A Hydraulic Torque Wrench is a tool that is used to rotate or apply torque to a nut using a hydraulic piston-based mechanism. They were first used in the late 20 century. They are now much more compact and they provide high torque with relative safety. Hydraulic torque machines are used when the Manual, Pneumatic, and Electric types of Torque Wrenches cannot provide sufficient torque.
Advantages of Hydraulic Torque Wrench:
There are various advantages of Hydraulic wrench, such as:
- It provides a fatigue-free bolting operation, also it is time-saving. Highly controlled torque application.
- Hydraulic torque machines have two variants which are very useful:
Square drive variant
Direct hex or low profile hydraulic wrench - The square drive hydraulic torque wrench uses a square drive to accommodate impact sockets and tighten nuts and bolts.
- The direct hex drive or low-profile hydraulic torque wrench accommodates the nut directly in the hex-shaped drive plate. This tool is used to apply high torque in constricted space.
How does a hydraulic torque wrench works?
To ensure that the torque wrench pump delivers the correct torque it needs to be set to the required pressure. The operator usually refers to torque charts to find the correct pressure to provide the torque needed. Then to prevent the nut from turning a backup spanner is positioned on the nut on the opposite side of the flange during the tightening process. To counteract the force caused when operating the tool, the torque wrench can be offered to the flange nut – making sure the reaction foot rests on a reaction point (commonly the adjacent nut). The operator should stand clear of the machine during this process to prevent any injury. The torque wrench can now be switched on. As hydraulic oil flows to the torque wrench, the piston advances inside the torque wrench, causing the hex ring to rotate around the nut. The piston is retracted, causing the ratchet to return to its starting position, and the process is repeated until the target pressure has been achieved.
Components of a low-profile hydraulic Torque wrench:
- Hexagon ratchet
- Cassette
- Hydraulic swivel
- Advance hose connection
- Return hose connection
- Hydraulic drive unit
- Cassette release lever
- Reaction foot
- Spacer retaining pin
Components of a square drive torque wrench:
- Driveshaft
- Drive shaft release button
- Hydraulic swivel(standard)
- Advance hose connection
- Retract hose connection
- Reaction arm
- Reaction arm latch
Advantages of hydraulic torque wrenches:
There are a lot of benefits of a hydraulic torque wrench such as hydraulics assistance in tightening nuts and bolts with minimal force. Also, this hydraulic tool is highly precise. Self-ratcheting torque wrenches are hydraulic torque wrenches and they will stop adding extra torque after the desired torque has been achieved. For heavy-duty applications like flange bolting, hydraulic torque wrenches are perfect. They save money by avoiding damage caused by improper bolting. Reduce the amount of time it takes to tighten nuts. Joint perfection is improved.