Torque wrench calibration

[IDidntDoIt]

If a torque wrench is only used moderately, less than 40 times a year, or not used at all, does it still need to calibrated yearly? What would be the longest time I can expect one to be accurate without using it?

 

[HandyManny]

Just test it periodically. About once a year. You can do the testing of your clicker wrench yourself if you own the equivelent beam style torque wrench too. Most high end torque wrenches need ot be calibrated when new anyway. Hardly ever do these pro grade ones come ready to use right off the truck or from the factory.

 

[kc-steve]

Manny's right. A torque wrench is only as good as the calibration which is why I only own the beam style. And I don't use one often enough to be too concerned about precision. In recent days though, a torque wrench is becoming more important.

Steve

 

[IDidntDoIt]

So just build a jig to hold the beam torque wrench and then torque on the anvil with your other torque wrench?

 

[Roots]

Just test it periodically. About once a year. You can do the testing of your clicker wrench yourself if you own the equivelent beam style torque wrench too. Most high end torque wrenches need ot be calibrated when new anyway. Hardly ever do these pro grade ones come ready to use right off the truck or from the factory.

Honestly, if it's just infrequent usage around the home, non-professional use and not for critical fasteners, and you have a good feel for general torques... I wouldn't worry too much about it, but consider sending it in for calibration every few years.

In most professional settings, they're required to be calibrated when new, and again on an annual basis. Manny is absolutely right, it's absurd how often even high end torque wrenches need to be recalibrated, even when new.

 

[IDidntDoIt]

The only use I have for my bigger torque wrench is for hub nuts (200 ft lbs). I would rather be using a beam torque wrench but they don't make them with readouts that high. 200 ft lbs takes a lot of strength so I don't think I could gauge it by feel.