Is a RAD Gun a Torque Multiplier?

The term “RAD Gun” is often used interchangeably with “RADial planetary gear reduction torque wrench” – a mouthful for sure, but it accurately describes the tool from RAD Torque Systems.

While many consider it a torque multiplier, there is a slight distinction users must be aware of. Below, we look closer at RAD Guns and clarify their role in precision bolting applications.

Understanding Torque Wrenches and Multipliers

First, let’s establish the difference between torque wrenches and multipliers:

A standard torque wrench allows technicians to apply a specific amount of torque to a bolt, ensuring proper tightness and preventing damage.
Torque multipliers take a lower torque input and increase it to achieve a much higher output torque. They’re ideal for heavy-duty bolting applications where immense tightening force is required.

The RAD Gun: A Powerful Torque Assist

So, where does the RAD Gun fit in? RAD’s “guns” are actually planetary gear reduction torque wrenches. These innovative tools utilize a planetary gearbox system to multiply the torque delivered by the operator, requiring significantly less effort to achieve the desired bolt tightness.

This places RAD guns in a gray area. While not a pure torque multiplier in the traditional sense (since the operator still provides some input torque), the RAD Gun offers a substantial torque increase compared to a standard wrench.

B-RAD: Unleashing Torque Multiplication in a Cordless Package

Let’s consider a RAD Gun in action—the B-RAD Select battery series. By incorporating this torque-multiplying gearbox into a portable cordless design, the B-RAD battery torque wrench disrupts assumptions of what a high-torque battery tool can accomplish. The lithium-ion battery pack with a state-of-the-art brushless motor provides incredible torque on demand without bulky hoses, cords, or reactant arms.

Operators have unparalleled freedom of movement to easily access tight spaces and awkward angles, while LED readouts on a digital display confirm applied torque continuously in real time.

For added versatility, B-RAD models are available with single increment torque settings or continuous output modes. RAD also offers combined torque and angle capabilities in a single ultra-compact package.

Key Advantages of RAD Guns

RAD Guns boast several advantages that make them popular choices in various industries, including green energy:

Increased efficiency – The multiplied torque output allows workers to tighten bolts faster and with less exertion, boosting overall productivity.
Improved accuracy – The precise gear reduction mechanism ensures consistent and accurate torque application, which is crucial for critical bolting tasks.
Ergonomic design – The pistol grip design minimizes operator fatigue, especially during extended bolting procedures.
Versatility – RAD offers a range of RAD Guns with varying torque capacities, making them suitable for diverse applications.
Safety – By reducing the physical effort required, RAD Guns help prevent injuries from overexertion.

Industry Applications Enabled By RAD Torque

RAD torque’s patented gearbox technology opens up torque ranges suitable for nearly any heavy industry. RAD pneumatic and battery-powered torque wrenches are proven to be successful all over the world in industries like:

Oil and gas
Wind energy
Power generation
Aerospace
Heavy equipment
Shipbuilding and subsea

From massive wind turbine installations to FPSO bolt-ups and heavy equipment maintenance, RAD guns and torque wrenches bring portable torque multiplication capabilities to the most demanding worksites and job sites.

Using the Right Gear with RAD Guns

RAD Guns are not strictly torque multipliers but rather powerful torque-assisting wrenches that leverage planetary gearboxes to amplify the user’s input torque significantly. This translates to faster, more efficient, and safer bolting operations across various industries.

ALLTORC: Your Partner in Precision Bolting Solutions

As a leading supplier of industrial torque tools in Southern California, ALLTORC Bolting Solutions is committed to providing you with the right tools for the job. Our team of experts can help you select the ideal RAD Gun or any other torque tool to meet your specific bolting requirements. Contact us today to discuss your needs and experience the ALLTORC difference!