Torque rods and wrenches

Abstract

A torque rod and torque wrench combination is provided that allows the torque rod to be attached to an impact tool to quickly tighten a nut or tab to an approximate desired torque. An operator can attach the torque wrench to the aperture of the torque rod to complete the tightening operation and achieve a higher accuracy of applied torque than a torque rod alone. In this way, the combination of the torque rod and the torque wrench enables a higher degree of accuracy of the torque of the fastener. The operator can also complete the tightening process without removing the connection of the torque rod from the tab.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 936,021, filed on November 15, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] The present invention relates to torque rods and torque wrenches. Torque rods and wrenches are used to tighten fasteners to a predetermined torque or torque specification. For example, torque rods and wrenches limit the torque applied to a fastener of a joint. Once the torque limit / specification is reached, the torque rod stops applying torque. The torque wrench is then used to accurately tighten the fastener. When the torque specification value is reached, the torque wrench sends a signal (e.g., tactilely, visually and / or audibly) indicating that the fastener resistance has reached the set torque, which instructs the operator to stop twisting or tightening the fastener. In other embodiments, the torque wrench includes a meter that indicates the amount of torque currently applied by the user. Then, when the desired torque setting displayed on the meter is reached, the user stops twisting the fastener. Summary of the invention

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a torque limiting extension bar or torque rod having a wrench aperture. The torque rod includes an elongated shaft having a socket at one end and an impact tool attachment at a second end opposite the first end. The socket is configured to be connected to a rotary tool, such as a drill chuck of an impact drill. The impact tool attachment is configured to connect a protrusion to a fastener (for example, a nut on a workpiece is connected to the impact tool via a torque rod). The torque rod limits the torque applied to the protrusion by the impact tool based on the thickness and elastic modulus of the torque rod. The torque rod includes a torque application aperture that receives a torque wrench in the torque rod and applies a calibrated torque to the impact tool so that the fastener is tightened to the torque specification.

[0005] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a torque wrench that is inserted into a torque application aperture. The torque wrench includes an attachment end having a torque scale on a sleeve of the torque wrench. The torque wrench sleeve is coupled to a handle via a shaft.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a torque rod. The torque rod has an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end opposite the first end. A socket is located at the first end of the elongated shaft and is connected to a rotary tool. An impact tool attachment is located at the second end of the elongated shaft, and the impact tool attachment is connected to a fastener. The torque rod includes a torque application aperture along the elongated shaft between the first end and the second end. The torque application aperture receives a wrench in the torque application aperture of the torque rod.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a torque wrench. The torque wrench has an attachment end configured to be inserted into an aperture of a torque rod and statically load the torque rod. The handle of the torque rod is positioned relative to the attachment end. A sleeve is coupled to the handle and extends to the attachment end. The sleeve includes a torque scale along the sleeve. The torque scale indicates the static torque load limit of the sleeve when inserted into the aperture of the torque rod. A tapered portion on the sleeve causes the outer diameter closer to the handle to be larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve closer to the attachment end.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a torque limiting tool having a torque rod and a torque wrench. The torque rod has an elongated shaft having a thickness and an elastic modulus. The elongated shaft extends along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end opposite the first end. A socket for dynamically loading is located at the first end of the elongated shaft and is connected to a rotating tool. An impact tool attachment is located at the second end of the elongated shaft and is connected to a fastener. The elongated shaft includes a torque application aperture that can be statically loaded along the elongated shaft. The attachment end of the torque wrench is inserted into the socket of the torque rod to statically load the torque rod. The handle is positioned relative to the attachment end. A sleeve is connected to the handle and extends to the attachment end, and the attachment end of the torque wrench is inserted into the socket of the torque rod to continuously load the elongated shaft.

[0009] Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features that may generally be recited in the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a torque rod according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 is a torque rod according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 is a torque wrench according to an exemplary embodiment, the torque wrench being configured to be coupled to Figure 2 The aperture of the torque rod is shown in FIG.

