Torque Wrenches

[RAD_Softail]

Who is Michael? And why is he rowin a boat? Rowing isn't much fun, I've done it. Wouldn't this Michael guy be happier ride'n along the shore on a nice Heritage or Road King? I know I would.

By the way Chief, Sappy is fine. Just don't get sloppy .

[chasarms]

I have always held to the thought that torque specs were reasonably tolerant. That is, there's enough fudge in them to not worry too much if the wrench if off a bit one way or the other. You aren't going to harm the fastening system.

I like nice stuff as well as the next guy, but its my opinion that if you are using a few times a year, the $30 torque wrench from Harbor or similar is perfectly fine.

If you are making a living using every day, obviously a better one makes since as it will pay for itself by holding up to the abuse.

I have used a torque wrench a few times a year for more than 20 years and it has always been a consumer grade "cheapie." I've never had a problem with anything being fugged up because of it. I've torqued even aluminum heads on cars with my cheapo. The car didn't know the difference.


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[Kainam]

Originally Posted by chasarms

I have always held to the thought that torque specs were reasonably tolerant. That is, there's enough fudge in them to not worry too much if the wrench if off a bit one way or the other. You aren't going to harm the fastening system.

I agree. I think it is more important to have a consistent torque value, than to have that value absolutely correct.

Most torque specs have a tolerance level included with the torque spec, something like +/- 10%.

If your torque wrench is calibrated within +/- 5% like most consumer grade ones I've seen, you're golden.

[webco2]

Originally Posted by XL1200R

I'll say this...

I seriously doubt Harley service techs take an inch pound wrench to anything. They just use common sense.....

I could be wrong but.....

Inch pounds are needed more to stop you from stripping a screw rather then making sure it is tight.

My indie uses torque wrenchs on almost everything, was one of the things I really was impressed about him.

[webco2]

Originally Posted by Chief Illiniwek

I went with a 3/8 for in/lbs with a range of 25-250 in/lbs., and a 1/2 drive for ft/lbs with a range of 20-150 ft lbs, both Craftsman. Thanks everyone. I'm hoping my 3/8 and 1/2 sockets and bits are complete enough where I won't be buying much else. I think I'll need to adapt some of the bits when I need them on the other wrench. If that gets old, I'll go bit shopping later.

You should be all set with those two. Now is the time to get a new set of tool boxs also. Then you will need new tools to go into the new boxs. Don't forget to buy some Torx and Allen driver bits also. We get the Impact drivers, they last longer and don't break as often.
With what you save on just two trips to the Dealer, you can pay for the whole set of tools. ( thats what I tell the wife anyway )

[webco2]

Originally Posted by chasarms

I have always held to the thought that torque specs were reasonably tolerant. That is, there's enough fudge in them to not worry too much if the wrench if off a bit one way or the other. You aren't going to harm the fastening system.

I like nice stuff as well as the next guy, but its my opinion that if you are using a few times a year, the $30 torque wrench from Harbor or similar is perfectly fine.

If you are making a living using every day, obviously a better one makes since as it will pay for itself by holding up to the abuse.

I have used a torque wrench a few times a year for more than 20 years and it has always been a consumer grade "cheapie." I've never had a problem with anything being fugged up because of it. I've torqued even aluminum heads on cars with my cheapo. The car didn't know the difference.


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I agree with you on the Harbor Frieght tools. You just have to watch what you buy from them. Some is good stuff and some is down right just junk..

[kd5cqt]

I grew up with Craftsman stuff...even have some hand tools that my grandfather left to us. Although the stuff Sears peddles isn't as good as it once was, it is acceptable for most uses for the occasional mechanic and home repairer. I also have found that the stuff Lowes is selling these days (Kobalt) does quite well although I don't recall seeing a torque wrench from them.
Although I have had to use an impact type device to get a few odd screws backed out of some areas of my bike that someone "feel-torqued", I have never had one back out on its own nor had to use the impact device to extract anything I torqued with my old trusty Craftsman devices.
BTW, the torque specs in the service manual have a low to high range, and if you torque to the low end, you ought to be in good shape.

[XL1200R]

Originally Posted by webco2

My indie uses torque wrenchs on almost everything, was one of the things I really was impressed about him.

That is awesome, but very rare. I wish more people were like that I really do

[JPWendtinc]

Originally Posted by XL1200R

That is awesome, but very rare. I wish more people were like that I really do

Two words. They are two words that seem so easy and yet very few people ever follow through with them.

Due Diligence.

Another two words that most people don't understand. The two that I choose to live my life by.

Personal accountability.


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[Chief Illiniwek]

I've changed the oil 20 times on three different bikes. Never used a torque wrench; never had a problem.

But this is my first Harley and this is the first service I'm doing myself on it. I'm going to do it right! Got me two shiny torque wrenches and I'm ready to go!

Today, I gouged the threads out of my oil pan because I didn't recognize the "click" that tells me I hit my torque. JP told me to practice on a few bolts before using the torque wrenches on my bike.

I didn't listen. Thought it would be obvious. And, cost myself a couple hundred bucks in an oil pan repair if the tap doesn't work. (It won't, I gutted the fugger good I suspect). I don't remember the last time I was this furious.

Let me have it guys, I deserve it.