suggested torque wrenchs

[NoBull]

Ok Im not too far from doing my 16k service and after reading a few threads about broken bolts. I figure its time to start tooling up and torque wrenchs will be first. I have a very old Foot Pound torque wrench I trust for 30lbs or more. What type do you guys use for the smaller needs???

[Killtimer]

I've ended up with three, a 1/2 inch drive 150 ft/#, a 3/8 drive 80 ft/#, and a 1/4 inch drive 200 inch/#. They're not high end ones but I do have the calibration checked every year or so. I've been told (don't know if it's true or not) that they're most accurate in the middle of the range.

[Blrfl]

I have three:


A Craftsman Digitork (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00945283000P?vName=Tools&keyword=digitork)for 20-80 ft-lbs.
A basic Craftsman wrench (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944593000P) for 6-21 ft-lbs
An Armstrong beam-type (http://www.armstrongtools.com/catalog/products.jsp?groupID=923) for 0-60 in-lbs.


Don't forget that when you're looking at micrometer (click-type) units, they're not accurate in the lowest 20% of their ranges. I label mine accordingly so I don't have to do a lot of mental gymnastics when I reach for a wrench.

--Mark

[STeve1300]

Don't forget that when you're looking at micrometer (click-type) units, they're not accurate in the lowest 20% of their ranges. ...--Mark

The last click I heard when I last used mine was the final drive oil fill bolt separating from its threads.... $10 part, no real problem, but I wish I would have spent the $10 more on the wrench.... I will be in line behind you at Sears NoBull.

[NoBull]

What are the various torque I will need to cover for general maintenance. Also am I correct assuming 12 inch lbs = 1 ft lbs? Craftsman makes a 3/8 covering 20 to 250 inch lbs, accurate above 20% of capacity, this looks like it will cover most needs correct? The 1/4 drive 0-60 inch lbs mentioned above, typically what would this be used for?

[Blrfl]

Yes, an inch-pound is 1/12 of a foot-pound.

You should be able to do almost everything with the two micrometer-type wrenches. I bought the beam wrench specifically for torquing the clamps I'm using in the cooling system, but you can use it for other low-torque fasteners like the screws on the brake reservoirs of you have sockets with the appropriate bits.

It's been my experience that people either have a good feel for when to stop tightening a bolt or they don't. The latter are usually the ones who end up over-torquing or shearing things off. In either case, though, a torque wrench is a good tool to have. They run from insanely cheap to insanely expensive. I doubt you'll find a lot of Craftsman wrenches being used to assemble the space shuttle, but they're fine for this kind of work. I have a friend with a cheap high-range wrench from Harbor Freight that's as accurate as some of his more expensive stuff. Whatever you get, send them to a metrology shop every couple of years to be checked for accuracy.

--Mark

[Highrider]

I have a 3/8 drive 0 -200 in/lb wrench that covers small bolts to 15 ft/lbs. For 98% of the work on the ST, I have a Craftsman 0 -150 ft/lb wrench that does the job.

[tlartist]

I got this one: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944690000P?keyword=torque+wrench.

Nice and cheap. Figured most of the bolts I would be working on would be lower torque so wanted the more fine measurement. In foot pounds so no math involved.

[NoBull]

Mark, I think I have a pretty good feel. However I had a exhaust stud on another bike break,(which I didnt install by the way) couldnt drill while in the frame. I had to pull the head and have a machine shop drill it out. Cost way more then a great torque wrench. Put a fear in my bones.

[MileHigh]

Hey Nick,
want to borrow one of mine? I have 4 different Snap-On models.

Torque meter, 0-250 ft lbs, left or right torque, 1/2" drive
Torque meter, 0-150 in lbs, left or right torque, 3/8" drive
Click style torque wrench, 0-250 ft lbs. 1/2 " drive, swivel head, ratcheting.
I even have a torque multiplier that goes from 300-800 ft lbs.

The torque meters are extremely accurate and have been calibrated.

Save some coin$ and wait till end of May when Sears has a good sale on Craftsman tools.

PM me and I can drop one off. Let me know if you need anything else, I have 25+ years worth of tools from my Chevrolet wrenching days.

[NoBull]

Hey Nick,
want to borrow one of mine? I have 4 different Snap-On models.

Torque meter, 0-250 ft lbs, left or right torque, 1/2" drive
Torque meter, 0-150 in lbs, left or right torque, 3/8" drive
Click style torque wrench, 0-250 ft lbs. 1/2 " drive, swivel head, ratcheting.
I even have a torque multiplier that goes from 300-800 ft lbs.

The torque meters are extremely accurate and have been calibrated.

Save some coin$ and wait till end of May when Sears has a good sale on Craftsman tools.

PM me and I can drop one off. Let me know if you need anything else, I have 25+ years worth of tools from my Chevrolet wrenching days.

Appreciate the offer Mark, Im not in need at the moment just getting ready for my 16k service. I might just wait for the May sale, thanks..good to know..

[MileHigh]

Actually Nick,
It's the beginning of May, on the Memorial Day weekend, that Craftsman will have decent sales. Sometimes free shipping.

Here are some nice Craftsman choices.

The first is a digital, 1/2" drive, 20-200 ft.lbs. Looks like you can select Nm & inch lbs as well! Kind of a nice 3 in 1 tool!
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947712000P?keyword=009-47712&sLevel=0

The one is a simple 1/2" drive ft.lbs wrench.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/s_10153_12605_Tools_Mechanics+Tools_Torque+Wrenche s?keyword=009-44597&sLevel=1%7C2&sLevel=0

The last one is a 3/8 drive 5-80 ft.lbs. model.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/s_10153_12605_Tools_Mechanics+Tools_Torque+Wrenche s?keyword=009-44596&sLevel=1%7C2&sLevel=0

For the money, I would seriously take a look at choice #1

[STindy05]

Can you take a 1/2" drive torque wrench and use an adapter to make it 3/8"? Or will it screw the torque up?

[finalchecker]

Can you take a 1/2" drive torque wrench and use an adapter to make it 3/8"? Or will it screw the torque up?

That kind of adapter will not affect the torque value.