What size torque wrench?

Biker George

Biker George

Geo
Joined
Jul 18, 2006
Messages
107
Location
Signal Mountain, TN
Bike
'99 ST1100
Hello -

I am preparing to buy a torque wrench for my ST1100.

What do you think is the most useful "range" of torque values for a single-wrench owner to work on a bike?

I was considering a 5-75 foot-lbs range, but thought it would be worthwhile to canvass the collective experience/knowledge of our community...

What say you?

Thanks for your input,

-Geo
 
You'll need two, Geo. A 3/8" drive version that can do the lower torque values like the cam holder bolts (9 ft-lbs/108 inch-lbs) accurately/safely, and a 1/2" version for the big ones like the axle nuts and steering stem (65/80/76 ft-lbs). The Sears Craftsman click models are what I use and can recommend. There's no *single* torque wrench that can properly cover the range of ST1100 fastener torque values if you're planning on doing your own maintenance. JMHO

Regards, John
 
Also keep in mind that most torque wrenches are inaccurate in the bottom 20% of the stated range. Ergo, a 5-80 ft-lb wrench is really only a 20-80.

--Mark
 
Ditto to John OoSTerhuis' comments. With tires on 4 bikes to change, I use my 3/8" torque wrench for caliper bolts and axle pinch bolts, and the 1/2" for axle nuts and bolts.
 
Ditto what John said. I use a large, relatively inexpensive Craftsman (ftlbs & newton-meter scale) that has a range of 8 to 110 newton-meters for the wheel axle bolts/nuts and a few other mongo torque bolts. Never did trust that thing for the lower range settings. For the lower torque fastners, I use a smaller, much better made one:

http://www.emaxaction.com/cdi602nmrmhss.aspx

It's made by a subsidiary of Snap-on.
 
I use a foot-pound wrench for heavier stuff and a smaller 1/4 drive inch-pound wrench for smaller stuff. Works out good.
 
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