?? YUP!

relic · Mar 23, 2013

Just trying to get spring things organized in my head.........

Why is okay to store magazines full for years but torque wrench springs must be "unloaded"??

Terry C · Mar 23, 2013

I have three MAC torque wrenches. 1/2", 3/8", & 1/4", combined cost over $1K.

I am VERY careful with them, and always set them to the lowest torque setting when stored. I depend on their accuracy.

I've been told by 'experts' that these wrenches will not be affected by spring fatigue. Whether or not that's true I can't say, but it's too easy to do to take that chance.

G-Mac · Mar 23, 2013

Terry C said:
I have three MAC torque wrenches. 1/2", 3/8", & 1/4", combined cost over $1K.

I use a German torque wrench...it's called a Gudentheit.

Coldshooter · Mar 23, 2013

chief38 said:
Makes perfect sense to me.

I also loosen the blades on all my hacksaws when they are stored so there is no tension on the blades. When I store my calipers and micrometers I always leave then opened about 1/8" to allow for metal expansion & contraction. Anal?? YUP!

With what good tools cost just consider it protecting your investment.

Jyezahn · Mar 23, 2013

relic said:
Just trying to get spring things organized in my head.........

Why is okay to store magazines full for years but torque wrench springs must be "unloaded"??

With precision instruments, the springs are made for precise measurement and not as ummm... "redneck", as magazine springs. Consider this, would you take a Ferrari to the dirt track to jump dirt hills and such? No. A torque wrench is not meant to be hammered on, banged around, etc, because it can affect the measurement qualities. A magazine was built to be durable, etc, and doesn't require such precision springs to work.

pbslinger · Mar 23, 2013

Often it is recommended to store them at 20% of full scale.

smokindog · Mar 23, 2013

Don't know, my Craftsman has a needle and a scale

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...n_socket_drive,_Craftsman_44641_WF,_Sears.jpg

Jeff423 said:
I've got an old Proto 1/2" Dr. torque wrench: 30-150 Ft.lbs. I think I read someplace that it should be stored at the lowest torque setting. Is this correct, should I back it off completely, or store it at some other setting?

Thanks,

Jeff

CAJUNLAWYER · Mar 23, 2013

This is a particularly interesting Saturday. Sweeny Deadweight tester indeed!!

Had to google that one!

Jyezahn · Mar 23, 2013

pbslinger said:
Often it is recommended to store them at 20% of full scale.

Air Force PMEL (Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory) requires lowest measurement when finished using them. Don't want any aircraft falling out of the sky due to improperly calibrated equipment. So that's what I stick to.

beemerphile · Mar 23, 2013

relic said:
Just trying to get spring things organized in my head.........

Why is okay to store magazines full for years but torque wrench springs must be "unloaded"??

Magazine springs are not calibrated. If it hurt springs to stay partially compressed, you'd have to loosen the valve lifters on your car each night and set the valves each morning.

G-Mac · Mar 23, 2013

chief38 said:
I also loosen the blades on all my hacksaws when they are stored so there is no tension on the blades.

Well, you learn something new every day. Never heard that one before.

How does leaving tension on the blade cause any harm?

I own a $5,000.00 horizontal band-saw. I don't loosen the blade tension on that when I'm not using it and my blades last a long time.

Hillbilly77 · Mar 23, 2013

beemerphile said:
Magazine springs are not calibrated. If it hurt springs to stay partially compressed, you'd have to loosen the valve lifters on your car each night and set the valves each morning.

Wait...
Are you telling me that this is not necessary?

Torque wrench storage

US Veteran

US Veteran

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Absent Comrade

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Similar threads