in this Q and A video we're going to answer the question how do i make
sure that my torque screwdriver is setting to the right value
this video relates to the review of the Wiha itorque driver that i carried out
recently so if you haven't already done so then please do go and check that video out
as well as the free training module on talk that we created to help you with your CPD you'll find
links to both of these in the description below so the first question we can ask is why would we even
question if our torque setting device is working properly after all that's what we bought it for
well all through this video i'll make comparisons to a multi-function tester that we might use to
test out our installation work so the first thing to bear in mind is that we always check to make
sure our tester is working properly in a number of different ways simplest of all we may connect
the probes together to make sure that it's giving us a zero value before we check for continuity we
don't just assume that the reading will be correct even though we've bought it for that exact purpose
so when we use a torque setting device it will tighten the connection up to whatever value
we've got it set to and then once it reaches that value it will click and stop transferring
your turning action to the driver head due to a mechanically sprung connection inside the driver
now that sprung connection inside the driver slips and wears over time and gradually it will start
to change the torque value that the device clicks out at however it can be readjusted to the correct
setting so the tool operates correctly but how do you know when this readjustment needs to be done
well there's no strict direction on how often checking and calibration must be done but there
are some industry recognized conventions as well as manufacturers directions to take into account
monthly checking can be done by using a device similar to this one made by Wiha if you remove
your driver bit from the torque setting device you want to test and pop in the adapter that comes
with this torque checker then just pop your torque driver into the torque checker and give it a twist
if the red led is illuminated then there's a problem with the torque driver and if the green
one comes on then the driver is working at the acceptable value just to head off any objections
at the pass here this is simply the equivalent of using a Cal Card to make sure that your tester is
reading accurately you may carry this out once a month to make sure that it's all working correctly
so this test with a torque checking device just makes sure that our driver is operating within
the right limits now this type of device is great for a check but it won't tell you if
the device is operating correctly at a range of settings so periodically your torque screwdriver
will need taken to a specialist for calibration again there's no law on how often this must be
done and it will vary depending on how regularly your device is used and the conditions that it's
used in if you use it every day and you leave your screwdriver rattling around in a toolbox in
the back of the van then it will need calibrating more often than if you do one consumer unit a year
and store your torque checking device on a satin pillow however there are some industry norms that
we can work within and actually the manufacturer may give you some guidance on this subject as well
for instance in the box for the Wiha itorque you can see that you get a factory test certificate
showing that it's operating correctly at the point of manufacture and down at the bottom of
the sheet here is a space to write the date you started using the driver this is needed because
just to the left of it is some direction from Wiha stating that the tool needs to be calibrated after
either 5000 clicks or one year of use and again this value of 5000 clicks is one that you'll find
across a range of torque setting devices as a recommended value for recalibrating and handling
the itorque actually keeps track of your clicks for you which is pretty awesome if however you
have a torque device that doesn't do that for you and you don't obsessively count and record the
clicks like a totally normal person then you can opt to recalibrate annually instead again this may
sound like an additional thing to worry about but if we liken it back to our multi-function tester
we've probably got quite used to the idea that we need to send it off for calibration once a year
to make sure that it's testing accurately so it's just the same principle for your torque
screwdriver we had a quick google of companies that carry this out and you're looking at about
35 quid for calibration of a torque driver with a three-day turnaround so it's not overly onerous
so there we go that's how to check your torque screwdriver is operating correctly and setting
screws to the right level of torque but as always we want to hear from you do you have a calibration
system in place for your equipment do you think we'll see more and more items with requirements
for accurate torque settings in the electrical industry whatever your thoughts and questions
please leave them in the comments section below and as always thank you very much for watching