Torque screwdriver | What it is and how it works

More than once we have been able to find a manufacturer’s manual specifying that a screw must be tightened to a specific torque. For this we have torque screwdrivers. These tools are commonly used in many fields of technology to avoid over-tightening when assembling certain components and prevent product breakage. Some clear examples can be found in our mobile phones to avoid breakage of softer components, but also in other fields such as electricity, where a specific adjustment is required to ensure that the conductive element does not loosen, but at the same time transmits electricity properly, thus avoiding unforeseen events such as a fire.

What is a torque screwdriver?

A torque screwdriver, as the name suggests, is a screwdriver that, unlike other screwdrivers, allows you to tighten a screw to the desired torque with maximum precision. When the established torque is reached, you feel and hear a kind of locking sound, in this way we achieve the desired tightening, but never excessive, avoiding deformations in the parts.

How does a torque screwdriver work?

It must be said that normally the torque screwdriver is used for professional use and is made up of two key parts. On the one hand, we have a small wheel on the back with which we can adjust the desired torque and on the other a small analog indicator on which we can see the established torque. Once the desired torque has been set, we can proceed to tighten it and as soon as the screwdriver reaches the desired tightening, it will not allow the pressure to go any higher.

Sectors where the torque screwdriver is used

The sectors in which a torque screwdriver is used may be different, but we must bear in mind that it is used at all those points that require tightening to a set torque.

The torque screwdriver is widely used in sectors such as the automotive industry or in the repair and overhaul of bicycles, for example. Many of the parts in these two sectors are made of aluminium and as it is a soft material, if we over-tighten the screw, we can over-tighten the screw and have future problems. Normally the manufacturers usually specify in the manual the tightening torque to which each of the parts must be tightened.

On the other hand, this type of screwdriver is very common in the assembly of non-electrified electrical panels, as excessive or very light tightening of the wiring can damage the installation or even increase the temperature excessively, which can cause serious fire problems.

Types of torque screwdrivers:

There is a wide variety of torque screwdrivers available on the market. Among the different types of torque screwdrivers we can find analogue, with digital display, with fixed tightening, variable tightening that can go from 0.1nm upwards. The variety of them is large but the important thing is to see the need we have regarding the use we are going to give.

Bianditz torque screwdriver:

As a company specialising in screwdriver bits and tightening tools, Bianditz has two types of torque screwdrivers in its range of products. The first one with a torque ranging from 0.4 Nm. to 2Nm. and the second one ranging from 2Nm. to 10Nm.

Both options come in a very portable and lightweight plastic case. Thanks to the ¼ bit adapter and magnetic bit holder, you can use most Bianditz bits with this tool without any problems.

Regarding the use of the torque screwdriver, we must highlight two points: firstly, it is not a tool for unscrewing and secondly, it is advisable to calibrate the tool for optimal use once a year or every 5,000 uses.

If you are interested in purchasing a Bianditz torque screwdriver, you can visit your nearest hardware store and ask about them.