Does everyone here use a torque wrench all the time to torque drain plugs, derby covers, etc? I never used one as I have been pulling wrenches for a long time in servicing trucks, cars, etc. I tested my 'guestimations' once and was within a couple of pounds for foot pounds.

Knowing how much you weigh and the length of your wrench is a good guide to doing foot-pounds, but inch-pounds is a different matter. It depends on your strength, more than your weight.

 

some torque specs have a big range, something like 10-15 ft/lbs sometimes. I use a torque wrench when working on the inside of the motor. Most outside fasteners I practice the old german method. Gutentight. I too have been turning wrenches for a long time(unprofessionally) and certainly have developed a "feel" for tightness.
John

 

IMO, torque wrench is only needed for things where uneven tightening could create a hazard or accellerate wear (e.g., engine internals, axle nuts, riser bolts). For everything else, as long as you're not too ham-fisted, just snug it down by feel and you're good to go.

 

No--I use blue lock tight and snug fit with good gaskets on covers. If it is an oil pan or inside a cover---yes I torque. Never lost anything that I put on yet and I will not have a leak on a newer HD.

 

Never on anything outside of the motor. But that comes with 13 years of wrenching. Its good to use a torque wrench until you get the feel of how tight certin fasteners should be.

 

I use them because I like the clicking sound.

 

i am about to use one for the first time. I am putting on pull back risers.

 

Yea me too but its my wrist that clicks.

 

I have only used torque wrenches on internal parts and head bolts and pulley bolts. I have done it like this for years. I do not use a torque wrench on engine covers, axles, riser bolts, pretty much all small external fasteners just get a little blue loctite and get snugged up. Never any problems.

 

Wrenched on motors for a long time and use them often, critical fasteners, in lbs are good on covers if you want them tightened evenly, there are people wrenchin on this forum that from what I read, don't have a clue. Guess I am getting old and lose my touch...