š©Ā Flange Bolting 101: Precision Torque Non-Negotiable
- Gregrey Majors
- Mar 28
- 3 min read

Flange connections are the backbone of pressurized systems across industries ā pipelines, refineries, power plants, and more. But flange failure isnāt usually caused by bad parts ā itās bad bolting. Uneven torque, skipped calibration, or worn-out tools can cause leaks, blowouts, or even explosions.
At TheTorqKing.com, weāre not just about selling torque tools ā weāre here to teach torque done right. Whether youāre new to heavy flange work or a seasoned bolting pro, this is your refresher on why calibrated torque mattersĀ and how to choose the right system.
And donāt forget ā trade in your old competitorās torque tools (even broken ones!) for credit toward RAD or HEXPRO toolsĀ built to handle the pressure ā literally.
āļøĀ Why Flange Connections Fail (And How Torque Fixes It)

Misaligned flanges or leaky gaskets are usually blamed ā but the real issue is often:
Under-Torqued BoltsĀ ā Leads to gasket creep and leak paths.
Over-Torqued BoltsĀ ā Damages the gasket or crushes flange faces.
Uneven Torque PatternĀ ā Uneven load distribution = weak spots.
Tool InaccuracyĀ ā Old or uncalibrated tools mislead the operator.
Proper torqueing = sealed, secure, safe flanges.Ā Itās not overkill ā itās essential.
š§ Ā STAR Torque Pattern + Torque Staging

Want to ensure flange integrity? Start with these best practices:
ā
Ā Use the STAR (cross) tightening pattern
Helps distribute load evenly across the gasket surface.
ā Ā Torque in Stages
Pass 1: 30% of target
Pass 2: 60% of target
Pass 3: 100% of target
Final Pass: Recheck sequence for consistency
ā Ā Always Use Calibrated Tools
Donāt trust the gauge ā trust the certified calibration.
š§Ā Tools Built for Flange Work

We carry only the best in industrial torque toolsĀ for flange bolting:
ā”Ā RAD Torque Systems
Pneumatic, Battery, & ElectricĀ high-torque wrenches
Compact heads for tight flange access
Repeatable, controlled torque for consistent clamping force
š¢ļøĀ HEXPRO TorsionX Hydraulic Wrenches
Low-profile and square-drive options
Powerful and compact for dense flange patterns
Used across refineries, chemical plants, and marine applications
Want to know what tool fits your flange setup?
Our team will help you spec the right system.
š§°Ā Maintenance Tip: When to Check Your Torque Tools

Flange leaks cost time and money. These red flags mean itās time to inspect or recalibrate:
šŗĀ Readout drift or slow response
šŗĀ Visible hose cracks or leaks (hydraulic)
šŗĀ Worn or rounded reaction arms
šŗĀ Repetitive over/under torque readings
šŗĀ If itās been 6-12 months since calibration
šĀ Regular calibration protects your crew, your equipment, and your reputation.

ā»ļøĀ TRADE-IN: Old Competitor Tools = Credit Toward RAD or HEXPRO
Donāt waste shelf space with outdated or inaccurate tools.
Trade in your competitorās tools ā working or not ā and get credit toward a better bolting setupĀ with RAD or HEXPRO. Itās simple:
š§±Ā Any brand of torque wrench, battery, pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic
š ļøĀ Doesnāt matter if it works ā we'll give it value
šĀ Apply the credit toward your next RAD or HEXPROĀ tool from TheTorqKing.com

š If your flange tools are older than the last five shutdowns ā itās time to talk.š„Ā Trade in those competitor toolsĀ and move up to calibrated power with RAD or HEXPRO.
Comments