Electric Torque Wrench

An electric torque wrench operates in a way similar to other torque wrenches in that it is a planetary gearbox of torque multipliers that raise the power of an energy input to a specified physical turn or torque.

Obviously, an electric torque wrench uses electricity and an electric motor as its initial power input. These tools are very similar to pneumatic torque wrench tools.

Advantages

The advantages of an electric torque wrench are many. Precise control of the torque to be applied to the nut or bolt is possible and the tool itself has very little vibration when used.

Torque increases up to 4,000:1 can be achieved with some electric wrenches. The operator can set a specific torque setting for a nut or bolt and a control computer will automatically shut off voltage when that torque is reached.

These wrenches plug into any standard outlet and run almost totally silent.

Disadvantages

There are admittedly few disadvantages to an electric torque wrench. Most of these lie within the individual make or model's configuration rather than the overall concept of the wrench itself.

Most electric wrenches require standard outlet power (120V or 240V) to operate. Some require high amperage (especially in high-torque models) and may not be suitable to run from a generator or power inverter.

Other disadvantages can include lack of waterproofing, making the wrench unusable in rain or wet conditions.

For the most part, however, the disadvantages of the electric torque wrench are few.

History

The electric torque wrench was first invented in Germany in 1982. That patent has since seen wide adoption and modification and the wrenches are now used virtually worldwide. They are used by trades of nearly every type, including shipbuilding, building construction, automotive, and many others.

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