[0014] Figure 4 A torque rod according to an exemplary embodiment wherein a torque wrench is coupled to an aperture of the torque rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, various embodiments of torque rods and wrenches are shown. The torque rod provides a limit to the torque applied by the impact tool to the protrusion. The elastic modulus and thickness of the torque rod prevent the impact tool from applying a torque greater than the design torque (e.g., torque specification). For example, a fastener forms a clamping force on a joint that stretches the fastener. Since torque (e.g., ft-lb) is required to turn the threads of the fastener, the fastener clamping force is usually measured indirectly. When the fastener is not sufficiently tightened (e.g., the torque applied is too small), the joint may become loose, causing the fastened wheel to become too loose. Conversely, when the fastener is over-tightened and too much torque is applied, the fastener stretches the stud or side of the bolt beyond the yield level. Stretching beyond the yield level of the fastener can permanently deform and weaken the bolt. Therefore, a correct installation uses a torque specification, and a torque rod and / or a torque wrench is usually used to ensure that sufficient but not excessive torque is applied to the protrusion to tighten the bolt. In this way, the protrusion forms the correct clamping force based on the recommended torque specification of the joint.

[0016] Torque rods are commonly used with impact tools such as pneumatic or electric (e.g., cordless) impact wrenches or drills. When the torque limit is reached, the torque rod bends at the torque limit like a torsion bar to prevent the impact of the wrench turning the protrusion. If a static load or a continuous load is applied to the torque rod, the torque rod will continue to turn the protrusion. As used in this application, a dynamic or impact load or force includes mass acceleration, while a static load or force or a continuous load or force has a small, negligible or zero acceleration.

[0017] The dynamic impact load applied from the impact tool is effectively absorbed by the torque rod and is not transmitted to the tab. This enables the operator to quickly apply a limited torque to the tab with the impact tool. However, because the torque rod deflects under dynamic load to limit the applied torque, the use of a torque rod approaches the limited torque but cannot replace the accuracy achieved with a torque wrench. Because the load is static or continuously applied to the tab, the torque wrench provides a more accurate application of torque on the tab. In order to properly secure the torque-limiting joint at the torque specification, the operator first connects the tab to the bolt by hand and begins the threading process. The operator then couples the torque rod to the dynamic impact tool, roughly approaching the torque limit, but less than the torque specification. The operator then removes the torque rod from the fastener, couples the torque wrench to the tab, and the operator applies the design specification torque via the torque wrench.

[0018] Applicants have discovered that providing an aperture in the elongated shaft of the torque rod simplifies tightening the torque limiting nut to the torque specification. Specifically, the operator dynamically loads the torque rod with an impact tool and then statically loads the nut to the desired torque using a torque wrench coupled to the aperture of the torque rod. The torque rod is quickly dynamically loaded to a threshold torque and then continuously statically loaded to the torque specification. The process also eliminates the steps of disassembling the torque rod and attaching a separate torque wrench, which facilitates accurate application of torque specifications to tabs and joints.

[0019] Figure 1 A torque rod 10 is shown coupled to an impact tool 12 and a tab 14 (e.g., to tighten a nut to a wheel). One common application where the torque applied to a fastener is limited / controlled is the application of the tab 14 to a car, truck, or another automobile. If the torque is too high and the bolt exceeds the yield stress, the joint 16 can be permanently deformed and weakened. Similarly, an untightened tab 14 or nut can result in a loose connection that can become loose under cyclic loading.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the torque rod 10 includes a socket 18 for coupling the torque rod 10 to an impact tool 12 (e.g., a pneumatic or electric wrench or drill). If the torque applied by the impact tool 12 is less than the design torque limit of the torque rod 10, the impact tool 12 generates a dynamic impact rotational load or force on the torque rod 10, which is transferred to the fastener, as shown by the protrusion 14. The socket 18 receives and is configured for the dynamic load from the impact tool 12.

[0021] The torque rod 10 is constructed of a material having an elastic modulus that bends when an impact load is applied to the joint 16. For example, a series of torque rods 10 made of the same material (e.g., having the same elastic modulus) are designed to deflect at different torques by controlling the thickness 20 of the elongated body 22 of the torque rod 10.

