Torque wrench??
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 419
Likes: 223
From: Florida
Torque wrench??
Around 36 years riding and whatever repairs/adjustments I've ever done have been done without a torque wrench.
Then again, I've never done a rebuild or any serious internal work
Nothings ever cracked, busted or fallen off.
Am I alone in this?
I'm about to install rear shocks on my 2010 RK to replace the originals and the torque wrench came to mind........thinking of getting one for this operation.
So........to what extent are torque specs necessary?
And can you recommend one?
Tx!
Then again, I've never done a rebuild or any serious internal work
Nothings ever cracked, busted or fallen off.
Am I alone in this?
I'm about to install rear shocks on my 2010 RK to replace the originals and the torque wrench came to mind........thinking of getting one for this operation.
So........to what extent are torque specs necessary?
And can you recommend one?
Tx!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 2,638
From: Milwaukee, WI
It’s pretty critical especially in the case of multiples fasteners on a heads
locktite and goodntight on a shock, while it still should TQ should be followed, it is no where near as bad as have having uneven tightness on a head.
In fact things like SBC heads and I just did this it twice last winter you will have to work up to the torque specs in sequence three times ending up at the actual spec.
get a shop manual for the bike, look at YouTube for comparisons on TQ wrench’s they have found the icon series to be pretty decent especially for backyard mechanics I have one of those for inch pounds and Snap on for foot pounds. Plus a screwdriver type for TQ on screws
locktite and goodntight on a shock, while it still should TQ should be followed, it is no where near as bad as have having uneven tightness on a head.
In fact things like SBC heads and I just did this it twice last winter you will have to work up to the torque specs in sequence three times ending up at the actual spec.
get a shop manual for the bike, look at YouTube for comparisons on TQ wrench’s they have found the icon series to be pretty decent especially for backyard mechanics I have one of those for inch pounds and Snap on for foot pounds. Plus a screwdriver type for TQ on screws
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 988
From: Ohio
I torque just about everything. Mainly because there is a spec, I like to perform the work correctly. And it can be easy to overpower a fastener.
Central Tools makes some decent mid priced torque wrenches. A good starter wrench is their 97352A – Torque Wrench - Range: 20-100 Ft-Lb 3/8” Drive. That one is made in USA. Keep in mind that once you decide to us them, there are more than one that's needed depending on what parts of the bike you want to work on.
I have these:
3/8 drive inch pound torque wrench micrometer type - Snap On
3/8 drive foot pound torque wrench micrometer type - Snap On
3/8 drive foot pound, inch pound, newton meter torque wrench digital type - Snap On
1/2 drive foot pound torque wrench micrometer type - Snap On
https://www.centraltools.com/torque-...=20&sort=title
Central Tools makes some decent mid priced torque wrenches. A good starter wrench is their 97352A – Torque Wrench - Range: 20-100 Ft-Lb 3/8” Drive. That one is made in USA. Keep in mind that once you decide to us them, there are more than one that's needed depending on what parts of the bike you want to work on.
I have these:
3/8 drive inch pound torque wrench micrometer type - Snap On
3/8 drive foot pound torque wrench micrometer type - Snap On
3/8 drive foot pound, inch pound, newton meter torque wrench digital type - Snap On
1/2 drive foot pound torque wrench micrometer type - Snap On
https://www.centraltools.com/torque-...=20&sort=title
Last edited by Ohio HD; Mar 13, 2024 at 05:52 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,518
Likes: 57,070
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Having made my living as a mechanic, a good assortment of quality torque wrenches was a necessity ... With proper use and care, even an inexpensive one will provide years of service ... My first tip is to learn to "sneak up" on the specified torque for a faster ... Good luck
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,528
Likes: 30,847
From: Pennsylvania
Around 36 years riding and whatever repairs/adjustments I've ever done have been done without a torque wrench.
Then again, I've never done a rebuild or any serious internal work
Nothings ever cracked, busted or fallen off.
Am I alone in this?
I'm about to install rear shocks on my 2010 RK to replace the originals and the torque wrench came to mind........thinking of getting one for this operation.
So........to what extent are torque specs necessary?
And can you recommend one?
Tx!
Then again, I've never done a rebuild or any serious internal work
Nothings ever cracked, busted or fallen off.
Am I alone in this?
I'm about to install rear shocks on my 2010 RK to replace the originals and the torque wrench came to mind........thinking of getting one for this operation.
So........to what extent are torque specs necessary?
And can you recommend one?
Tx!
2. If you are putting a steel bolt into aluminum, using the correct torque will limit pulling the aluminum threads.
3. If you have aluminum wheels on your cage, torquing them correctly will limit warp on your rotors.
4. You can tighten many single fasteners by hand if you have a feel for it (spark plugs, oil & primary drain plugs. However, you can over tighten or under tighten and it may affect the item being stressed incorrectly or getting loose at some point.
5. For the handyman that does not use torque wrenches on a daily basis, these from Amazon are of good quality, come with calibration certificates and are real close to the specified value +/- 3-5% depending on if you are on the lower end or upper end of the torque setting. (tested with my digital torque adapter).
6. Set of three for $165.00 will get you most any torque you need for your bike, car, or truck.
7. There are many more expensive brands that are better quality and made to be used daily on a continuous basis. I have a set of these and have been using them for going on 8 years now with no issues.
NOTE:
The above information, while credible, is worth what you paid for it and should not be considered gospel.
Do due diligence, research and have a H-D Field Service Manual before working on your bike.
You will probably have many opinions and suggestions presented; make sure you research the person providing the helpful information as there are some who provide good information that is useful and some who speak out of other orifices with gibberish. You will figure out this quickly.
Last edited by CoolBreeze3646; Mar 13, 2024 at 07:55 PM. Reason: Put my disclaimer in as I forgot and got some gibberish.
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
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 759
Likes: 936
From: Under the affluence of incahol.
I only use a torque wrench for engine and trans work. Mostly because it helps keep things oil tight.
Stuff like shocker mounts I would not bother. Tight enough so they won't come undone, with a bit of blue Loctite is good. And don't go using bits of pipe over wrench handles and stripping threads. If you feel it needs that much torque, use a torque wrench so you know where you are at.
Stuff like shocker mounts I would not bother. Tight enough so they won't come undone, with a bit of blue Loctite is good. And don't go using bits of pipe over wrench handles and stripping threads. If you feel it needs that much torque, use a torque wrench so you know where you are at.