Do u use a torque wrench?
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 597
Likes: 20
From: ohio
Do u use a torque wrench?
Curious how many use a torque wrench on certain fasteners such as exhaust bolts, drain plugs, primary cover, etc etc. Have a few nice craftsman digi torque wrenches, normally on drain plugs and such I tighten them fairly snug by hand, then use the torque wrench to the lower end of the specs. I apply very little presure until it clicks, if no click and I fear it may strip the bolt, I back it off a few and work my way up. Noticed a few posts where someone said never use a torque wrench on the primary cover or drain plugs. Any reasoning to why one shouldn't use a torque wrench?
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 24
From: Minden LA
I've been a wrench for 50+ and don't use one much. If it is a structural or dynamic component, I use a torque wrench. All the superfluous stuff gets my calibrated wrist, but it never hurts to torque-- ( with a calibrated torque wrench)
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 625
Likes: 125
From: Reading, PA
Yes on primary and clutch covers, why not, might as well get them tightened evenly. No on drain plugs, just snug. My torque wrenches sit unused for months, so I run them up and down their range then let them sit fo a few minutes before using them. Also, if the torque spec is 96 inch lbs, I set the wrench there, not in increments like 50-->75-->96. Apply anti seize to clutch cover screws.
A lot can go wrong if you are not thinking while using torque wrenches.
A lot can go wrong if you are not thinking while using torque wrenches.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 12,499
Likes: 7,511
From: Edmond, OK
Do u use a torque wrench?
On drain plugs and primary cover yes I use a torque wrench. On exhaust bolts I just crank it till I can't crank it anymore. Pretty much everything else on the bike will get the proper torque specs.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,452
Likes: 23
From: Michigan
On my bike I use torque wrenches regularly, especially on exhaust bolts, you break a header stud your going to be down for awhile.
I have seen people snap air filter bolts using 1/4 drives thinking they can just tighten until they cant tighten anymore, and the three drain plugs over tighten one of those you will never do that again.
How many people have over tighten the bolts to put the fairing back on, only to go thru or crack the inner, over tightening faring trim another common problem striping out the inserts.
Wow now that I write this I guess I use a torque wrench more than I thought.
I have seen people snap air filter bolts using 1/4 drives thinking they can just tighten until they cant tighten anymore, and the three drain plugs over tighten one of those you will never do that again.
How many people have over tighten the bolts to put the fairing back on, only to go thru or crack the inner, over tightening faring trim another common problem striping out the inserts.
Wow now that I write this I guess I use a torque wrench more than I thought.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,803
Likes: 11
From: El Paso, Texas
Curious how many use a torque wrench on certain fasteners such as exhaust bolts, drain plugs, primary cover, etc etc. Have a few nice craftsman digi torque wrenches, normally on drain plugs and such I tighten them fairly snug by hand, then use the torque wrench to the lower end of the specs. I apply very little presure until it clicks, if no click and I fear it may strip the bolt, I back it off a few and work my way up. Noticed a few posts where someone said never use a torque wrench on the primary cover or drain plugs. Any reasoning to why one shouldn't use a torque wrench?
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 2,858
From: Oklahoma
I can tell "snug" on the small stuff, derby cover, drain plugs. Axle nuts, axle clamps clutch hub lock nut and such I use a torque wrench. The cush drive pulley bearing race can be destroyed by "tight as I can get it" on the axle nut so a torque wrench for 95 to 105 lb feet makes me comfortable. Front axle clamp studs can be easily broken so a torque wrench sets them correctly. The "tight" spec on the clutch hub lock nut is surprisingly light. without a torque wrench I will invariably over tighten it.
Also use a torque wrench on the outer primary cover and follow the tightening sequence. The gaskets are expensive and I don't want to destroy a new one or strip any threads in that expensive housing. Most of the other stuff isn't particularly critical.
Also use a torque wrench on the outer primary cover and follow the tightening sequence. The gaskets are expensive and I don't want to destroy a new one or strip any threads in that expensive housing. Most of the other stuff isn't particularly critical.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,478
Likes: 184
From: Mount Airy, MD
There are some bolts I torque by feel because of not being able to get a torque wrench on them like the left side rear cylinder rocker cover, but everything else I do. No harm in following the service manual.
