Hydraulic Torque Wrench – The complete guide for this powerful bolting tool

Hydraulic torque wrenches are one of the most useful tools available for industrial applications. People who work at mining, refining and petrochemical jobs know how difficult it is to find the right tool for the job. And when it comes to bolting tools for tight spaces, there is nothing better than a hydraulic torque wrench.

Virtually every machine used by mining companies and refineries can benefit from the precision and reliability of hydraulic bolting.

Maybe your goal is to learn what the best bolting solution is for your industry. Maybe you just want to check some technical details about a bolting tool you already have.

In any case, here at TFT-Pneumatic we care about giving you all the information you need about industrial bolting solutions, so you can make the right purchase.

Types of hydraulic torque wrenches

Before we dive in, let’s get on the same page.

There are two types of hydraulic torque wrenches: square drive and low profile. Depending on the application, one or the other will be the best tool to use.

Let’s start with square drive.

Square Drive

With a powerful ratchet mechanism, and a multi-axis tru-swivel, the hard coat anodized finish makes it resistant to corrosion and provides impressive power to weight ratio in any of our 6 models.

T-Series Square Drive Torque Wrench – Tool Description

Hydraulic torque wrenches have recognizable parts to them, no matter the brand. In the figure below, you can see the main components to this tool:

• Reaction Arm
• Reaction Boot
• Reaction Arm Lever
• Reaction Pawl Lever
• Square Drive Retainer
• Square Drive

Reaction Arm

Every Titan T‐Series Hydraulic Torque tool comes with a universal reaction arm. This component is absolutely crucial for safe use of this tool. The reaction arm counters the turning forces as the unit operates.

To safely attach the reaction arm, determine what the best position for the reaction arm is. Then, align the splines on the reaction arm to the splines on the tool. Slide the reaction arm until you hear a “click”. Make sure you arm is securely attached by pulling it. If you’re ready to remove the reaction arm, push the reaction arm lever and slide off the component.

You can fit the reaction arm in any of the T-Series models.

The reaction arm can rotate 360° in 6° increments and should extend in the same direction as the square drive. This is important for your safety. You should operate these tools as intended and you should never weld, cut or modify any of the components of these tools, especially the reaction arm.

A final useful tip is that you should never hold the tool while in operation.

See a video of what this bolting tool can do for you and how you can operate it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTDv2sMeRTQ

Depending on the application, you’ll need to know the ideal size for the torque wrench you need.

Here’s an easy-to-read table where you can get an idea of what torque output you get from each model of the T-Series.

Square Drive Hydraulic Torque Wrench – Min/Max Torque

Choose the right tool for the job. Here’s a table with the minimum and maximum torque ranges of the square drive Titan bolting solution.

Model	Square Drive	Torque Min	Torque Max	Weight (incl. reaction arm)	Sound Pressure	Sound Power
T1	3/4 in.	267 Nm / 197 ft.lb	1,767 Nm / 1,304 ft.lb	2.27 kg / 5 lb	82 [dB(A)]	93 [dB(A)]
T3	1 in.	635 Nm / 468 ft.lb	4,029 Nm / 2,971 ft.lb	4.54 kg / 10 lb	82 [dB(A)]	93 [dB(A)]
T5	1 1/2 in.	1,107 Nm / 816 ft.lb	7,185 Nm / 5,300 ft.lb	7.71 kg / 17 lb	82 [dB(A)]	93 [dB(A)]
T8	1 1/2 in.	1,584 Nm / 1,168 ft.lb	10,599 Nm / 7,818 ft.lb	11.36 kg / 25 lb	82 [dB(A)]	93 [dB(A)]
T10	1 1/2 in.	2,254 Nm / 1,662 ft.lb	14,057 Nm / 10,368 ft.lb	13.61 kg / 30 lb	82 [dB(A)]	93 [dB(A)]
T25	2 1/2 in.	5,5052 Nm / 3,726 ft.lb	30,186 Nm / 22,264 ft.lb	31.75 kg / 70 lb	82 [dB(A)]	93 [dB(A)]

 

Low Profile Links

If a torque wrench is the right solution for bolting in tight spaces, Low Profile Links are perfect for the tightest of spaces where it’s difficult to reach the fastener.

