Torque Multipliers

Torque multipliers are designed to increase the torque in applications involving tightening and loosening fasteners. They help increase safety as well as offering greater precision in industries that require it such as automotive. This help to also increase efficiency and productivity.

What is a torque multiplier?

Torque multipliers much resemble the head of a ratchet or torque wrench and act in much the same way. They are often used to replace cheater bars where leverage is the primary driver of torque as opposed to gears, cheater bars come with a level of risk if the tool fails whilst the extended handle is in use. Torque multipliers eliminate this risk with the use of gear reduction providing only a small amount of the final torque pressure on the drive tool, allowing for greater safety.

Why torque multipliers?

Torque multilpliers use an epicyclical gear train, with each stage of the gear range multiplying the torque applied. The torque generated here is applied to the input gear which in turn causes the planet gears housed inside the carrier to rotate, this is then transferred to the output drive. This allows more challenging jobs to become a lot more manageable.

When to use torque multipliers

In areas of limited space, the restrictions of your body's range of motion can make using a torque wrench impractical. A torque multiplier doesn't feature a long handle, which allows the user to achieve the desired torque in confined environments.
They are particularly useful in the automotive industry where working with less than optimal space is a daily occurrence. They can also be handy for loosening bolts have been overtightened, have seized due to rust, or need to be tightened to a precise specification.

Considerations when choosing a torque multiplier

The main consideration you will need to take into account when choosing a torque multiplier is the amount of torque you'll require for the job. Other than manual torque multipliers there are electric and pneumatic versions available. Pneumatic offers the greatest amount of power, and so are particularly useful for heavy duty applications where continuous operation is needed.

FAQ

Do torque multipliers require calibration?

Torque multipliers are precision pieces of equipment and to ensure you are getting accurate results in applications they may need recalibration at some stage in their working life. As a rule, we would recommend recalibration every 6 to 12 months.

Are torque multipliers accurate?

No precision tool is absolutely 100% accurate, however most hand torque multipliers are accurate to a range of +/-4% which makes them a very precise tool and as a result you can expect precision results.