Torque wrenches are tough, durable tools, and like any tool, they’ll treat you well if you treat them with proper care.
Part of that care includes proper storage. In this blog post, we’ll look at the basics of short-term and long-term torque wrench storage.
Basic torque wrench storage
Torque wrenches should always be stored in their original, protective cases, and kept in cool, dry places. Avoid torque wrench storage in areas that are subject to extreme cold, extreme heat or high humidity. If you’ll be using the torque wrench on a regular basis, you don’t need to worry about winding it back
Long-term torque wrench storage
If you’ll be keeping your torque wrench in long-term storage — several weeks at a time — make sure you’ve wound it down to the lowest setting, but not to zero. Putting a torque wrench into storage when it’s wound to a higher setting can cause the spring to weaken as time goes by.
However, dialing the wrench all the way back to zero may cause other parts inside the torque tool to shift a little. But even a slight movement can have a big impact on the tool, causing the components to lose their orientation and your readings to be less accurate.
Protecting your torque wrench, and yourself
Beyond proper torque wrench storage, there are other steps you can take to ensure your tool is functioning properly and safely. This includes things such as:
- Always wearing eye protection when you use your torque wrench
- Inspecting your torque wrenches for worn or cracked sockets and lubricating parts that appear worn
- Heeding all manufacturer instructions on torque direction, lubrication, proper force, torque tighten/release cycles and pattern and sequence
- Never using handle extensions and other accessories unless the manufacturer has specified this is acceptable
- Never exceeding a torque wrench’s working range and only using wrenches to provide specific torque during
final assembly, not as the main method of loosening or tightening fasteners - Taking care not to drop the wrench or sliding it along the floor
- Getting your torque wrenches inspected and recalibrated every six months
It pays to work safe and smart, whether that means proper torque wrench storage practices or getting your tools calibrated on a routine schedule.
Workplace accidents cost businesses like yours billions of dollars each year, which is why industrial tool customers need to seek the safest, lightest, and easiest to use products available.
Let Maxpro help you find those products. We’re the east coast’s leading torque tool supplier, and an authorized dealer for the RAD torque wrenches, makers of top-notch pneumatic and electric torque tools like the ones we’ve described above.
In addition, our A2LA-accredited calibration lab can allow you to work with the
confidence that your torque tools are providing accurate results. Contact us today to learn more.