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Friday 15th Mar 2024

The Critical Role of Fastener Torque and Tightness for Installation

In the process of mechanical assemblies, the significance of fastener torque and tightness specifications cannot be underestimated. We know the critical role these factors play in ensuring the safety, reliability, and longevity of your projects.

Therefore, within this news article we uncover the essential principles around fastener tightness and torque specifications. From the consequences of inadequate tightening to the advised techniques for achieving optimal fastener tightening and torque specification in this crucial aspect of engineering.

What Does It Mean for Me?

As your fasteners are what holds the components together, they need to be tightened to the correct level of torque and tension to provide the required clamping force to hold the parts in place. When it comes to fastener tightening, it’s not as simple as "righty tighty, lefty loosey”. This can directly influence the mechanical performance of the assembly and the safety of the operator or end-user.

Advantages

The benefits of torque tightening are that it allows you to control and evenly distribute torque to all components so that they’re stretched properly, can carry their load and aren’t over-tightened.

By following precise calculations and using calibrated torque wrenches, you have peace of mind that they are tight, and the load is even.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of not following torque tightening techniques, is that you risk under or over-tightening. If your torque pattern doesn’t apply load evenly through the process, you will have poor sealing, which can result in leaking flanges.

One of the most common issues is a fastener being too loose because this can have severe consequences, leading to vibrations and movement of the parts, which can ultimately result in damage or failure.

What Can I Do?

To achieve the correct level of tightening, there are some common techniques that you can use. These include:

  • ·       Torque Wrench - This includes using a tool to apply a specific amount of torque to the fastener which comes in different types and sizes.
  • ·       Static Torque – This is a torque that does not produce an angular acceleration, it measures the force required to start an object's rotation for example a door opening and closing.
  • ·       Dynamic Torque – This measures the force needed to keep the object rotating at a constant rate. It is an essential factor in designing and operating many mechanical systems, including engines and turbines.
  • ·       Angle Tightening - This involves tightening the fastener to a specific angle after achieving the initial torque setting. This technique is often used in applications where a precise level of clamping force is required, such as engine components.

Therefore, when you are tightening a threaded fastener a significant amount of torque is needed to overcome friction in the threads and under the nut face. So, with the correct fasteners, and the suitable techniques in place, you can achieve the correct outcome that is safe and secure.

Final Thoughts

As fastener manufacturers for many years now, we know the importance of fastener tightness and torque specifications within mechanical assemblies. From this news article you will have understood that insufficient tightening can lead to damaging consequences, including expensive repairs and injury to life. Hence, employing appropriate methods such as torque wrenches through to angle tightening is crucial to attain the optimal level of tightness.

We take pride in the work that we do, and as we provide our clients with the highest quality parts, we want to make sure you have the right information and tools to achieve the perfect end result.

If you have any further questions or have an upcoming project that you would like our help with, then speak to our team today. We offer a wide range of fasteners and components produced to standard specification or bespoke drawings. See how we can help you and contact us here.


A division of Clevedon Fasteners Limited