Shock report reveals 1 in 4 workshops play it fast-and-loose with torque accuracy
11 Dec 2006
A recent industry survey carried out by Norbar Torque Tools has revealed a shocking lack of awareness of the importance of properly maintaining torque-controlled tools such as wrenches and screwdrivers – with a staggering 24% of respondents to the survey admitting that they never calibrated their torque tools.
Philip Brodey, sales director of Norbar, explains: “Although we were aware of the problem, we were truly surprised by its magnitude as revealed by the survey. As specialist torque tool manufacturers we naturally place a great deal of emphasis on the accuracy of our products. But even the most accurate tool needs regular checking and calibration to ensure that it remains within tolerance.”
Norbar Torque Tools offers the most comprehensive UKAS torque calibration facilities in the
He continues: “This survey has revealed a clear need for education amongst users, but also for manufacturers to provide a cost-effective means for users to check their tools regularly in the workplace.”
Recognising this need, Norbar launched its TruCheck system earlier this year. TruCheck in an inexpensive – yet accurate – torque tool tester that allows tools to be easily checked in the workshop. Costing just a few hundred pounds, TruCheck is designed to be exceptionally simple to use. The operator simply attaches the torque tool to the tester and tightens until the tool activates. The test result is then instantly displayed and on the “TruCheck Plus” version a simple red, green and amber “traffic-light” indicator confirms that the tool being tested is within the tolerance specified. Workshops already using TruCheck report that the easy-to-use tester has helped change attitudes, enabling routine tool checking to become the norm rather than the exception.
“We believe TruCheck is a step towards ensuring users have effective checking and maintenance procedures in place for their torque tools,” says Brodey. “But any such procedures must also include regular factory calibration.” Norbar’s torque calibration laboratory is one of the best facilities of its kind in the
For more information on TruCheck and the range of calibration services offered by Norbar, visit www.norbar.com