Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Torque Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 28, 2008 | 11:58 AM
  #1  
RomeoKilo's Avatar
RomeoKilo
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 222
Likes: 1
From: NC
Default Torque Question

I'm putting docking hardware on my FLSTSB in the morning. It calls for 21-27 ft-lbs. Is it neccesary to use a torque wrench for this or can I just tighten it with a reqular wrench, i've got plenty of those! If ya'll think its not smart to do it without the torque I'll go buy one but just wanted to check with the pros first.

Thanks guys (and gals)!

RK
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2008 | 12:07 PM
  #2  
jknowlton's Avatar
jknowlton
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 954
Likes: 4
From: CA
Default

If you have torque wrench that would be the greatest, but I have yet to purchase one but its on my list soon..But I have done installation of the docking hardware without the wrench and no issues..I went to my buddies and I checked with a torque and wasnt too far off anyways..

preferred method..get a torque if you plan on doing a lot of work..
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2008 | 12:09 PM
  #3  
FBTRIKE's Avatar
FBTRIKE
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 505
Likes: 1
From: Pine, Colorado
Default

It would be best to use a torque wrench if your don't have a lot of expirience wrenching. But if you don't have one, just snug it down carefully......don't try to keep turning bolt till it stops.......and use a small amount of light duty lock tite.
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2008 | 12:54 PM
  #4  
07fat_boy's Avatar
07fat_boy
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
Default

I've done all kinds of work on cars and bikes without ever using a torque wrench, however I'd definitely recommend purchasing one the next time you've got the extra dough. If the docking hardware uses allen bolts, then you'll probably have a hell of a time putting 21 - 27 ft-lbs on a bolt by hand using a standard size allen wrench. If you're using a socket wrench with an allen head socket, then it'll be a completely different story.
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2008 | 01:59 PM
  #5  
oldgeezer's Avatar
oldgeezer
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
Default

I have inch pound and foot pound torque wrenches but seldom use them. Been wrenching since I was a kid and after a while, you develop a feel for most stuff. However, when you get to the internals, torque wrenches are a necessity.
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2008 | 05:47 PM
  #6  
Crazycalvin's Avatar
Crazycalvin
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 168
Likes: 1
From: Irmo, SC
Default

Get yourself a good torque wrench. A lot of people may question my brand, but for the wrenching I do on my own vehicles, I use Craftsman torque wrenches and take care of them. A Craftsman torque wrench is the cheapest one I would by though. Breaking bolts, stripping threads, and loose fasteners are all a pain in the rear to me. Later, Calvin.
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2008 | 06:41 PM
  #7  
Dorkman's Avatar
Dorkman
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,578
Likes: 4
From: Northern California
Default

Torquing the docking hardware isn't that critical. Just get it good and tight and use Locktite blue on the threads. If the docking hardware loosened up you would soon notice it while washing the bike or installing/removing an item, and it would rattle.
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2008 | 07:17 PM
  #8  
Dustmaker's Avatar
Dustmaker
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,542
Likes: 2
From: Central IL.
Default

Torque wrench is not as important as having the proper tools for doing the job. I would buy a good set of 3/8 drive allen/torx sockets first. You are not going to over tighten them, but just make sure you do get them tight and use the blue loctite as suggested.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

 Verdad Gallardo
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jimmy z
General Harley Davidson Chat
37
Apr 15, 2019 08:46 AM
stephenabel
General Harley Davidson Chat
5
Jul 20, 2010 09:18 AM
c50plus
Touring Models
24
Jun 3, 2009 09:38 AM
peddler
Touring Models
3
Apr 6, 2009 12:03 PM
IndyRider
General Harley Davidson Chat
3
Sep 12, 2007 09:22 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:00 AM.

story-0
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-3
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-4
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-8
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

Slideshow: A clear-eyed look at what actually worked for Harley this year, and what quietly undermined its progress.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-29 17:10:48


VIEW MORE