Torque Wrenches

So I'm in the process of rejoining the crankcase halves on my 650 and a problem has arisen. The torque wrench I own doesn't go low enough to torque the bolts to their specified torques . On that note I made a trip to the local hardware shop and they didn't any torque wrenches that would torque the bolts to the specified amount. The lowest the smallest wrench would go was 20 ft/lbs.

So I'm wondering what type of torque wrenches you guys use when working on your bikes?

 

I own 3. 1/2,3/8 and 1/4. The 1/4 is in inch lbs. use a ft.lbs. to inch pounds
conversion.

 

second on what fakeplay said. The 1/4" drive torque wrenches are what you are looking for, usually in the range of 20-200 in-lbs. 3/8" drive are usually from 5-75 ft-lbs, so you can see the overlap. Harbor Freight has them cheap, and a test them frequently with a beam and they seem accurate enough.

Also, don't expect a torque wrench to meet it's accuracy spec in the first and last 20% of it's specified range. So use the one whose measurement window contains the torque your looking for

For example, when torqing the clutch bolts, they are 7.5 ft-lbs, so I'd use the 1/4" drive in my example, and dial in 7.5*12 = 90 in-lbs, and not the 3/8", even though it's in the range, because the 1/4" drive will be more accurate.

You'll likely need a 1/2" for high torque applications, like axle nuts, and many car applications.

 

I just have the 3/8" drive one, a 1/4" drive is something i will be looking into, but for now 3/8" does pretty well for me.

 

I use cheap ones by Mountain, both inch lbs and foot lbs, and they are actually pretty accurate and have been for the several years I've owned them.

 

Thanks everyone! Looks like I need to make a trip to harbor freight tomorrow.

 

Go to Sears instead. There won't be a major price difference but there will be a major quality difference, and you could be making a once in a lifetime investment.

You need a 10-100 ft/lb wrench, and a 25-250 inch/pound micrometer style, both 3/8" drive, and you're covered.

I've got both Craftsman (one of which got repaired under warranty) and K-D; I prefer the K-Ds which are still MADE IN THE USA. And yet not outrageously priced.

 

Um...define major. I've seen click torque wrenches at HF for under $15 each when on sale, and under $20 regular price.

At sears, they might have the beam type for $20-30, but all the clickers are $75 and above (I also have the sears beam types, but there are just some times, when you can't see the guage, that they just don't work well).

I'll agree if you consider the whole life of the tool, but for someone just starting out, having a cheap throw-away tool now to get the job done is a good start, and the higher quality tools can be bought as the cheap stuff wears out <- (how I'm doing it)

 

I found a coupon for HF for a $13 torque wrench. I'm sure it is not of the utmost quality but if it can give me the results I'm looking for it'll do for now. I've already spent quite a bit of money getting my bike up to spec so saving $50-$60 on a tool will make my bank account a little bit happier for the time being.

Now in the future I will be investing in a nice quality torque wrench but I just can't afford one at this time.

 

thats the exact one i got.

its dumb cause last eek the 1/2" drive was on sale for 9.99

but the 1/4" and 3/8" were on coupon this week for 13


oh well. im going to get the 1/4" drive sometime.

my only complaint is the markings are a bit hard to read. i sharpied them and then wiped the excess off so it just stayed in the indentations.

not bad at all for 13 bucks and 4% accuracy. beats the hell outta guessing!

 

there's a lot to be said for a good wrist and a good eye too.
i doubt they used a HF wrench for testing!

 

Just do what I do. I either leave the wrench 1/2 to 1 line from the torque I'm looking for.(on the low side) I don't think that small amount of torque will matter.

 

I spoilt myself , I bought a 1/2 inch drive digital one. I waited until it came down to half price at a local auto chain store. Each one is individually tested and the results included,no more than 0.5 % out at any range, and mostly less. Covers all ranges needed on the bikes. Remember , there,s no such thing as too many tools. Cheers , Murray

 

Always back off your torque wrenchs to zero when done using people.
Keeps your spring in good shape.

 

I'm sure you don't mean "0" but the lowest measurable range (so if the torque wrench goes from 5-75 ft-lbs, set it on 5).

Just for people who may not know. Going past the lowest setting is bad too.