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Torque wrench limited space

Alionline1860

Materials
Feb 18, 2025
1
How can we use torque/wrench for these nuts in this limited area . these are nuts for cap of reactor but fixed side of base structure. Torque.jpg
 
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I see a hydraulic wrench with extended sockets in that application. They can be limited to a max torque.
 
How much torque?

I think a single u-joint at the socket on the nut, with a 12" or longer extension could work.
The head of the torque wrench would have to be guided/restrained. Harder to do benignly with some types of torque wrench.

A few trials tightening some accessible nuts directly, and with the u-joint set-up, would determine how to do it.

The condition of the anchor bolts and nuts suggests some cleaning and lubrication maintenance is called for.
Just checking re-tightening them as-is could be deceiving.
 
Op
Remove and replace bolts and nuts.
Setup a bench test to simulate assembly.
Tighten and torque. To OEM specifications.

As stated before except start all nuts by hand start and tighten.
Then tighten with impact wrench. (Test on bench for max torque below required values)
Then hand torque with calibrated torque wrench
Tested with flex jount. And socket.
Did the original oem apply a product like locktite?
 
Use a hydraulic tensioner to put the correct preload and then snug the nuts. It will result in a more uniform/accurate preload unlike torque. The short bolts would be replaced with suitable ones.
 
to my eye is there enough space to rotate the head ? does the head contact the fttg and so stop rotating ? so then you "only" need to undo the nut ??

what's to stop you from cutting the head off ?? yes, putting it back together is a different problem ...

the threads look all corroded to "scrap" ... so turning is not going to be easy
 
I have had a situation where I needed to use a multiplier but did not have room. I measured the grip length of the installed fasteners, brought it them to the workbench and used shims to simulate the grip length, torque the assembly with a wrench that could fit, marked the angle, then used he multiplier to torque to final value. I measured the angle of rotation during the final turn. Then, I was able to install the fastener in the flange, torque it initially with a wrench that fit, and then use a striking wrench to rotate the additional angle. This was for a gearbox flange on poured epoxy chocking and compressive strength was a limiting factor for bolt tension.
 
tension indicating washers are also a possibility


 
 
how big are the sockets on those torque drives ? about the same as a washer ?

quit fapping around, and cut the head off.
 
"cut the head off"

I seemed to have missed the OP saying there is an issue removing/loosening the nuts.
But that does happen sometimes.
 
OP
similar to this for tight spaces.
plus a blow torch to heat up the nuts.
 
does the OP want to loosen (remove ?) the nuts or torque check them ? Given the "poor" state of the fasteners (yes, I know plenty are worse, but plenty are also better) I'd be surprised if they want to torque check them ... won't that amount of corrosion "mess" with the torque wrench ??
 
1) For the love of god use washers!

2) Use an electric torque tool, with extensions if required... you can generally hire them.
 

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