Achieving the appropriate torques in heavy-duty mechanical applications is vital for both safety and performance, as well as for durability purposes. The use of a torque multiplier is an important tool to assist in the application of high torques to fasteners that are difficult or unsafe to do so manually. Common applications include bolt assembly on industrial equipment, tightening truck wheel nuts, and tightening down oil and gas pipelines. A torque multiplier is commonly used in conjunction with a bolt tightening machine to allow an operator to produce substantially more torque with considerably less manual input.

What Is a Torque Multiplier?

Torque multipliers can be used with manual torque wrenches, pneumatic systems, and electric bolt tightening systems to ensure high levels of accuracy while fastening a nut or bolt with very high torque. The torque multiplier is ideal for applications where you would have to use heavy tools or exert an excessive amount of physical force to tighten the bolts to the required torque.

How Does a Torque Multiplier Work?

The majority of torque multipliers function as a type of planetary gear. The way they work is by the application of force to the input shaft (a shaft that is turned to produce torque) activating and turning the gears in the planetary gear assembly, resulting in greater amounts of torque at the output shaft than what is applied at the input shaft. The reaction arm on the multipliers counteracts the forces acting upon the input & output of the tool; therefore, they will not rotate while in operation.

Due to this principle of mechanical advantage and reduction of gear ratios, torque multipliers are an efficient way to produce highly precise amounts of torque without using extended length breaker bars or hydraulic applications. Torque multipliers are also used in conjunction with automated systems for the application of high-output torque for fasteners (bolts) in large scale industrial applications.

Uses of a Torque Multiplier

1. Automotive Industry

Using a torque multiplier to either remove or tighten bolts with a torque value in excess of 600 Nm (1,200 lbs – ft) is a common and acceptable method of ensuring safe, effective operation when applying to the wheel lug nut of a large truck or other heavy equipment.

2. Construction and Heavy Duty

Creating the proper amount of clamping force with machines such as excavators or industrial cranes is an important factor when securing bolts in place. The use of torque multipliers can give the required clamping force without causing any damage to the threads of the bolts.

3. Power Plants & Manufacturing

When bolting engines that are part of a turbine or bolt assembly lines in manufacturing plants, it is vital that the technicians achieve the exact torque specification for the bolts being fastened. Torque multipliers enable technicians to achieve the full amount of torque specified for the bolts being fastened.

Conclusion

A torque multiplier is an effective tool that provides increased safety and accuracy when working with high-torque applications. It is used in many industries, such as automotive and oil refining, to tighten bolts to exact specifications. Using a torque multiplier either alone or with a bolt tightening machine, will increase your productivity by reducing physical stress and risk of injury. If you are a professional in any field that involves heavy-duty fastening applications a torque multiplier will be critical to your success.