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Lake Balance Calibration Solutions

ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration

Torque wrench calibration

A torque wrench that reads high or low puts every bolted joint it touches in doubt. Lake Balance calibrates torque wrenches and other hand torque tools from 2 in-oz to 750 ft-lb, at our Mentor, Ohio laboratory or at your facility, with an accredited certificate you can hand an auditor.

Request a torque calibration quote (440) 428-3993

Accredited torque tool calibration

Torque tools are on our ISO/IEC 17025 calibration scope (PJLA certificate L24-897-2) from 2 in-oz to 750 ft-lb, both in our laboratory and on-site at customer locations. Your certificate reports the measured values with their measurement uncertainty, so you can show the wrench meets its tolerance.

Calibration certificate and scope (PDF, opens in a new tab)

How a torque wrench is calibrated

Calibration compares the torque the wrench indicates, or releases at, with the torque measured by a calibrated torque analyzer whose own calibration is traceable. The usual sequence:

  1. Inspect the tool. Check the drive, ratchet, scale and handle for wear or damage that would affect the result.
  2. Exercise the wrench. Load it to its maximum setting a few times before measuring, so the mechanism settles as it does in use.
  3. Measure across the range. Take repeated readings at points spread over the range, commonly near 20%, 60% and 100% of full scale, in each direction the wrench is used.
  4. Compare with the tolerance. Each reading is checked against the manufacturer's specification or the tolerance in ISO 6789-1 for that type of tool.
  5. Report. You get the as-found results, any out-of-tolerance points, and the measurement uncertainty on an accredited certificate.

How often to calibrate a torque wrench

ISO 6789-1:2017, the international standard for hand torque tools, sets a default recalibration interval of 12 months or 5,000 cycles, whichever comes first, when your own quality system doesn't specify a shorter one. Treat that as a ceiling, not a target:

  • Shorten the interval for heavy daily use or safety-critical joints.
  • Recalibrate right away after a drop, an overload, a repair, or any reading you don't trust.
  • Use each calibration's as-found results: a wrench that keeps arriving out of tolerance needs a shorter interval.

Calibrate torque wrenches yourself? A torque PT is coming

We're developing a torque wrench proficiency test for calibration labs. Our current programs, including force, mass, pressure and dimensional, are in the PT library. See also how our proficiency testing works.

Other calibration services

We also calibrate scales, balances, weights, pressure and flow instruments, temperature and electrical equipment. See all calibration services.

Torque wrench calibration FAQ

How often should a torque wrench be calibrated?

ISO 6789-1, the international standard for hand torque tools, sets a default of 12 months or 5,000 cycles, whichever comes first, when your own quality system doesn't set a shorter interval. Recalibrate sooner if the wrench is dropped, overloaded, repaired, or gives readings you don't trust, and consider a shorter interval for heavy use or safety-critical work.

Is your torque wrench calibration accredited?

Yes. Torque tools are on our ISO/IEC 17025 calibration scope (PJLA certificate L24-897-2) from 2 in-oz to 750 ft-lb, both in our laboratory and on-site at customer locations.

Can you calibrate torque wrenches at our facility?

Yes. Torque tool calibration is on our scope for on-site work as well as in our Mentor, Ohio laboratory. Tell us how many tools you have and their ranges, and we'll arrange the visit or a ship-in.

What happens if a wrench is out of tolerance?

We record the as-found readings and tell you which points were out of tolerance, so you can assess any work done with the wrench. Adjustment or repair can be discussed when you request the calibration.

Do you offer proficiency testing for torque calibration?

A torque wrench proficiency test for calibration labs is in development. Current programs are listed in our PT library.

Get your torque wrenches calibrated

Send us your tool list with makes, models and ranges, or call our team.

Request a quote Contact us