I want to buy a torque wrench and am wondering the drive size I need. I found a wrench at Precision Instruments I like. It has a drive size of 3/8". Range is 20 - 100 lb/ft. I ride a 2000 FLHTCUI.

Heres the specs on it:
3/8" Drive Split Beam Click Type Torque Wrench - 20-100 Ft/Lb

Split-Beam Click Wrenches overcome many of the problems associated with micrometer-style click wrenches in abusive environments. The wrench has few components, and all critical parts are welded together at assembly. There is no need to "work in" a C series torque wrench before using it the first time. Nor is it necessary to adjust to the lowest torque setting after use. Setting the tool requires only fingertip force since the adjustment mechanism is not under load.
Extremely Accurate-Accurate within 4% of reading from 20% of full scale to full scale. Guaranteed against defect in workmanship and materials for 1 year from the date of delivery providing that they have been used according to instructions.
Setting torque on adjustable wrenches is fast and easy because there is no spring tension on the adjustment ****.
Torque setting locks on adjustable wrenches for repetitive applications.
The wrench length is designed to provide the leverage required for maximum torque applications. The length also provides the needed reach for those-hard-to-get-at places.

Specifications:
Drive type: 3/8", flex-head ratchet
Range: 20-100 lb. ft.
Overall Length: 17-5/64"
Effective Length: 14-31/64"
Width: 1-3/16"
Head Height (without square): 9/16"
Weight: 1.48 lbs.
Weight w/plastic case: 2.35 lbs.
Finish: Nickel / Chrome


Would this wrench work for me?

Thank you.

 

I have 2. One is a 3/8" drive in inch lbs, that has a max. of about 21 ft lbs. and a 1/2" drive that starts at 20 lbs and goes to 250 lbs. Both are Craftsman from Sears, and are about 60.00 each.

There are a lot of small fasteners on HD that require inch lbs, and are less than the 20lbs you are looking at. The rear axle nut on a Dresser is 110 ft lbs. I think, which would be more than what your wrench would do.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Bill

 

you really need two because a lot of things are inch and a lot are foot LBS

 

Overlapping ranges are really needed here since most torque wrenches are inaccurate at their extremes. I have 3 and they're all Craftsman tools. They sell for around $60 each and have paid for themselves many times over. Too easy to pull threads out of soft alloys.

 

I agree with what everyone is posting. Get two, you need one for the inch/pounds, and one for the foot/pounds. Well worth the money and it takes all the guess work out of it.

Mac

 

definitely agree on having at least 2 - get GOOD quality wrenches (do not skimp on these - the Craftsman work great, as good as Snap-on, unless you're into really high end work - re: NASCAR, Special High Performance shop, etc.) - one for in lbs / one for ft lbs. Like the others have said, normally these are not very accurate at the lower end of the scale (unless you buy VERY expensive) - lower wrench should be 3/8", larger 1/2" - if a lot of smaller work, get the 1/4" drv. (much more accurate at lower end all the way around, as long as it's a GOOD one). Clickers are just fine, and any torque wrench should be re-calibrated depending on use (shop work, "heavy use" once / yr, etc.).
In case anyone tells you about these, they also make "torque angle" wrenches, much more accurate, but a regular torque wrench will be fine.

 

I have the same exact ones billnourse has.[8D]

Tom

 

Thanks for the input everyone.

Mike