Torque equipment assembly is integral to setting the required tension and loading across all parts. Tightening lag screws, nuts, and bolts precisely on a torque device is crucial for the specific torque value necessary for the application. The task is complicated as the measurement is a critical factor. Herein, the marine torque wrench takes centerstage. Beyond the accuracy in fixation, the integrated calibration scale allows the technicians to measure torque levels during the assembly.
In this marine maintenance tools edition, we offer a concise guide on the importance of torque wrenches for shipbuilders and engineers.
What is a Torque Wrench
A torque wrench is a repair and maintenance instrument for varying applications across industrial, automobile, marine, and other machinery. The apparatus with a calibration scale allows the marine technicians to implement the pre-determined torque and pressure for fastening nuts, bolts, and sockets. It eliminates the risk of loose connectivity and overtightening issues while maintaining the required tension across the machine parts.
Types of Torque Wrenches – A Comparative Analysis
Torque wrenches differ in style, size, and other specifications depending on the type of equipment and tasks they address. These tools can be grouped into two categories:
- Models specifically designed for measuring torque
- Tools for fastening and measurement
Below is an overview of the most popular items used across various industries and applications.
Beam/ Classic Wrench
The beam torque wrench is a traditional apparatus comprising a basic analog scale with a needle pointer to show the reading. It has a lever arm between the handle and the head, reaching up to the gauge to indicate the amount of torque applied during fastening. Its arm remains parallel to the indicator when no pressure is applied. The needle pointer moves along the scale when pressure is applied to the fasteners.
Despite the low price tag, material durability, and simplicity of use, these tools are heavier than their modern counterparts. Another problem with these models is the limited reliability and accuracy of the readings.
Click Wrench
Click or Clicker wrench offers an advantage over conventional fastening instruments. It has a manual reading system on the laser scale, which requires some expertise. However, the beneficial aspect of using a click torque wrench is the versatility of supported applications, affordable prices, and ease of use. Once you attain the preset torque, the indicator clutch slips, easing the job for beginners.
The only downside of using these wrenches is the difficulty imposed by the time-consuming manual reading scale. Hence, it is only suitable for minor tasks and not for large-scale use in commercial overhauling units.
Digital Wrench
A digital torque wrench eliminates the limitations imposed by traditional fastening tools. It is also known as an electronic wrench, featuring an LED display to show the reading. These programmable tools boast a strain gauge housed on the torsion rod. It transmits signals to indicate torque requirements, shown on the LED screen.
There are several advantages of using these cutting-edge wrenches compared to cheap instruments. Besides ease of use and reliability with accuracy, the built-in memory stick allows marine engineers to audit the readings from the archived data.
Hydraulic Wrench
A pre-calibrated hydraulic torque wrench is the ultimate instrument for exerting torque on lubricated fasteners in a marine vessel. These wrenches are excellent for handling delicate, spare parts that may crack or chip out with high pressure.
Mechatronic Wrench
The new-age mechatronic torque wrench incorporates the pre-calibrated torque range alert of the traditional click wrenches into the advanced digital wrench models. Besides offering seamless connectivity support, these tools feature proofreading provisions. It eases the machinery auditing and correcting the faulty settings after the fixation.
Things to Know When Choosing a Torque Wrench for Marine Equipment
Pricing Does Not Guarantee Quality and Accuracy
While many ship repairers are reluctant to purchase cheap marine tools, there are several cutting-edge products at low price tags in the market. Technicians with years of experience working with different models can help you find items at budget prices.
Choose a Model Compatible with the Engine Specifications
Torque wrenches are available in various sizes and scales. Each module is designed for a specific application. Marine engineers select the tools based on the equipment setup in the vessel. Therefore, top marine engine brands, including Cummins and Caterpillar, have a selective product line of repair tools and testers.
Determine the Torque Range
Marine engines, turbo systems, crankshafts, camshafts, and other machines have fasteners of enormous dimensions. Wrenches with high torque capacity are essential to handle such bolts and nuts. Always ensure the tool can handle torque loads within 500-50,000 lbs. This is necessary to get the required strength and tightness for various machine parts.
Check the Drive Type
The drive type of the tool must precisely match the bolts, sockets, and nuts you need to fasten to the required torque in heavy-duty vessels.
For instance, the square drive hydraulic torque tools are high-priority items in every ship. These torque wrenches provide immense support, from general maintenance to adjustability to various socket sizes to dealing with standard impact sockets.
Another essential item is the hex drive wrench or low-profile torque wrench. The tool works effortlessly in tight spaces and offers excellent clearance in low-profile applications as needed for nuts and flanges in the engine compartments and other onboard machinery.
Adaptability to Stringent Marine Conditions
Working in humid and hot weather is part of the ship’s maintenance and overhaul services. Hence, tools compatible with automobile and industrial applications do not comply with marine servicing standards.
Choose corrosion-resistant and marine-grade aluminum models or high-grade alloy steel tools for safety. These items feature salt-resistant coated finishes for supreme durability and performance. When working in explosive and harsh environments, shipbuilders rely on ATEX-rated marine torque wrenches for comprehensive safety.
Buy Genuine Cummins Torque Wrench by Part Number
Not all torque wrenches are made equal. Like varying sizes and specifications of the marine engine modes, the torque tools differ in scales, types, internal mechanisms, socket size, and other attributes. A marine technician can identify the required tool for the specific engine assembly job. Choosing the right tool for your needs is all you need to keep your engine nuts, bolts, and other fixtures accurately in a firm position.
At Alfa Marine Spare Parts, sales representatives strive to procure only genuine spare parts and ship repair tools to maintain the highest quality standards. We are proud of the ever-rising customer base across 180 countries worldwide, supplying OEM engine parts, maintenance kits, and more. Here is a quick glance at the range of Cummins torque wrenches in our inventory:
3164795 – Dial-Type Torque Wrench
If you have problems finding a specific marine spare part in our product gallery, please feel free to send an email while mentioning the part number. Our warehouse has a massive stock of over 80,000 naval marine supplies comprising engines, turbo systems, spare parts, and other items from Cat, Cummins, Deutz, Detroit Deisel, Perkins, Scania, Komatsu, Volvo Penta, Mitsubishi, and other renowned brands. We can arrange the shipment of the required product in 3-4 business days.
