Application Notes (cont.)
You can test pulse and power tools in different ways:
1. Preferred Method (and quickest): Use the TorqueMate® Plus in Power Tool Mode with a rotary trans-
ducer between the pulse tool and the actual application. This is the best way to test since you are
using the actual joint as the test station. What the TorqueMate® Plus reads is what the fastener
“sees”.
Caution: Variances in tool performance may occur do to the addition of the rotary transducer.
2. Simulated Method: Always use a quality joint rate simulator (run down adapter) when testing power
tools in a simulated application. Use Joint rate and Breakaway methods to obtain most accurate
torque readings in a simulated rundown. See Breakaway Method 2 and Joint Rate in this manual for
descriptive test methods.
Break Away Torque Method 1:
A common method of testing a previously fastened joint is to use a TorqueMate® Plus in peak mode
with a hand torque transducer (TWX). Run the fastener down with the pulse or power tool. Apply addi-
tional torque to the fastener with the TorqueMate® Plus and a hand transducer. As soon as the fastener
starts to turn stop pulling on the wrench and note the reading on the TorqueMate® Plus. This is a
“close” approximation of the torque achieved with the impulse tool (actually the true value is usually less
than what is shown on the tester because of the torque necessary to overcome friction and operator
influences). It is wise to take a number of these readings to get a true picture of what is really happen-
ing on the application joint. This will also give you a “feel” for how much variance you are getting from
the output of the impulse tool. Remember that most pulse tools are no better than 10% accurate, and
frictional variations create even more scatter in results (up to 30% or more).
Breakaway Torque Method 2:
Use the TorqueMate® Plus with a rotary transducer that has an angle encoder built in. To check break-
away (first movement) of a fastener: The TorqueMate® Plus will enter a special breakaway sensing
mode when you set the low angle tolerance to a small value, usually 1 to 3 degrees, and the high angle
tolerance to zero. Apply torque to an already tightened fastener, when the TorqueMate® Plus senses
the threshold torque (set at approximately 50% of the expected torque) it will start looking for the fasten-
er to move the number of degrees set as the low tolerance. When this number of degrees has been
reached it will automatically capture the torque at that point and will disregard any further torque input,
even if you keep turning the fastener.
25
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Note: Determining Joint Rate
You can also use the TorqueMate® Plus in angle mode with a rotary
transducer that has an angle encoder to determine the joint rate. The
TorqueMate® Plus displays peak torque and angle in this mode.
This is the most accurate method to enhance simulated test applica-
