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What is Torque?

From Mountz, Inc.

(Diagram A) As the nut and bolt are tightened, the two plates are clamped together. The thread angle in the bolt converts the force applied into tension (or stretch) in the bolt shank. The amount of the tension created in the bolt is critical.

A bolt tensioned properly works at its optimum efficiency and will resist coming undone. However, if the tension is too low, the nut could vibrate or work loose. If the tension is too high (overstretched), the bolt could break. Ever y bolt has a correct optimum torque/tension figure for each fastening application. It is important to have these figures available so that the end product will be safe, efficient and economical.

Another factor that affects applied torque when using torque wrenches is if it is "length dependent," which means that the actual torque applied to the fastener varies if the hand position on the wrench is varied (even if the wrench is preset). This occurs if the pivot point of the wrench mechanism is not coincidental with the point of application of torque.

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