Most people are unaware about the uses and importance of a torque tester. If someone has never heard of a torque tester, all they need to know is that a torque tester is nothing but a quality control device. It’s used for testing or calibrating torque-controlled tools. Some of the common tools which are tested or calibrated by torque tester include: electric screwdrivers, cordless screwdrivers, dial torque wrenches, electronic torque wrenches, click torque wrenches, air screwdrivers and pulse tools.

Nowadays, one can buy advanced versions of torque testers like spring torque tester or bottle torque tester, which have the ability to measure in two different directions, clockwise and anti-clockwise. Also, the latest variants of torque testers can convert 8 types of engineering units and have 3 modes of operation. These three modes are: peak, 1^st peak, and track. Torque testers come along with certificate issued by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). 

In order to test or calibrate a torque-controlled tool, one must convert the torque into an electrical signal. Conversion, which is indirect, takes place in two stages. The torque, which is being sensed, helps in deforming a strain gauge, which in turn, converts the deformation to electrical signals. Although, a torque transducer consists of four strain gauges usually seen in a Wheatstone bridge configuration, torque transducers bearing one or two strain gauges are also available. 

Torque transducers are available in varied choices like stationary, rotary and inline, with each one of them used for different audit purposes and calibration. One of the key components seen in modernized torque testers is the digital display, which is used for measuring the readings of output signal from the transducer and calculating the same into torque value. Mostly, the transducer and digital display are combined inside a housing, which is termed as “Desktop Torque Tester”. Portable displays (handheld torque analyzers) can be used along with rotary and stationary types of transducers. 

When calibrating torque-controlled tools, the range of the torque to be tested is dependent on the accuracy levels of the torque tester. Both the range of the torque-controlled tool and the accuracy of the torque-tester should be considered. Only one torque tester or transducer is needed in case all the tools to be tested are of identical capacities. And, in case of multiple capacity tools, more than one tester or transducer may be needed for covering the range of required torque test levels. 

As compared to multi-transducer testers, single transducer or testers are easy to use and install. Also, single transducers are comparatively cheaper than their other counterparts, apart from having the accuracy and range to handle interim torque checks. However, when there is a need to test and address a wide range of torque levels, multi-transducers are your best bet.

For more info : - bottle cap torque