Tool eases tightening problems in restricted spaces

The accurate tightening of fasteners in restricted spaces can be a real problem for manufacturers. Often, inaccessible fasteners can only be reached using improvised tools which lack any kind of calibration or verifiable accuracy.

But a new torque multiplier tool has been developed which solves these problems. The 'Handtorque HT-52', from Norbar Torque Tools, is a very compact 1,000Nm torque multiplier, designed to deliver high accuracy where access is difficult or impossible using conventional torque wrenches or bulky torque multiplier tools. The device, which the company claims is the smallest torque multiplier in the world, offers a guaranteed multiplication accuracy of better than ± 4%. The unit is also fully compatible with manual torque wrenches or with torque-controlled angle nut runners. Alongside the new HT-52, Norbar has extended its existing 2,000Nm multiplier. The upgraded multiplier, now dubbed the HT-72, is based around the same weight-saving design as the HT-52. But, by replacing the steel reaction plate with tool-grade aluminium, Norbar has reduced the weight of the HT-72 by more than 1kg, making it 25% lighter than its predecessor. The unit can be fitted with electronic torque transducers for precision torque monitoring and comes in a variety of ratios, output drive sizes and reaction styles.