[0022] In this way, a set of torque rods 10 limits the torque (e.g., torque specification) applied to a variety of different joints 16. In some embodiments, the thickness and / or elastic modulus supports a dynamic load less than or equal to 100ft-lb torque. For example, the torque rod 10 limits the torque to less than or equal to 7.5ft-lb, 10ft-lb, 15ft-lb, 20ft-lb, 25ft-lb, 30ft-lb, 40ft-lb, 50ft-lb, 75ft-lb or 100ft-lb. In some embodiments, a variety of materials are used to construct a set of torque rods 10. The set of torque rods 10 uses different materials to limit the applied torque to the values ​​listed above. For example, a set of torque rods 10 has different materials with different elastic moduli and / or different thicknesses 20 along the axial direction or longitudinal direction of the elongated body 22.

[0023] In some embodiments, the torque rod 10 includes a continuous torque application aperture 24 or a static torque application aperture 24 ("aperture 24"). The aperture 24 is a slot, hole, or aperture in the elongated body 22 of the torque rod 10. The aperture 24 is configured to receive an attachment end 26 ( Figure 3 ) to statically / continuously load the nose 14. For example, after the impact tool 12 has exceeded the designed torque limit of the torque rod 10. This combination takes advantage of the speed and convenience of the torque rod 10 and the accuracy of the static load applied by the torque wrench 28 without disconnecting the torque rod 10 from the nose 14 or the joint 16.

[0024] The aperture 24 can be located at various locations along the elongated body 22. In various embodiments, the aperture 24 is centrally located between the socket 18 at one end and the impact tool attachment 30 at the opposite end. For example, centrally located at or near the midpoint along the longitudinal axis 45. Specifically, in a centered aperture 24, the midpoint between the socket 18 and the tool attachment 30 is located within the aperture 24. Similarly, the aperture 24 is located along the longitudinal axis 45 closer to the socket 18 at one end than to the impact tool attachment 30 at the opposite end. Alternatively, the aperture 24 is located along the longitudinal axis 45 closer to the impact tool attachment 30 at the opposite end than to the socket 18.

[0025] refer to Figure 2, showing a detailed view of the torque rod 10. The torque rod 10 includes an elongated body 22 having a socket 18 on one end and an impact tool 12 attachment 30 on the other end. Specifically, the socket 18 is located on the end of the body 22 that is coupled to the rotary tool. The socket 18 couples the torque rod 10 to the impact tool 12. The impact tool attachment 30 couples the torque rod 10 to the protrusion 14 to tighten the nut. The torque rod 10 includes a bend region 32 that is designed to bend or twist when the resistance on the protrusion 14 exceeds the torque limit of the joint 16. For example, when an impact load / dynamic load is applied, the torque rod 10 deflects in the bend region 32 to limit the torque applied by the impact tool 12. As Figure 2 As shown, the torque rod 10 includes a torque wrench aperture 24 configured to receive an attachment end 26 of a torque wrench 28 (see FIG. Figure 3 ).

[0026] Figure 3 A torque wrench 28 is shown with its head or attachment end 26 on a wrench socket 34. The outer diameter 36 of the torque wrench socket 34 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter 38 of the aperture 24. This configuration facilitates sliding the sleeve 34 within the aperture 24 to couple the torque wrench 28 to the torque rod 10 and apply a static torque load or rotational force on the protrusion 14. In this arrangement, with the torque wrench 28 coupled to the torque rod 10, the torque applied to the torque wrench 28 is transferred to the torque rod 10 through the engagement between the outer surface of the sleeve 34 and the inner surface of the aperture 24, and then the torque is transferred to the protrusion 14 through the torque rod 10.

[0027] The sleeve 34 includes torque measurement markings or a torque scale 40 which, when aligned with the torque wrench aperture 24 ( Figure 4 ) is aligned, the torque measurement mark or torque scale indicates the static torque load limit. For example, the required torque is applied by aligning the torque scale 40 in the orifice 24. In some embodiments, the torque scale 40 is aligned with one side of the orifice 24. When the required torque scale 40 is aligned with the edge of the orifice 24, the torque wrench 28 is limited to the indicated torque specification. In some embodiments, the torque wrench 28 includes a shaft 42 that interconnects and couples the sleeve 34 and the handle 44. The shaft 42 extends along the longitudinal axis 45 and defines a length along the longitudinal axis 45. The length of the shaft 42 changes the effective continuous torque applied at the attachment end 26 of the torque wrench 28. In other words, the position and arrangement of the torque scale 40 on the torque wrench 28 is a dependent variable that depends on the length of the shaft 42.

