Tool Advice Please... Torque wrenches...
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 389
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From: Doylestown, PA
Tool Advice Please... Torque wrenches...
Now that am starting to learn how to wrench my own bike, it has become pretty obvious that I should have a good, high quality torque wrench on hand. Since I haven't owned one in the past, I was wondering from some of the more experienced guys here what brand and size torque wrench would be the best to invest in that will allow me to complete most of the basic services on the bike.I'm seeing 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch etc..... can most everything be done with one?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
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From:
RE: Tool Advice Please... Torque wrenches...
You'll need one scaled ta inch-lbs, an' one scaled ta ft-lbs. Ah use 3/8" on the inch, an' 1/2" drive on the ft. Snap-on has some really nice ones, but after the initial price coronary, ah opted fer the "clicker" style units from Sears.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 23
From: Mishawaka,Indiana
RE: Tool Advice Please... Torque wrenches...
Sears sells a 3/8 drive 5-100 ft lbs one that covers most harley repairs, for about $69. My snap on at work cost $300, the sears works fine at home. Don't buy anything chinese, they are not very accurate.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
RE: Tool Advice Please... Torque wrenches...
The ones at Harbor Freight are plenty accurate. I talked to a guy at a calibration lab. He told me they were as good or better than some of the more expensive wrenches. He said the main difference was the finish on the HF wrench was as nice as the others.
I have used the HF models for several years now and recently checked them side by side with a new Craftsman. The HF's were still dead on.
I have used the HF models for several years now and recently checked them side by side with a new Craftsman. The HF's were still dead on.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 840
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From: elkton, va
RE: Tool Advice Please... Torque wrenches...
FWIW: Don't be fooled by Sears. Although they label their torque wrenchs as Craftsman, they don't carry the FULL LIFETIME Warranty other Craftsman tools carry. It's a 90 day to 2-year limited warranty, depending on the model.
Also, I haven't looked at them in about 3 years, but the last time I picked one up and looked at it, it was made overseas, not in the USA. Like I said, it's been at least 3 years and they may have changed since then, but I know I'm right on the warranty. I probably would have bought one 'til I found out about the warranty and the way they hid it in fine print.
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Also, I haven't looked at them in about 3 years, but the last time I picked one up and looked at it, it was made overseas, not in the USA. Like I said, it's been at least 3 years and they may have changed since then, but I know I'm right on the warranty. I probably would have bought one 'til I found out about the warranty and the way they hid it in fine print.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,609
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From: Indy area
RE: Tool Advice Please... Torque wrenches...
It's not all that important that a torque wrench is precisely calibrated so much as that its settings are consistent and repeatable. If you don't hold and use it correctly you can make the most costly and precise wrench behave like one that's junk.
It's not so important where you hold the handle but it is important that you lock the head into its place in space as you're twisting it. If you pull the handle and the head moves toward you you're not transferring all the torque to the fastener.
If you're putting a cover on and want all the fasteners the same tension make sure the wrench acts/moves the same on each of them. In my opinion that sort of application is where a torque wrench is most needed. Without one, it's not too difficult to get an axle nut plenty tight but it's a real art to get a primary cover evenly seated.
Threaded fasteners are spring tensioners. You want them to stretch enough but not too much. That's why based on size and material you're given a range of acceptable values.
It's not so important where you hold the handle but it is important that you lock the head into its place in space as you're twisting it. If you pull the handle and the head moves toward you you're not transferring all the torque to the fastener.
If you're putting a cover on and want all the fasteners the same tension make sure the wrench acts/moves the same on each of them. In my opinion that sort of application is where a torque wrench is most needed. Without one, it's not too difficult to get an axle nut plenty tight but it's a real art to get a primary cover evenly seated.
Threaded fasteners are spring tensioners. You want them to stretch enough but not too much. That's why based on size and material you're given a range of acceptable values.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,207
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From: Houston, TX
RE: Tool Advice Please... Torque wrenches...
On the Harbor Freight website there are several to choose from that are in the 9.99 to 29.99 price range. Are these the one you are talking about? They have a 1/4 " drive INlb and a 3/8 drive FT lb.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,122
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From: Mishawaka,Indiana
RE: Tool Advice Please... Torque wrenches...
The only torque wrench I have seen break is H.F. piece in 25+ years of automotive service. As with any calibrated tool you must take care of it and know how to properly use it. I have a H.F 2 miles from me and some of the stuff is reasonable quality and some is CRAP. If you have a sub standard tool break and you rip your hand or arm open and have to get stitches, you will regret it. Maybe casual doit yourselfers don't have this problem. My .02 opinion.