Torque Screwdriver

A torque screwdriver is used to tighten screws to a specified torque; this is the difference it has with a regular screwdriver. WIth a torque screw, connections are sufficiently tightened to its component without being excessive. An excessive force can damage various components, while one without enough force may fall out of its designated hole, causing the assembly to fall. To counter such an issue, a torque driver detects and limits the amount of force to a value within range. While a torque screwdriver set is appealing due to the variations available, there are still different categories of drive sources to consider: manual, electric motor, or pneumatic drive.

What is a manual torque screwdriver?

The manual torque screwdrivers feature a cam-over mechanism, signaling to the user when it has reached the maximum torque. There are straight and pistol-grip models for this. Work done with this hand screwdriver may not be as quick as its electric or pneumatic counterparts, but it can deliver more torque. It comes as an adjustable torque screwdriver or can be preset, with the latter requiring a separate device to adjust torque settings. An adjustable screwdriver can be reconfigured quicker but with bigger room for error.

What is an electric torque screwdriver?

The range of electric torque screwdrivers available is one of the larger collections among the categories. While similar products exist, they vary slightly and can cater to different needs. For instance, some may feature brushless options which require less maintenance. Usage of electric torque screwdriver also depends on the project; for more sensitive assemblies, one with a soft stop clutch may be more suitable. With projects that involve electronic components, finding one that takes into consideration the electrostatic discharges will be more important. There are corded and cordless options as well, and the physical features come into a few groups: pistol grip, angle type, or inline type.

Pneumatic torque screwdrivers

A pneumatic torque screwdriver is powered by compressed air and is one of the most powerful types around. It is the reason for its usage in automotive, aerospace, or marine manufacturing, such as a torque screwdriver for harbor freight. The precision of use on this may not be as high as electrically-powered versions and may be less suitable for general maintenance due to the need for a compressed air source. With the lack of electric motors, pneumatic screwdrivers will not create sparks, making them more suitable for manufacturing environments. It is available in three configurations: pistol, right angle, and inline.