Low Profile Links Features

The most important features of Chicago Pneumatic’s Low Profile links are:

• Cassette-type mechanism.The five different sized low profile links can fit a single power head cylinder.
• Quick and easy. You don’t need any tools to change the power head cylinders.
• Wide Track Ratchet Tooth Design. Titan’s low profile links design give you a bigger contact area for better distribution of force. Its flat design makes it fit anywhere without sacrificing power.
• Certified torque accuracy of +/- 3%. Even with it’s small size, you can be certain that you will exert enough power to secure even the most stubborn bolts.
• Piston dampening system. A durable tool which saves you money, reducing repair costs and virtually eliminating tool breakdown.
• Calibration certificate with traceability to N.I.S.T. (National Institute of Standards and Technology), and all equipment is tested by an NVLAP Accredited Calibration Laboratory.

Applications

With so many methods for proper bolting, it is important to not the industry uses and applications of this bolting tool.

• Wind mill
• Power plant
• Oil rigs
• Gas
• Petrochemical
• Mining
• Construction
• Heavy Equipment
• Shipyards

Additionally, you can use low profile links for angle-controlled tightening, beam steel construction, wind turbines, and much more.

Torque and Hex Size

Choose the right tool for the job. Here’s a table with the minimum and maximum torque ranges of the square drive Titan bolting solution.

Model	Hex Sizes (in)	Hex Sizes (mm)	Torque Min-Max (ft. lbs)	Torque Min-Max (Nm)
LP2	3/4 to 2 3/8 in.	19 to 60 mm	268 – 1,826	363 – 2,476
LP4	1 to 3 1/8in.	25 to 80 mm	504 – 3,451	683 – 4,680
LP8	1 13/16 to 4 1/2 in.	46 to 115 mm	1,075 – 8,024	1,458 – 10,881
LP16	2 3/8 to 4 11/16 in.	60 to 120 mm	2,360 – 16,231	3,200 – 22,009
LP32	3 7/8 to 6/18 in.	98 to 155 mm	5,250 – 33,000	7,119 – 44,748
LP48	3 7/8 to 6 1/8 in.	98 to 155 mm	7,125 to 43,000	9,662 – 58,308

 

Super Thin Series

The Super Thin link is the ultimate solution for the smallest bolts, such as Blow Out Preventor Bolts (BOP). This torque wrench is especially useful in oil refineries.

The Titan Super Thin link delivers an accurate and powerful torque in the tightest applications. This link uses a concentric strap instead of side plates to provide strength and accuracy. Its reliable ratcheting eliminates the need for other inefficient bolting methods.

Specifications	Unit	LP4ST
Range of Hex Size	in/mm	1 13/16 to 3 1/8 / 46 to 80
Torque ft.lbs	min/max	390 / 2,900
Torque Nm	min/max	530 / 2,950
Cylinder weight	lbs/kg	5.8 / 2.62
Range of link weight lbs	lbs	4.5 to 6.5
Range of link weight kg	kgs	2 to 2.9

 

Tri-Hold Backup Wrenches

Backup wrenches are so important because they give you the flexibility to have one tool that fits multiple applications.

Because of its adjustable hex size, you can easily remove this wrench without the need to hammer.

Titan’s adjustable Tri-Hold backup wrenches offer better value than slug wrenches because they are safer, more durable and efficient.

These backup wrenches work on fractional and metric-sized nuts.

In the words of John Crawford, applications engineer at Titan, “the Titan Tri-Hold backup wrench features hands-free operation, and the ability to fit multiple size nuts with one tool. Hands-free operation and increased safety are achieved by using the three flats of the triangle on the wrench, the third flat is retained by an adjustable screw that secures the nut. For quick removal, it’s a simple loosening of the screw. No more hitting the wrench.”

You can see more on their 2013 press release here.

How do Titan’s Backup Wrenches Work?

In bolting applications, this wrench retains the load by the three flats of the triangle on the wrench. See how it looks:

The advantage of these flats is that they are much stronger than the flats on a hex. The force is applied more evenly because the third flat of the triangle is retained by the adjustable screw, which doubles as the nut for safe hand’s free operation.

When you are ready, you simply loosen the screw and quickly remove it. No more hitting the wrench. This is safer, faster and just better.

The best part? One tool handles many hex sizes, so you save more money and time!

Hydraulic Bolting Pumps

The Titan Bolting catalog has two options for pumps:

• Pneumatic
• Electric

Which one is the best for you depends mostly on the industry. Pneumatic tools are safer in explosive environments, but electric pumps may be simpler to operate in some cases.

From power generation to mining, ship building, oil, gas or MRO (maintenance and repair operations), the right bolting pump will make your job easier.

Applications

The beauty of these tools is how many applications they have.

• Tightening an offshore pump casing.
• Assembling blind flanges for pipeline testing
• Erecting wind turbines