02.09.2026
Continued load following click: a common mistake
Inhalt
Incorrect bolted joints are often not the fault of torque tools but application errors. One of the most common causes, for example, is continuing to load the torque wrench after the click. In this article, we will explain why this is the case and how eClick from STAHLWILLE effectively prevents this from happening.
Anyone who produces a lot of bolted joints will be familiar with the click of a mechanical torque wrench. It indicates that the target torque has been reached and that the bolt is perfectly tight. But does it automatically mean that the bolted joint has been secured correctly? Unfortunately, not always.
01.
Application errors occur all the time
Various factors during the working day may mean that the wrench continues to be loaded inadvertently after the click. Hectic work schedules, working in unfavourable positions, such as overhead, or bolted joints with high tightening torques make it hard for workers to stop applying force immediately after the click.
02.
Two clicks = incorrect bolted joint
Continuing to load the bolt, sometimes even until a second click, does mean that additional force is applied to the bolt. So it is tightened to a tightening torque that is out of specification. And this in turn can lead to expensive consequential damage. Or, for example, to the road safety of a vehicle being impacted negatively. So, never continue to apply load after the first click!
03.
eClick: real-time display
Such mistakes can be easily prevented with eClick torque wrenches from STAHLWILLE. eClick torque wrenches combine the benefits of mechanically produced and clearly audible and physical feedback with those of an electronic measurement: they digitally display the torque applied in real time. This means you can see early on when you are approaching the tolerance range – and react better.
04.
Evaluation using traffic light colours
For additional reliability, the wrench has an LED that evaluates the torque achieved in real time using traffic light colours. If it lights up green, the user knows that the bolt has been tightened correctly. And last but not least, the torque wrench stores the bolt data digitally. This can be transferred to a PC at a later date and archived for in-house quality management or documentation.
05.
Frequently asked questions about continuing to load a torque wrench after the click
No. Even after the click, additional force that is applied to the torque wrench will usually still be transferred to the bolt. There are special designs, such as torque wrenches with a slipping clutch where the force transmission is interrupted after the click, but these are exceptions to the rule.
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