Infinitely adjustable stud torque-off socket assembly
A testing apparatus for torque off weld stud testing has a socket to receive a weld stud welded to a metal sheet for testing strength of the weld. A stopper is received in the socket indexing the weld stud. A nut locks the stopper in position to enable repeated socket indexing to like weld studs.
1 . A testing apparatus for torque off weld stud testing comprising:
a socket including a body including a first end that is configured to receive a weld stud welded to a metal sheet;
a stopper received in an opposite second end of the socket for indexing the weld stud; and
a nut for locking the stopper in position for enabling indexing to like weld studs,
wherein a flange that extends outward from the first end of the body is secured at the first end of the socket, the flange being configured to position a torque wrench at a distance from the metal sheet.
2 . The testing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the body of the socket has a polygonal exterior surface to mate with the torque wrench.
3 . The testing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the stopper is a threaded fastener.
4 . The testing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the nut is a threaded nut.
5 . The testing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the socket has a through bore configured for receipt of the stopper.
6 . The test apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the socket receives different types and lengths of weld studs for testing.
7 . A method for testing a weld with a testing apparatus having a socket for receiving a weld stud welded to a metal sheet, a stopper received in the socket indexing the weld stud, and a nut for locking the stopper in position for enabling indexing to like weld studs, the method comprising the steps of:
providing the weld stud welded to the metal sheet;
positioning the socket onto the weld stud at a desired distance from the metal sheet;
positioning the stopper into the socket and contacting weld stud;
tightening the nut against the stopper at the contact position;
positioning a torque wrench onto the socket;
rotating the torque wrench until failure of the weld; and
measuring failure torque value of the weld.
8 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising positioning the torque wrench on the flange.
9 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising removing the socket and tightening the nut onto the stopper and socket.
10 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising testing additional weld studs welded to a metal sheet.
11 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising loosening the nut and applying the socket to a different length welded weld stud and measuring the torque failure value.
12 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising threading the socket onto the weld stud.
13 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising setting a gap from the sheet metal for the torque wrench via the flange.
14 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising recording the failure torque value and failure mode of the weld.