Banbury-based tools manufacturer Norbar Torque Tools Ltd is hosting a series of virtual careers evenings in February for young people looking to start a career in engineering and manufacturing.While Covid-19 prevents an in-person event, the company intends to demonstrate the career opportunities available virtually. The open evenings will be taking place on the 9, 10, and 11 February and attendees will be able to books slots between 6pm and 9pm to be able to discuss the structure and job roles v...

In my thirty years at Norbar, 2020 has undoubtedly been the most extraordinary.  Our year has been shaped by Covid-19 so inevitably it is going to crop up extensively in this review.  However, I will try not to make my review entirely about Covid-19!

On Thursday 6th February we held our annual Careers Open Evening.Whilst a little disappointing in numbers compared with previous years, the quality of young people and enquiries were very good.  Andy, our new MD, was impressed by what we do.As always the presentations were excellent, so thank you to those involved and again we had lots of positive feedback from those who had not visited us before.We had a number of comments from parents who are amazed at what we do and if nothing else ...

As we reached the end of 2019, I wonder how many people have said to me something along the lines of “where did that year go”?  And yet, once again, as I look back over the year, I am astonished by how much has been achieved.Here are some of my highlights from “a year in torque”.Quarter OneThe quarter started with something to celebrate: we learnt that December 2019 had been our best month of factory output ever and the fact that this happened in December when w...

We at Norbar all understand what it is we are part of, however, how we are perceived by the outside world is so often blurred by the bubble we exist in.As someone working in the full view of the general public, I believe that it is important to be seen as part on the Norbar family and therefore I am proud to wear branded clothing.On two occasions recently I have been stopped by members of the public who, recognising the Norbar name, told me of their experiences.The first was an elderly gentleman...

This year Norbar joins Husum Wind for the first time in the North of Germany.The Husum Wind has a long history in the Wind Industry Market. This year was the 30th anniversary of this show.The first “Husum Wind Energy Days” took place in a livestock auction hall in 1989, back when hardly anyone anywhere in the world was taking wind energy seriously as an economic factor.It soon became obvious that this town on the windy North Sea had the potential to become a leading exhibition centre...

If we asked a handful of maintenance engineers what exactly they are trying to achieve when they tighten a bolt, it’s likely that we’d receive a wide range of answers.Strictly speaking, when we tighten bolts, we’re trying to stretch the bolt enough so that the elastic tension within it clamps the assembly together. That’s right – it’s one that’s easier done than said!In a perfect world we would always recommend measuring the tension in the bolt, as oppos...

Experiencing a successful engineering business - right on our doorstep!As part of their career’s encounters and experiences curriculum, year 6 pupils visited Norbar Headquarters in Banbury to get a glimpse into how an engineering organisation is run.We planned sessions that focused on three areas: Design engineering and marketing; quality control; and maintenance engineering. Linked to the year 6 curriculum, sessions were skilfully designed to incorporate geometry, ratios and electricity.D...

Torque Conversion FactorsThe below formulas and information provide guidance on different conversion factors e.g. the effect of torque wrench extensions.  Units to be converted S.I. Units Imperial Units Metric Units cN·m N·m ozf·in lbf·in lbf·ft Kgf·cm Kgf·m 1 cN·m = 1 0.01 1.416 0.088 0.007 ...

Recommended Maximum Torque ValuesThe information supplied here is intended to be an acceptable guide for normal conditions. For critical applications, further information and research will be necessary. The following basic assumptions have been made:a. Bolts are new, standard finish, uncoated and not lubricated (other than the normal protective oil film)b. The load will be 90% of the bolt yield strengthc. The coefficient of friction is 0.14d. The final tightening sequence is achieved smoothly an...