[0028] In some embodiments, the torque specification is located on the sleeve 34. For example, the dynamic / impact torque specification and / or the static / continuous torque specification of the torque rod 10 is marked or indicated on the sleeve 34 and / or the shaft 42. For example, the dynamic torque specification and / or the static torque specification are indicated on the shaft 42. The dynamic torque specification indicates the limit of the dynamic torque applied to the shaft 42 under dynamic load. Similarly, the static torque specification indicates the limit of the static torque applied to the shaft 42 under continuous static load (e.g., continuous load / static load). The thickness 20 and / or the elastic modulus of the shaft 42 determine the torque specification. For example, the sleeve 42 includes a torque scale 40, which is used to indicate the torque specification of the shaft 42. The torque specification and / or the torque scale show the applied torque limit under continuous and / or dynamic load.

[0029] As used herein, a dynamic torque specification limits the applied dynamic torque / impact torque to define the applied dynamic torque limit. Similarly, a static torque specification limits the applied static torque / continuous to define the applied static torque limit. Unless a dynamic torque specification is specifically indicated, a torque specification generally refers to a static torque specification. The dynamic torque specification is less than the static torque specification so that the dynamic load does not exceed the dynamic torque specification or the static torque specification.

[0030] The sleeve 34 is coupled to the elongated body 22 of the torque rod 10. The sleeve 34 of the torque wrench 28 is passed through the aperture 24 of the torque rod 10 until the torque scale 40 near the aperture 24 indicates the desired torque limit. When the operator applies a continuous / static load, for example, rotating the torque wrench 28 within the aperture 24, the torque wrench 28 limits the applied static torque to the indicated torque specification.

[0031] In use, the operator connects the impact tool 12 to the torque rod 10 and dynamically rotates the protrusion 14 (impact load) until the torque rod 10 bends to indicate that the desired torque has been reached. The operator then inserts the attachment end 26 into the aperture 24 of the torque rod 10 and aligns the torque scale 40 on the sleeve 34 with the edge of the aperture 24. The operator then statically loads the elongated body 22 connected to the protrusion 14 (e.g., rotating it by hand) until the torque wrench 28 tactilely, visually and / or audibly indicates that the torque specification has been applied / reached. The operator then removes the torque wrench 28 from the torque rod 10 and the protrusion 14. This improves the speed and accuracy of reaching the torque specification on the joint 16. Specifically, the combined use of the torque rod 10 and the torque wrench 28 eliminates the step of disconnecting the torque rod 10 from the protrusion 14 before the torque wrench 28 is connected to the protrusion 14.

[0032] Figure 4A torque limiting tool 55 is shown, which includes both a torque rod 10 and a torque wrench 28 to statically load the torque rod 10 to a torque specification. The torque wrench 28 is aligned with the aperture 24 of the torque rod 10 so that the attachment end 26 of the torque wrench 28 passes through the aperture 24 of the torque rod 10. In some embodiments, the inner diameter 38 of the aperture 24 and / or the outer diameter of the sleeve 34 are tapered to facilitate alignment of the torque specification torque scale 40 on the sleeve 34. Specifically, the outer surface of the sleeve 34 has an outer tapered portion that slides within an inner band formed by the inner diameter 38 of the aperture 24. The outer tapered portion in the sleeve 34 of the torque wrench 28 is matched / aligned with the inner tapered portion formed by the tapered inner diameter 38 in the torque application aperture 24. When the torque wrench 28 is inserted into the inner tapered aperture 24 of the torque rod 10, the outer tapered portion on the torque wrench 28 is aligned with the inner tapered portion. In this way, the edge of the orifice 24 is aligned with the torque scale 40 on the torque wrench 28 to indicate the torque specification. Figure 4 As shown, the attachment end 26 of the torque wrench 28 is configured to fit within the aperture 24 and / or slide within the aperture to achieve a desired torque specification.

