An assembly tool, usually a DC electric or air spindle with a built-in torque transducer and angle encoder, that tightens fasteners to programmed values and records each result. Fixtured multi-spindle nut runners tighten all the wheel nuts or all the head bolts at once, which keeps clamp load even around the joint. Unlike impact wrenches, they apply steady torque and can stop on torque, angle or the yield point.
Multi-spindle nut runner faulted on the wheel line, spindle three is reading low, swap it for the spare.
Also heard as
- nutrunner
- DC tool
- spindle
Related terms
Rundown
One complete tightening cycle by a powered tool on an assembly line, from first thread to final torque or angle.
Hard joint
A bolted joint that goes from snug to final torque in very little rotation, typically under about 30 degrees.
Rehit
Running a power tool on a fastener that is already tight, giving a false good reading or extra torque.
Rattle gun
Shop nickname for an impact wrench, from the hammering racket it makes running fasteners on and off.