Dual-break torque wrench N-type connector
Precision You Can Trust
NABL-Accredited Calibration | Available on Request
The Pico TA358 Dual-Break Torque Wrench is a precision RF connector tool designed for consistent tightening of N-type connectors. It features a preset torque limit of 1 N·m (8.85 in·lb) and a 20 mm across-flats wrench size. Recommended for PicoVNA and other compatible Pico RF setups, the TA358 supports repeatable connector mating during RF, microwave, network-analysis and high-frequency measurement applications..
- Detail
- Special Features
- Specification
The Pico TA358 Dual-Break Torque Wrench for N-type connectors is designed for RF engineers, test laboratories and measurement environments where repeatable connector tightening is important.
Pico Technology specifies the TA358 with a preset torque limit of 1 N·m (8.85 in·lb) and a 20 mm across-flats wrench opening. It is intended for use with compatible N-type RF connector coupling nuts.
Applying a defined tightening torque is important in precision RF measurements because connector mating conditions can influence connection repeatability. The TA358 provides a preset tool for establishing consistent mechanical engagement instead of relying on hand tightening alone.
Designed for N-Type RF Connectors
The TA358 is specifically designed as an N-type connector torque wrench.
Pico states that its 20 mm wrench will:
- Fit and operate reliably on all 20 mm N-type nuts
- Fit most 19 mm nuts
- Not fit some 19 mm nuts with excessively rounded corners
- Not fit the majority of 13/16-inch (20.6 mm) nuts
Checking the connector nut dimensions before use is therefore recommended.
1 N·m Preset Torque
The TA358 has a fixed preset torque of:
- 1 N·m
- 8.85 in·lb
Pico recommends 1 N·m for stainless-steel N-type connectors supplied for its RF measurement systems.
A preset torque wrench is useful in measurement setups where connectors are disconnected and reconnected frequently, such as:
- Vector network analyzer testing
- RF component characterization
- Calibration workflows
- Signal-integrity measurements
- Microwave laboratory testing
- RF cable and adaptor installation
- High-frequency instrument setups
- Research and development testing
Important Connector Material Consideration
Pico notes that the 1 N·m recommendation applies to suitable stainless-steel connectors.
For gold-plated brass connectors, Pico recommends a lower torque of approximately 0.56 N·m to reduce the risk of damaging the softer connector material. Because the TA358 is preset to 1 N·m, a different correctly rated torque wrench should be used where the connector manufacturer specifies a lower tightening torque.
Always confirm the connector manufacturer’s torque requirement before use.
PicoVNA Compatibility
Pico Technology lists the TA358 as a recommended accessory for PicoVNA vector network analyzers.
It is suitable for measurement workflows involving:
- VNA test-port connections
- RF test leads
- N-type adaptors
- Calibration accessories
- Devices under test
- Network-analysis test fixtures
Consistent connector torque is particularly relevant in vector network analysis, where connector repeatability can affect the overall measurement setup.
PicoScope 9400 Series Accessory
The TA358 is also listed by Pico Technology as a recommended accessory for the PicoScope 9400 Series high-bandwidth oscilloscopes.
It can therefore be incorporated into compatible RF and high-speed measurement setups that use N-type connections or N-type RF accessories.
PicoSource AS108 Compatibility
Pico also lists the TA358 among the recommended accessories for the PicoSource AS108 8 GHz Agile Synthesizer.
This makes the torque wrench relevant for RF signal-generation setups where compatible N-type connectors must be tightened to a defined torque.
Typical Applications
The Pico TA358 is suitable for:
- N-type RF connector installation
- Vector network analyzer measurements
- RF and microwave test systems
- RF cable connection
- Network-analysis laboratories
- RF component characterization
- Signal-integrity testing
- High-frequency instrument setups
- Calibration and verification workflows
- Research and development laboratories
- Production RF testing
- Repetitive connector mating during test procedures
Preset 1 N·m Torque
The TA358 is factory configured with a 1 N·m (8.85 in·lb) preset torque limit.
This provides a defined tightening level for compatible N-type connector applications and helps engineers maintain consistent connection procedures across repeated measurements.
Dual-Break Torque Wrench Design
The TA358 is officially identified by Pico Technology as a dual-break torque wrench.
Its preset design is intended for applications where the connector should be tightened to the specified torque rather than tightened manually without a defined limit.
20 mm Across-Flats Size
The official wrench specification is:
- Across flats: 20 mm
Pico confirms that the TA358 reliably fits all 20 mm connector nuts and most 19 mm nuts.
Designed for N-Type Connectors
The TA358 is specifically intended for N-type RF connector coupling nuts, making it more appropriate than a general-purpose spanner for compatible precision RF measurement setups.
Supports Repeatable RF Connections
Using a defined connector torque can help maintain consistent mechanical mating conditions when RF connections are repeatedly assembled and disconnected.
This is particularly useful for:
- VNA calibration
- RF verification
- Repetitive laboratory tests
- Component comparison
- Production measurements
- Test fixture setup
Recommended PicoVNA Accessory
Pico Technology currently lists the TA358 as a recommended PicoVNA accessory, alongside RF test leads, calibration kits, adaptors and connector standards.
Recommended for PicoScope 9400 Series
The TA358 is also a manufacturer-listed recommended accessory for the PicoScope 9400 Series.
Recommended for PicoSource AS108
Pico lists the wrench for use within compatible PicoSource AS108 RF configurations.
Suitable for 20 mm and Most 19 mm Nuts
According to Pico:
- 20 mm nuts: compatible
- Most 19 mm nuts: compatible
- Some rounded 19 mm nuts: may not fit
- Most 13/16-inch (20.6 mm) nuts: not compatible
This dimensional information should be checked before using the tool on non-Pico connectors.
Connector Material Caution
The 1 N·m setting should not automatically be applied to every N-type connector.
Pico recommends approximately 0.56 N·m for gold-plated brass connectors, because these are softer than stainless-steel connectors. A correctly rated alternative wrench should be used for those applications.
| Manufacturer | Pico |
| Model / Order Code | TA358 |
| Product Name | Dual-Break Torque Wrench N-Type Connector |
| Product Type | Preset RF Connector Torque Wrench |
| Connector Application | N-type RF connectors |
| Preset Torque Limit | 1 N·m |
| Preset Torque in Imperial Units | 8.85 in·lb |
| Across Flats | 20 mm |
| 20 mm N-Type Nuts | Compatible |
| 19 mm Nuts | Compatible with most designs; some rounded nuts may not fit |
| 13/16-inch / 20.6 mm Nuts | Not compatible with the majority |
| Recommended Connector Material at 1 N·m | Suitable stainless-steel connectors |
| Gold-Plated Brass Consideration | Pico recommends approximately 0.56 N·m instead of 1 N·m |
| PicoVNA | Recommended accessory |
| PicoScope 9400 Series | Recommended accessory |
| PicoSource AS108 | Recommended accessory |
| Primary Applications | RF connector installation, VNA testing, RF/microwave measurements and high-frequency laboratory setups |