[0033] In some embodiments, the handle 44 is cylindrical and / or too large (e.g., the handle outer diameter or outer diameter 59 of the cylindrical handle 44 is larger than the inner diameter 38 of the orifice 24). Similarly, the maximum outer diameter 36 of the sleeve 34 is located near the handle 44 (e.g., closest to the handle 44) and is larger than the inner diameter 38 of the orifice 24. In this way, the handle 44 is prevented from sliding within or through the torque rod 10. The torque wrench 28 is limited to extend all the way through the torque rod 10. For example, the torque scale 40 is located on the sleeve 34 of the torque wrench 28 to indicate the torque specification to the operator. The outer diameter 59 of the handle 44 is smaller than the maximum outer diameter 36 of the tapered portion on the sleeve 34 but larger than the inner diameter 38 of the orifice 38. In some embodiments, only one of the outer diameter 59 and / or the maximum outer diameter 36 is larger than the inner diameter 38. The outer diameter 59 and / or the outer diameter 36 limit the extension of the torque wrench 28 through the orifice 24 and determine the effective length of the torque wrench 28 in the orifice 24.

[0034] For different applications, the position of the orifice 24 along the elongated body 22 can be changed. In some embodiments, the orifice 24 is located close to the socket 18 and away from the impact tool attachment 30. In other embodiments, the orifice 24 is located close to the impact tool attachment 30 and away from the socket 18. In still other embodiments, the orifice 24 is located at a substantially central position axially along the longitudinal axis 45 of the elongated body 22. Changing the position of the orifice 24 increases the accessibility of the torque wrench 28 required in a specific application / use and can utilize the torsional characteristics of the torque rod 10 to ensure that the torque applied at the joint 16 is within the design torque specification. For example, in some applications, ease of use determines the position of the orifice 24, while in other applications, the accuracy of the applied torque of the torque specification determines the position of the orifice 24.

[0035] It should be understood that the drawings show exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0036] In view of this description, other modifications and alternative embodiments of many different aspects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this description is interpreted as being illustrative only. The construction and arrangement shown in various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only several embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion, parameter values, installation arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc. of various elements) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements. The position of the element may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or quantity or position of the discrete element may be changed or varied. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logic algorithm or method steps may be changed or reordered. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of multiple different exemplary embodiments.

[0037] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" refers to the joining of two components to one another, either directly or indirectly. Such joining may be fixed in nature, or removable in nature. Such joining may be achieved by the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, or by the two members or the two members and any additional members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature, or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

Claims

1. A torque rod, comprising: an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end opposite the first end; a socket at the first end of the elongated shaft, the socket configured to couple to a rotary tool; an impact tool attachment at the second end of the elongated shaft, the impact tool attachment coupled to the fastener; a torque applying aperture along the elongated axis between the first end and the second end, the torque applying aperture being configured to receive a wrench within the torque applying aperture of the torque rod; and a dynamic torque specification based on a thickness and an elastic modulus of the elongated shaft, wherein the dynamic torque specification indicates a dynamic torque limit applied under a dynamic load; Wherein, when the torque rod is under a dynamic load above the dynamic torque specification, the elongated shaft deflects such that a torque applied by the impact tool attachment is less than or equal to the dynamic torque specification.

2. The torque rod of claim 1, further comprising a static torque specification of the torque rod, the static torque specification being based on the thickness and the elastic modulus of the elongated shaft, wherein: The static torque specification is indicated on the elongated shaft, proximate the torque application aperture, and the static torque specification indicates the static torque limit applied under continuous load.

3. The torque rod according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness and elastic modulus of the elongated shaft support dynamic loads less than or equal to 100 ft-lb torque.

4. The torque rod according to claim 1, wherein: The torque application aperture is centrally located between the socket at the first end and the impact tool attachment at the second end.

5. The torque rod according to claim 1, wherein: The torque applying aperture is located along the longitudinal axis closer to the socket at the first end than to the impact tool attachment at the second end.

6. The torque rod of claim 1, wherein: The torque applying aperture is located along the longitudinal axis closer to an impact tool attachment at the second end than to the socket at the first end.

7. The torque rod of claim 1, further comprising an attachment end in the torque application aperture, wherein: The attachment end is coupled to a torque wrench.

8. The torque rod of claim 7, wherein: The torque wrench includes a handle having an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the torque applying aperture such that the torque wrench is restricted from extending through the torque applying aperture.

9. The torque rod of claim 7, wherein: The torque application aperture has a tapered inner diameter, and the outer diameter of the socket on the torque wrench is tapered.

