Torque specs
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 2
From: Ontario East
Torque specs
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.
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.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 765
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
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
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.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
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.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 36
From: Las Vegas
i am about to use one for the first time. I am putting on pull back risers.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
Yea me too but its my wrist that clicks.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,729
Likes: 7
From: Republic of Texas
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.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 112,202
Likes: 1,316
From: On a hill among the hills, PA
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...