Dropped the Torque Wrench? Let's Find Out if it’s Still Accurate
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 Published On Apr 22, 2020

Dropped or Over Torqued your Torque Wrench? Let's find out what happens and if it’s still accurate.

It could happen to anyone. You are returning a tool to the toolbox and you miscalculate your reach and it drops to the floor. Does it need to be recalibrated?
The short answer is yes because that's what people have told you, but I wouldn't say that you necessarily need to recalibrate it rather just have it verified. However,
dependng upon your situtation you may be able to do this at home if you are just a DIYer or working on something not overlay critical.

When a measuring tool experiences a sudden deceleration from a fall, a quick visual inspection could lead to the conclusion there is no concern.
But be warned, it isn’t what you see that’s important, it’s what you don’t. The damage doesn’t have to be great in order to cause an improper reading from a calibrated tool.

A torque wrench dropped from an elevated surface to a hard floor, could have internal parts broken. For instance, on a click-style torque wrench, if the wrench is set to its lowest setting the drop could cause the pivot block to shift out of position.
And it only takes a slight bend in the rod of a micrometer or caliper to cause the readings to be off because mating surfaces don’t match.

Other popular tools that could be damaged in a fall are pressure gauges. Some have fragile insides that are easily broken or warped. When crimpers fall to the ground,
the dies could be damaged or misaligned.

Whether it’s a torque wrench calipers, micrometer, digital level or torque wrenches, using tools that are not within calibration tolerances compromises performance, component life and in some cases safety
and while I would always advocate for safty and error on the side of caution you should certainly be able to test and validate the operation of you torque wrench yourself with the proper tools.

Legal Disclaimer.
Individual results may vary, testimonials are not claimed to represent typical results.
All testimonials and testing were performed in my garage at home and may not experience, and are not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same
or similar results. Bottom line a torque wrench is not a tool, it is a precision measuring instrument. If it has been dropped it needs to be checked.
Up to you if you do, or course, but without validation you may as well not use it. After dropping your Torque Wrench, error on the side of safety before you put it back in your toolbox.

Pittsburgh Pro 3/8 in. torque wrench provides a range from 5-80 ft. lbs.
https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-d...

QUINN 1/2 In. Drive Digital Torque Adapter
https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-d...

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