Torque tools FAQ

Consult the most frequently asked questions

Q. What is a tightening torque?

A tightening torque (Cs) corresponds to the Force (F) applied at the end of a lever arm (d): Cs = F x d.
The unit is Nm (Newton metre), it can also be expressed in ft.lb (foot-pound).

Q. What is the purpose of a calibration certificate?

The SAM calibration certificate is your guarantee that your tool has been verified per standard ISO 6789.
It proves that your torque tool is properly calibrated and is therefore operational.

Q. What guarantees do I have for my torque tools?

All our references are covered by a guarantee. The applicable guarantee is indicated on each product data sheet.
Consult the summary of guarantees page on our website or in our catalogue dedicated to torque tools.

Q. Who should I get to carry out the maintenance of my torque tools (calibration)?

  • The complete maintenance of your SAM torque tools can be ensured by SAM.
    SAM repairs and calibrates all your control tools.
  • If you have a metrology department, you can also acquire an automatic or manual verification bench so you can carry out these checks yourself.

Q. Are torque tools as precise at low torque values as they are at high values?

Yes, in line with standard ISO 6789, torque tools are just as precise at low torque values as they are at high values.

Q. How should I store my torque tools?

  • A torque tool must be stored in its original box, sheltered from the weather, great temperature variations and the damp.
  • An adjustable mechanical torque tool must be set to its minimum graduation when storing it.
  • Concerning electronic torque tools, you are advised to remove their batteries if you intend to store them for a medium to long time.

Q. How can I be sure my torque tools are still compliant with the standard?

In line with standard ISO 6789, torque tools must be calibrated every year or every 5,000 cycles after first being put into service by the user. If you are in doubt, do not hesitate to return your torque tools to SAM so they can be checked and you can receive a new calibration certificate.

Q. What should I do when my torque tool has been in storage for some time?

After a period of storage, if your torque tool was put into service more than one year previously, have a new calibration certification test performed.
If your tool is still in its first year of use, set it to the maximum of its capacity and trigger it at least 5 times in a row to reset its mechanism.

Q. Can I carry out loosening operations with a torque tool?

Torque tools are torque tightening tools, and not loosening tools. However, some tools can function in "loosening mode" with a view to carrying out tightening operations on screws with a reverse pitch (anticlockwise).

Q. Which tool for which use?

Our broad range of torque tools makes it possible to cover all of our customers' needs. In order to quickly identify the tools that correspond to your family of tasks, we recommend that you refer to our users' guide.

Q. How can I be sure I've tightened to the right torque value?

There are 5 possible cases depending on the tool you are using:

  • Mechanical trigger tools
    Once the set torque value is reached, a mechanical breakaway and a breaking noise will be triggered simultaneously. This indicates you have reached the correct torque value, you must then immediately stop applying any force on the wrench.
  • Mechanical disengageable tools
    Once the set torque value is reached, the tool will automatically disengage around its drive square. The desired torque value has been reached.
  • Electronic tools
    Once the set torque value is reached, the tool will emit a sound and one or more LEDs will come on, indicating the torque value percentage reached. Refer to their respective users' manual to see the meaning of the colours of the LEDs.
  • Mechanical tools with direct read-off
    You must monitor the changing torque value applied in real time by means of the follower pointer. You can check the torque value reached thanks to the second follower pointer.
  • Mecatronic breakaway tools
    The DYNASAM 4.0 mecatronic wrench is the best tool for ensuring you have applied the correct torque value. Once the set torque value is reached, the electronics will control and trigger the wrench head breakaway. This wide-angle breakaway with damping compensates for the operator's various movements and ensures high-precision tightening.

Q. How can I set my single-torque tool?

  • When you place an order for a single-torque tool you must inform our customer support department of the torque setting you want for your tool. We will then set your wrench and issue a calibration certificate for the requested torque value.
  • If you want to change your single-torque wrench's torque setting, return it to us and we will change the torque setting at SAM, and issue a new calibration certificate.
  • If you have an automatic or manual verification bench, you can do the setting of your single-torque tools yourself, by acquiring the DYT-KIT1 setting kit.

Q. What should I do if I drop my torque wrench?

A torque tool is a precision tool, and you must take great care of it in order to maintain its technical characteristics. If you drop your tool, check it on your verification bench if you have one, otherwise have it checked by SAM Outillage.

Q. Can I use an extension on my torque wrench?

  • You must not use an extension on a torque tool, as there would be a risk of distorting the torque value reached (reminder: Cs = F x d) and of damaging the tool.
  • If you want to use a non-standard bit, modifying the wrench's length, take care to correct the set torque value using the correction coefficient.