Torque control remains imperative for fastener consistency and safety in manufacturing. However, wear and tear or inadequate maintenance quickly degrades torque tool accuracy. Replacing screwdrivers and controllers too frequently erodes budgets. Understanding proper torque screwdriver care maximizes performance lifetimes for improved ROI.
This guide covers key strategies to maintain and extend the working life of manual and electric torque screwdrivers. We’ll explore:
- Protecting torque tools from damage
- Proper storage and handling
- Routine calibration
- Part replacement/refurbishment
- Data backup and electric tool firmware
- General usage best practices
Implementing even basic protocols around these areas will keep your torque screwdrivers and electric nutrunners performing optimally for years past expected lifecycles. Let’s jump in.
Safeguarding Torque Screwdrivers
Any calibration-sensitive tool only functions properly when treated with care. Exposure to excess moisture, vibration, drops, or dirty environments hastens torque screwdrivers’ decline. Something as minor as a small drop can throw accuracy outside tolerance limits requiring immediate recalibration.
Protect torque tools by:
- Storing in protective cases when not in use
- Providing appropriate toolboxes, racks, or holsters for organized access
- Using wrist straps or lanyards during operation to prevent drops
- Not using torque screwdrivers for hammering or prying applications!
- Keeping away from intense heat, humidity or liquids
- Establishing sign in/out protocols for shared high-value tools
A $250 professional torque screwdriver keeps technicians consistently tightening for several years. An extra $20 plastic case protects that investment when not on the job. Treat torque tools as precision instruments, not hunks of metal for throwing in overflowing drawers!
Even minor environment precautions make a difference for longevity. Consider hanging tools vertically on shadowed boards rather than jumbled in boxes. When gripped tightly or pressed against each other, accuracy suffers from internal sensor shifts.
Proper Torque Screwdriver Storage
Where and how torque screwdrivers are stored between uses significantly impacts longevity. Leaving tools on workbenches exposes them to potential damage from rolling off or getting knocked to the floor. Worse, important calibration records stick inside the case or box get misplaced once separated.
Designate limited access storage locations, potentially even under lock and key. This organized approach:
- Prevents unauthorized usage or tool loss
- Keys torque values to specific instruments for auditing
- Confirms calibration status at a glance before use
- Requires deliberately accessing for proper sign out protocols
Shadow boxes with silicone tool outlines or dedicated stations with hanging hooks maintain order. However you approach organized storage, the goal is preventing unexpected mishandling or misplaced tools by controlling access.
Routine Calibration Testing
All torque instruments require occasional calibration to maintain accurate readings and trustworthy performance. Failure to routinely assess and validate tool values through calibration checks allows drift and continues tightening reliance on a questionable device.
How often torque screwdrivers need calibrated depends on factors like:
- Usage frequency and cycle counts
- The tool’s measurement tolerance range
- Exposure to potential accuracy-altering events like drops
- Past calibration trends demonstrating stability
There are no universal calibration replacement intervals. However, 6-12 months provides a reasonable starting point for recalibration assuming no major impacts occur.
Focus calibration testing on high-precision electric tools over cheaper manual instruments. Use lower cost manual screwdrivers for initial run-down, then validate actual torque applied with a dedicated electronic tester. Reserve electronic nutrunners for delivering exact automated precision.
Approaching torque calibration strategically by tool type balances accuracy with cost considerations. Keep testing records to identify usage patterns and drift over time.
Replacing Parts Before Failure
Defined lifecycles exist for torque screwdriver internal components subject to repetitive stress like the metal coil spring. Failure of these consumable parts causes tool seizing or torque delivery inconsistency.
Rather than waiting for spring or clutch failure leading to catastrophic torque variance, replace parts proactively. Some degradation safer to address early includes:
- Stripped or slipping clutch plates
- Weakened handle return springs
- Gear teeth wear
- Battery drainage issues
Specific electric torque controller parts like motor brushes also wear with extensive use. Replace brushes based on usage counts, not once failure occurs. Skip past faulty tightening by scheduling preventative maintenance.
Refurbishing Electric Screwdrivers
Constant calibration with consistent accuracy keeps high-performance electric screwdrivers humming for incredibly long lifetimes. However, years of rigorous daily use wears even reliable powered fastening tools. Motor, clutch, and electronic failures still happen despite precautions.
Rather than automatically discarding electric nutrunners when problems occur, consider component-level replacements to restore your high-precision investment. Refurbishing only costs around 40% of purchasing new. Benefits include:
- Reusing sturdy tool bodies and frames
- Retaining preferred model features and fit
- Preserving model-specific torque data history
- Avoiding settings/calibration/programming tasks
Refurbishment options exist for most commercial-duty electric screwdriver brands. As the average torque screwdriver lasts ~5 years before needing repair, proactively contact authorized service centers at the 3-4 year mark to plan reconditioning. Pay a few hundred dollars now for torque certainty instead of equipment surprises later causingowntime when you need production throughput most.
Preserving Electric Screwdriver Firmware
Electric screwdrivers contain software and customizable programmability similar to computers for configuring tightening parameters. The firmware improves performance, provides usage data tracking, and enables agile production line adjustments.
Repeated calibration tweaks or voltage irregularities risk corrupting firmware leading to glitches or freezing. Guard against code degradation or data losses by:
- Storing firmware copy install files as backup
- Proactively reflashing firmware before problems
- Using surge protector power strips
- Confirming latest firmware version for upgrades
Think of firmware as insurance. Days of production delays occur sorting faulty controller electronic issues without firmware backups immediately available. Spend an hour copying install files and spare several days of debugging if abnormalities appear.
General Usage Best Practices
Certain habits preserve torque screwdriver accuracy and evaluation over time regardless of model. Technicians should:
- Check tools visually for damage before use
- Confirm appropriate tool selection for the application
- Only apply torque for recommended duty cycles
- Follow prescribed break-in procedures for new tools
- Snug fasteners manually before applying torque
Sound repetition develops muscle memory for slip ups. Reinforce protocols through training and engineered work instructions torque tools remain in spec despite natural wear.
Why Choose Flexible Assembly for Your Torque Needs
This guide provides an overview but torque tools contain many nuances. As leading providers of calibration equipment, electric screwdrivers, manual torque wrenches, and torque analyzers for over 20 years, Flexible Assembly delivers assembly efficiency through torque control.
We offer:
- Torque screwdrivers covering common measurement standards
- Ergonomic grip designs to reduce fatigue
- ASME B107.300 certification for uncompromised quality
- Calibration services to maintain reliability
- Electric torque controllers programmable to your needs
- Torque testing audits to reinforce ongoing quality
With deep torque expertise optimizing fastening applications, Flexible Assembly improves consistency while reducing costs. Contact us today to upgrade old technology or modernize proprietary torque techniques. Our torque tools stand the test of time when properly maintained. Let us handle the details so your team focuses where they contribute most – consistent precision assembly.
