Shopping cart:
0 items
        Specials               Articles               Create Account               Contact Us
CATEGORIES
Air Tools
  Accessories
  Chippers/Scalers/Hammers
  Cutoff Tools
  Drills
  Grinders
  Impact Wrenches
  Motors
  Nutrunners
  Ratchet Wrenches
  Riveting Tools
  Routers
  Sanders & Buffers
  Saws/Shears/Nibblers
  Screwdrivers
Torque Tools
  Torky Wrenches
  Torq Wrenches-Electronic
  Torq Wrenches-Manual
  Torque Calibration Systems
  Torque Multipliers
  Torque Screwdrivers
  Torque Testers
  Torq Meters - Collect Data
Trumpf Electric Tools
  Bevellers
  Nibblers
  Shears and Cutters
  Slitting Shears
Repair Parts
  Cooper Power Tool Parts
Clearance
  Discontinued Specials
  Overstock Specials
What is Torque
by Al Madden

WHAT IS TORQUE? 

According to Webster:

  • A twisting or wrenching effect, or moment, exerted by a force acting at a distance on a body, equal to the force multiplied by the perpendicular distance between the line of action of the force, and the center of rotation at which it is exerted.
  • A force, which tends to produce rotation. The measurement of torque is based on the fundamental law of the lever.

Basic Torque Formula


L (length) x F (force) = T (torque)

Example: A two foot lever at a right angle to the fastener with 200 pounds at the end will produce 400 foot/pounds of torque.

Torque is expressed in commonly used units of measurement such as:

  • in. lbs. = inch pounds
  • in. ozs. = inch ounces
  • ft. lbs. = foot pounds
  • Nm = Newton meter
  • cNm = Centi Newton meter

What are we trying to achieve with a torque wrench?

                    Answer: Proper Clamping Force

Torque and Clamping Force
Controlling the torque applied in tightening threaded fasteners is the most commonly used method for the application of clamping force. There are many factors which may affect the relationship between torque and clamping force of threaded fasteners. Some of these are:

  • the type of lubricant used on the threads
  • the material from which the bolt and nut are made
  • the type of washers used, the class and finish of threads and various other factors.

 It is not possible to establish a definite relationship between torque and clamping force which will be applicable for all conditions.

Torque Versus Clamping Force

Only a small part of the torque applied to a fastener contributes to clamping force. The remaining, as much as 90% of the total applied torque, is used to overcome friction under the fastener head (or between nut and washer) and friction in thread engagement.

Head Friction:  45% - 55%
Thread Friction:  35% - 45%
Clamping Force:  10%

Contact BlueTools.com for all or your torque tools needs.  We carry torque wrenches, torque screwdrivers, and torque testing equipment.  Call us at 1-336-282-2020 or Fax 1-336-545-5822.

This article was published on Thursday 27 March, 2008.
Current Reviews: 0
Write Review
TELL A FRIEND
Tell a friend about this article:  


Copyright © 2008 - BlueTools