Torque Wrench Info
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 14,262
Likes: 15,534
From: Tulsa
This thread made me curious, again. I'd always left mine zeroed out as I was taught years ago. It turn out, on larger ft lb click type torque wrenches, they should be stored at the lowest setting so the detent ball is held next to the spring while not compressing it. Usually about 20 ft lb.
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/additio...-wrench-myths/
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/additio...-wrench-myths/
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 345
From: Ohio
You can buy all three from Harbor Freight, 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" for $66. Less with a coupon. http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-hal...rench-02082013
And they're as accurate as ones costing many times more.
http://blog.harborfreight.com/car-cr...torque-wrench/
And they're as accurate as ones costing many times more.
http://blog.harborfreight.com/car-cr...torque-wrench/
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 273
From: Minnesota
The biggest thing is any kind of torque wrench is better then none,, people coming from a shade tree car mechanic background can strip a lot of screws/bolts on a bike without one.
120 inch pounds is less then what a spark plug needs to be tightened too!!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 502
From: Northern WV
I've read various reviews and tests over the years (like the one link I posted) that claim they are as, or *very* close to as accurate as Mac, Snap-On, SK, etc. I suppose a HF wrench under continuous heavy use might not stay in spec as long as a professional wrench but here on this forum we're talking about amateur weekend mechanics.
Last November I dropped my 5 Torque wrenches off to my friend who owns a mechanic shop to have them checked by the Snap-On rep. None had ever been checked before and I thought some were getting old so it wouldn't hurt. The mechanic said the Snap On rep told him he could check any of them but if they needed calibrated they could only do so to Snap-On wrenches but they would need to be send them away and it was something like $100 per wrench. I said just have him check them all for now.
When I picked them up they were all well within spec. The wrenches consisted of a 30 year old Mac 3/8, a 25 year old SK 1/2", two Snap-On 1/4" about 15 years old, and two Harbor Freight Pittsburgh brand 1/2" and 3/8" that are 10 years old.
I appreciate quality tools but the there's no way I'd pay the cost for a new Snap-On today. As mentioned you can buy all three HF for under $50 on sale then also buy their digital torque adapter for $30 to check them and throw the wrench away if it ever gets out of calibration. http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-d...ter-68283.html
Last November I dropped my 5 Torque wrenches off to my friend who owns a mechanic shop to have them checked by the Snap-On rep. None had ever been checked before and I thought some were getting old so it wouldn't hurt. The mechanic said the Snap On rep told him he could check any of them but if they needed calibrated they could only do so to Snap-On wrenches but they would need to be send them away and it was something like $100 per wrench. I said just have him check them all for now.
When I picked them up they were all well within spec. The wrenches consisted of a 30 year old Mac 3/8, a 25 year old SK 1/2", two Snap-On 1/4" about 15 years old, and two Harbor Freight Pittsburgh brand 1/2" and 3/8" that are 10 years old.
I appreciate quality tools but the there's no way I'd pay the cost for a new Snap-On today. As mentioned you can buy all three HF for under $50 on sale then also buy their digital torque adapter for $30 to check them and throw the wrench away if it ever gets out of calibration. http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-d...ter-68283.html
Stage IV
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: New Egypt, NJ, 08533
I agree if you have the money to blow on Snap on and or aircraft grade torque wrenches and your gonna work on more then one bike more then occasionally buy them. I I'm with the other guys who have buy their torque wrenches from Harbor Freight I have been using them for more then 10 years now on many of my bikes. Without any problems at all. I just replace them after a while if I have any doubts about it or if it's getting old. harleyReb
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 204
Likes: 26
From: Northern Illinois
Sounds like you got a deal, and made the right choice IMO.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,524
Likes: 57,080
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
This thread made me curious, again. I'd always left mine zeroed out as I was taught years ago. It turn out, on larger ft lb click type torque wrenches, they should be stored at the lowest setting so the detent ball is held next to the spring while not compressing it. Usually about 20 ft lb.
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/additio...-wrench-myths/
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/additio...-wrench-myths/
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trozenhorse
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