Do I really need a torque wrench?
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 206
Likes: 1
Actually I would say you need at least 2 torque wrenches: A half-inch drive calibrated in ft/lbs for large bolts (engine, frame, axels etc) and a 3/8 inch drive calibrated in inch/lbs for smaller bolts (derby cover, primary drive cover, hand controls, etc).
After stripping out too many fasteners that were cranked down too tight, and finding loose engine mount hardware, I pretty much stick to manufacturers torque specs on just about every nut and bolt when I'm putting things back together.
Just my
After stripping out too many fasteners that were cranked down too tight, and finding loose engine mount hardware, I pretty much stick to manufacturers torque specs on just about every nut and bolt when I'm putting things back together.
Just my
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
Likes: 15
From: Nomad
Given what we spend on Harleys to begin with, a pair of torque wrenches is peanuts.
AFAIK, all you need is a 3/8" head in inch-pounds and a 1/2" head in foot-pounds (plus the socket sets to fit them).
Craftsman even has a flip-flop beam-type torque wrench that is both of those in one. And since all the torque specs are given in a range, those beam types are all you'll need.
AFAIK, all you need is a 3/8" head in inch-pounds and a 1/2" head in foot-pounds (plus the socket sets to fit them).
Craftsman even has a flip-flop beam-type torque wrench that is both of those in one. And since all the torque specs are given in a range, those beam types are all you'll need.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 985
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
it's funny I've been in the HD shop numerous times. I rarely see them use a torque wrench when putting stuff like bags, seats, pegs, fenders, even wheels. They charge you for locktite then don't use it WTF..
op if you have to ask this question. go buy yourself a couple good torque wrenches. then again I only use them on certain things. I've never used them on primary covers, or clutch inspection cover, timing cover, seats stuff like that.
op if you have to ask this question. go buy yourself a couple good torque wrenches. then again I only use them on certain things. I've never used them on primary covers, or clutch inspection cover, timing cover, seats stuff like that.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 4
From: Somewhere In NY
Unless you want **** falling off your bike that the manual said to torque to xxx amount or you want to end up snapping things off because you torqed it too hard
then yes you need one
then yes you need one
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