10. The torque rod of claim 7, further comprising a torque scale on the torque wrench, wherein: The torque scale is aligned with an edge on the attachment end of the torque applying aperture, wherein when the torque scale is aligned with the edge of the torque applying aperture, the torque wrench is limited to a torque specification indicated on the torque scale.

11. A torque wrench, comprising: an attachment end configured to be inserted into a bore of a torque rod and statically load the torque rod, the torque rod having a dynamic torque specification, wherein when the torque rod is under a dynamic load above the dynamic torque specification, the torque rod flexes such that a torque transmitted through the torque rod is less than or equal to the dynamic torque specification; a handle positioned opposite the attachment end; a sleeve coupled to the handle and extending to the attachment end, the sleeve comprising: a torque scale along the sleeve indicating the static torque load limit of the sleeve when inserted into the aperture of the torque rod; and A tapered portion wherein an outer diameter of the sleeve closer to the handle is greater than an outer diameter of the sleeve closer to the attachment end.

12. The torque wrench of claim 11, further comprising a shaft interconnecting the sleeve and the handle, wherein The length of the shaft varies the effective continuous torque applied at the attachment end of the torque wrench.

13. The torque wrench of claim 11, wherein the aperture of the torque rod is configured as a tapered aperture that receives the tapered portion on the sleeve, so that when the sleeve of the torque wrench is inserted into the tapered aperture of the torque rod, the torque scale on the sleeve of the torque wrench indicates the torque specification.

14. The torque wrench of claim 11, further comprising a maximum outer diameter of the tapered portion of the sleeve closest to the handle, wherein The maximum outer diameter of the tapered portion is greater than the inner diameter of the orifice.

15. The torque wrench of claim 11, wherein: The handle is cylindrical and includes a handle outer diameter, and wherein the handle outer diameter is greater than the inner diameter of the aperture and a maximum outer diameter of the tapered portion of the sleeve closest to the handle.

16. A torque limiting tool, comprising: A torque rod, the torque rod comprising: an elongated shaft having a thickness and a modulus of elasticity, the elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end opposite the first end; a socket configured for dynamically loading, the socket being located at a first end of the elongated shaft coupled to a rotary tool; an impact tool attachment at the second end of the elongated shaft, the impact tool attachment configured to couple to a fastener; and a torque application aperture configured to be statically loaded along the elongated axis; a dynamic torque specification based on the thickness and the elastic modulus of the elongated shaft, wherein the dynamic torque specification indicates a dynamic torque limit applied under dynamic loading; and A torque wrench, comprising: an attachment end portion configured to be inserted into the torque application aperture of the torque rod to statically load the torque rod; a handle positioned opposite the attachment end; and a sleeve coupled to the handle and extending to the attachment end, wherein the attachment end of the torque wrench is inserted into the torque application aperture of the torque rod to continuously load the elongated shaft; Wherein, when the torque rod is under a dynamic load above the dynamic torque specification, the elongated shaft deflects such that a torque applied by the impact tool attachment is less than or equal to the dynamic torque specification.

17. The torque limiting tool of claim 16, further comprising a torque scale on the torque wrench, wherein: The torque scale is aligned with an edge on one side of the torque applying aperture, wherein when the torque scale is aligned with the edge of the torque applying aperture, the torque wrench is limited to a torque specification indicated on the torque scale.

18. The torque limiting tool of claim 16, further comprising a static torque specification of the torque rod, the static torque specification of the torque rod being based on the thickness and the elastic modulus of the elongated shaft, wherein: The dynamic torque specification and the static torque specification are indicated on the elongated shaft, wherein the static torque specification indicates a static torque limit applied under a continuous static load.

19. The torque limiting tool of claim 16, further comprising an outer tapered portion in the sleeve of the torque wrench and an inner tapered portion in the torque application aperture of the torque rod, wherein: When the torque wrench is inserted into the torque rod, the outer tapered portion of the torque wrench is aligned with the inner tapered portion of the torque wrench under the torque specification of the torque rod.

20. The torque limiting tool of claim 19, further comprising a torque scale on the sleeve of the torque wrench and a maximum outer diameter of the tapered portion of the sleeve closest to the handle, wherein The handle is cylindrical and includes an outer diameter, and wherein the outer diameter of the handle is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the tapered portion but larger than the inner diameter of the torque aperture.

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