How to Measure Torque Using a Pipe Wrench

A pipe wrench can be tightened around a shaft to measure the torque imparted to it.

Torque is the force exerted on an object that causes he object to turn or twist. It becomes very important in industrial applications to measure this force as a means of evaluating the maximum tolerances of various components such as drive shafts and wheel lug nuts. One simple way of measuring torque involves a pipe wrench fastened to a shaft in conjunction with a spring scale.

Things You'll Need

• 12-inch pipe wrench
• Spring scale that measures in pounds

Instructions

1. Tighten the jaws of a 12-inch pipe wrench around the shaft or pipe on which you wish to measure torque.

2. Attach the weight-end hook of a spring scale to the hole in the end of the pipe wrench.

3. Pull on the other end of the scale at a right angle to the wrench and the shaft.

4. Note the reading on the scale in pounds.

5. Multiply this weight value by the length of the wrench (one foot, or 12 inches).

6. Express your answer in foot-pounds. If the scale reads 50 pounds, multiply 50 pounds by one foot. Your torque is 50 foot-pounds.

7. Express your answer in inch-pounds. If the scale reads 50 pounds, multiply 50 pounds by 12 inches. Your torque is 600 inch-pounds.

References

• Baum Hydraulics: Measure Torque