Is there a reasonably priced torque wrench

[Chris]

Hi all,

1. Can any of you recommend a reasonable priced ($50-100) torque wrench?

I am looking for one in the 5-50 foot pound category, since most maintenance tasks on the ST that I will attempt require this range.

I know Snap On makes a nice $300 model, but that is beyond my price range!

2. Do you guys torque spark plugs? My 2003 owners manual specifies oil filter torque values but says just tighten the spark plugs 1/4 turn after seating!! That seems a bit wierd...

Thanks for the advice,

cb

[Rob Hephner]

Try eBay, you sometimes can get deals there.

Otherwise I would check out Sears.

Keep in mind that you get what you pay for and with less expensive models over time the torque values will need re-calibrated more often.

[Blrfl]

1. Can any of you recommend a reasonable priced ($50-100) torque wrench? I am looking for one in the 5-50 foot pound category, since most maintenance tasks on the ST that I will attempt require this range.

Beam-type wrenches are relatively inexpensive and tend to stay correct longer than the click-type wrenches. The down side is that you have to exercise a bit more care using them. Click-type wrenches need to be taken to a metrology lab every couple of years to make sure they're still properly-calibrated.

I have a couple of Craftsman click-type wrenches that are of decent quality. Sears puts them on sale on a semi-regular basis, so keep an eye on their web site.

One other thing to remember: Torque wrenches are usually no good in the bottom 20% of their stated range. So a 5-50 ft-lb wrench is really a 14-50.

2. Do you guys torque spark plugs? My 2003 owners manual specifies oil filter torque values but says just tighten the spark plugs 1/4 turn after seating!!

With a couple of exceptions, I torque anything that has a value in the service manual. In the case of spark plugs, the manual says a half-turn after the washer on a new plug reaches the seat of the plug hole or 16 N-m (12 ft-lb) for a plug that's already been used.

--Mark

[sirepair]

Craftsman torque wrenches are OK, but I don't like the plastic handle. Had to replace my handle a while back (sucks)

Check with some of your local "jobber" shops (not Autozone and the likes) to see if they carry anything in that range. Some NAPA stores have a decent tool lineup. I recently bought an 1/4" drive in/lbs one for $115.00 from one of our local jobbers. Sorry I don't have the name brand handy. I'm happy with it.

As Rob mentioned you can get Snap-on on ebay for a decent price.

[gregj]

Look for Snap-On or Mac tools in the yellow pages for your local rep's number. You can often meet them at a stop (e.g. car dealership) in town and get something off their truck, if you're in a hurry. I got one from Sears and a larger one (for axle nuts, etc) from my local AutoZone. So far been pleased with both (read havent stripped anything since been using them :D ).

[EJ's 97ST]

Hi Chris ,ya know my sweet ask me the other day about x-mas tools for me and I told her that I got a bunch and some that I don't use but once a year like torque wrenches but I'd like one in in./lbs and we've been pricing them....exspensive lil' devils..:eek: Mark's about right too, the ft/lb units are not quite accurate under say 20 lbs and that's why you see them start out at 30 for most of the new ones now. Since she orders tools for some of her mechanic's she did say that your local SK/Snap-On and Mac prolly Matco will have some xmas specials and Sears here told me they going on sale this coming weekend thru xmas with all their tools.

Good luck with your hunt-n- ride safe.
Ed :D

[John OoSTerhuis]

JMHO, but if you're going to do any work on your own ST1100 or ST1300, you'll need TWO torque wrenches to properly cover the range of torque values required:

- a 3/8" drive, inch pounds version, 50-240 inlbs (e.g., cam follower bolts)
- a 1/2" drive, foot pounds version, 25-100 ftlbs (e.g., axle and swingarm pivot bolts)

No way around it, there's not a single torque wrench for us DIYers that'll do it all.

With a few exceptions (rear caliper stopper bolt), I use a torque wrench if Mother Honda spec'd a value (look in Chap 1 if you don't see one on the schematic).

I like the click-type units that Sears sells. Join the Craftsmans Club and shop during their members' sale days. Take care of them and they'll give you good service (store them set below the min setting).

Regards, John
PS I'm an old Army pilot where not using the manual and spec'd torque values got you court-martialled! Hey!... an improperly torqued rotor 'Jesus-Nut' and a Huey assumes all the flight characteristics of a 53 Buick! :)

[ChipSTer]

Some things to remember (I haven't read the thread - don't you just hate people that do that!!!!)

you get what you pay for
a really good torque wrench will last a lifetime
you cannot torque a bolt with one

:D

[GodFather]

I have always used the Craftsman torque wrench and have never had any problems.

Check this out also for another thread on torque wrenches: http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10726&highlight=Torque+wrench

[Red Duke Rider]

"Jesus nut". Haven't heard that term since I read "Chickenhawk" by Robert Mason. However, being an engineer, we have modified the term and use it quite frequently in our business - as in the "Jesus Beam", the "Jesus Pipe", etc.

[LeeWonnacott]

"Jesus nut". Haven't heard that term since I read "Chickenhawk" by Robert Mason. However, being an engineer, we have modified the term and use it quite frequently in our business - as in the "Jesus Beam", the "Jesus Pipe", etc.

Whatever happened to Mason? He just dropped out of site after the book came out. He get caught again and go back to jail?

Sorry for the thread hijack....
:o:

[EJ's 97ST]

[QUOTE=STGhOOST;347077

Regards, John
PS I'm an old Army pilot where not using the manual and spec'd torque values got you court-martialled! Hey!... an improperly torqued rotor 'Jesus-Nut' and a Huey assumes all the flight characteristics of a 53 Buick! :)[/QUOTE]

Hey John and ifn' ya didn't quite get the safety wire wrapped to suit some WO's and the crew chief.....no bar prive's that night either :crackup , I know, that was part of my job on Delta & Hotel models.....as well as magna-flux and die-pin the rotor heads in our flight-line cool shops.. Ya know it wasn't much fun loosi'n the tail rotor either...:o4:

EJ :D