Torque Measurement
Torque can be measured mechanically or electronically. Common methods include:
Manual Torque Wrench
One mechanical measurement method utilizes a hand held wrench which provides a visual
interpretation of the torque seen at the pivot point. The readout can be a simple pointer and scale
indicator or a mechanically driven dial indicator. Some varieties indicate the maximum value seen in a
measurement cycle, these types of wrenches can be used to measure "peak" torque values.
Click Wrench
Another mechanical method uses a wrench that briefly releases or clicks at an adjustable point in a
range of torque values. This type of wrench can only indicate whether a measured torque value is
greater or less than a set value.
Electronic Torque Transducers
Torque transducers are devices that convert torque energy into electrical energy. The transducer
itself consists of a resistor network (bridge) which is affected by the amount of strain (torque) placed
on a mechanical pivot point.
These transducers are built into either hand held wrenches or in line devices to provide an electrical
signal which is proportional to the amount of torque being applied to the pivot point. This output
voltage can be interpreted by a variety of devices (i.e. the DataMyte 501) into a converted digital
value representing events occurring at the pivot point.
Transducers are rated for maximum ranges, for instance a 100 Ft Lb wrench would be used in an
application where the measured values range between 0-100 Ft Lbs.
Hand held torque wrenches are typically used to audit previously installed fasteners.
In line transducers are used to monitor a powered installation tools torque characteristics during an
installation cycle.
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