The construction hardware tool segment is actively developing towards greater independence from manual effort. Nutrunners have long acquired battery and networked electric drives, but such models have a number of disadvantages, mostly associated with low autonomy. As a boundary option between manual and electrical devices, a hydraulic wrench is offered, relieving the operator of physical stress when tightening and unscrewing fasteners.
Tool design features
The basic components of this wrench include a body, a hinge system, a reactive arm and a grip handle. But this mechanics does not work without a drive, which is a hydraulic station. It can have different designs, but a high-pressure hose is used as a means of switching. Forthe convenience of pairing a hydraulic wrench with a force transmitter, quick-coupling halves and other devices for universal connection can be used. Inside the housing there is also a double-acting hydraulic cylinder block. During operation, its piston is mated with a ratchet system, which, in turn, consists of a power pawl, levers and a power wheel with a planetary gear. Fluid flows through the articulation into the hydraulic cylinder, creating the necessary pressure, which turns into force.
Working principle
This type of wrench operates on the principle of converting the force that develops in a hydraulic cylinder under pressure. As you move from one functional unit of the tool to another, a torque is created that acts on the nut grip mechanism. But for this, sufficient forward movement from the connected station must also be ensured. It is important to note the features of the cassette hydraulic wrench, which is characterized by versatility in terms of the ability to work with fasteners of different sizes. It is called cassette because of the possibility of changing inserts to capture the heads of hardware. The ratchet mechanism transmits force to the key at a certain angle and force. However, the quality of the hitch will depend to a large extent on how well the specific cassette matches the parameters of the target fastener.
Tool Varieties
Models of hydraulic nutrunners are distinguished by two features: impact andappointment. In particular, impact hydraulic wrenches in the process of applying force make vibration shocks - impulses. This allows you to cope with firmly planted fasteners - including rusty and large format ones. Accordingly, hammerless models are spared from such a function, but its absence cannot be called a disadvantage, since more compact dimensions and uniform distribution of force at low speeds make such wrenches optimal for standard operations.
By purpose, end and flange models can be divided. In the first case, we are talking about a tool designed for tightening bolts with a controlled moment. By the way, the tightening torque of the end hydraulic wrench can be about 60,000 Nm. For flanged or low profile models, the tightening torque when working with threaded connections does not exceed 50,000 Nm. These are compact and lightweight wrenches, which are more often used when servicing high-heeled hardware.
Key Features
Technical and operational parameters are very important in choosing a tool that has a complex design. In this case, attention is drawn to the following characteristics:
- Tightening torque - an average of 40,000 to 60,000 Nm. However, there are lower-level models of low productivity - up to 8000 Nm.
- Twisting accuracy - the error is about 2-3%.
- The weight of the structure is from 0.5 to 4 kg. Important Parameter of Hydraulic Wrenchespecially with threaded twisting, as the tool has to be held on weight for a long time.
- Rotation of the working part - as a rule, the rotation works 360˚ due to the swivel connection with the body.
The quality of the workflow will also depend on additional functionality. For example, it can be wide adjustment possibilities, the presence of a fuse, a valve for setting pressure, etc.
Popular tool makers
For all their merits, hydraulic ram wrenches are less popular in Russia than electric counterparts. Among domestic manufacturers, one can single out the Nordman enterprises with the Torc and TTZ lines, as well as Hydraulic Pro, under whose brand a good model for domestic needs SPT615130010 is produced. As for foreign manufacturers, Jonnesway, Metabo, Enerpac, Abac and FUBAG offer their developments in this category. These are companies that are closely engaged in the design and manufacture of engineering power equipment - the same hydraulic and compressor stations. However, niche developers of hand tools are also represented in the segment. For example, the Stanley IW 16 hydraulic nutrunner with a maximum pressure of up to 175 bar shows an example of an optimal interaction between high-performance equipment and a compact device for small-format manual operations.
Conclusion
Hydraulic mechanisms are often usedas drive systems to support the functions of various equipment or tools that do not require connection to the mains or batteries. Both pumping stations and compressor units can be used as a power system. Of course, their introduction into the working infrastructure complicates organizational arrangements. And in the example of a hydraulic wrench, this is especially noticeable, since such tools require the performance of low-cost operations in terms of resources. Nevertheless, in many areas of industry, construction and production, such wrenches are simply irreplaceable. It is precisely for the reasons of versatility and the ability to work with fasteners of various types in conditions of separation from the main sources of energy supply.
