Torque Wrench

[koenigcitizen]

Hey, guys (and gals).

New motorcycle owner, and want to attempt my own oil change. It looks simple enough (youtube videos, FAQs and owners manual were my research).

Important: I am a complete noob when it comes to tools, wrenching, etc.

I don't have a torque wrench. Need advice on which to buy. I know a lot will reply "get a quality one". The problem is I have no idea how to tell which one is quality, which one is not (other than that one is more expensive).

Specifically looking for a torque wrench that will have proper values (or whatever the right slang is) for the drain bolts and the filter bolts.

Ideal replies I would be super happy with would include a link to amazon (sears, walmart, etc) website with words: "This is the one you need!"

Thanks!!!!

[Alex]

Some suggestions in this thread.

[koenigcitizen]

Thanks, Alex.
Should have used search first. Doh!

So for oil change the values are 14.5 ft/lbs. So if I get a torque wrench that is in in/lbs, I would need to convert the numbers to figure out the in/lbs value.

That would be 174 in/lbs. Is that right?

All the torque wrenches in ft/lbs, the lower range starts at 10 or so. They wont be very good for oil change, right?

Could I use something similar to this?
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

[Alex]

Originally Posted by koenigcitizen

Thanks, Alex.
Should have used search first. Doh!

No worries. After you post something up, you don't even have to search. Just scroll down to the bottom of the page, and you'll see the "similar threads" section that automatically shows up. Very often, there is a useful thread already there that may be on target. That's the one I linked here.

Originally Posted by koenigcitizen

So for oil change the values are 14.5 ft/lbs. So if I get a torque wrench that is in in/lbs, I would need to convert the numbers to figure out the in/lbs value.

That would be 174 in/lbs. Is that right?

As far as I can tell, yup.

Originally Posted by koenigcitizen

Could I use something similar to this?
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

I don't see why not, but very soon you'll need a torque wrench that can deal with higher torque values as well for anything other than these very low-torque fasteners.

[koenigcitizen]

Originally Posted by Alex

I don't see why not, but very soon you'll need a torque wrench that can deal with higher torque values as well for anything other than these very low-torque fasteners.

So the solution for that would be ideally to have two torque wrenches, right?
One in in/lb, and one in ft/lb (up to 100 ft/lb or so).

[Alex]

Yup. A decent 1/4" one and a decent 3/8" one, and you're good to go.

[koenigcitizen]

Originally Posted by Alex

Yup. A decent 1/4" one and a decent 3/8" one, and you're good to go.

Sorry, I know this is gonna sound retarded.

1/4" is the same as lb/ft, and 3/8" is the same as in/ft?

[k-os]

1/4" are usually the in-lb wrenches. 3/8" and 1/2" are ft-lb

[koenigcitizen]

Ok, thanks.

I think things are clicking (no pun intended) for me now

[Alex]

Ack! Sorry, I unintentionally misled you. The two sizes that will generally cover things are 3/8" and 1/2". With a 3/8" one only, I don't think you'll be able to torque the axle nuts, sprocket nuts, etc. But, there are small 3/8" ones that do get down into the inch-pounds and can certainly be used for oil drain plug and similar fasteners. So, IMO, get the 1/4 and 1/2, or 3/8 and 1/2, but not just the 1/4 and 3/8.

[CZroe]

You aren't supposed to use socket adapters on a torque wrench, right?

[Alex]

I'm not sure. I can tell you that I do. My 1/2 inch torque wrench is the only one with enough capacity for some bolts (like axles). But - the sockets I need to use on it sometimes are only 3/8", so I do use a 1/2 - 3/8 adapter. I imagine the guidance would be in case the smaller sockets are weaker than the force you can create with a larger wrench? But it hasn't been an issue so far.

[1LoneWolf]

Get the kind that "clicks", and get a torque wrench that goes from 10-100 ft/lbs, that's good enough for most jobs.
There are other torque wrenches that have a needle that moves and shows you how much torque you're applying, they're a bit old school. I prefer the clicking torque wrenches.

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by Alex

I'm not sure. I can tell you that I do. My 1/2 inch torque wrench is the only one with enough capacity for some bolts (like axles). But - the sockets I need to use on it sometimes are only 3/8", so I do use a 1/2 - 3/8 adapter. I imagine the guidance would be in case the smaller sockets are weaker than the force you can create with a larger wrench? But it hasn't been an issue so far.

Ah. If it's good enough for you, I won't stress over it then.

I used a smaller Pitsburgh (Harbor Freight) socket with a T-handle socket driver to get my front brake caliper mounting bolts off and the socket just split open! The T-handle thing came with the adapters and the same amount of force would have been required with a ratchet to loosen it, so I can only blame the socket.

[koenigcitizen]

So I went to Sears yesterday, and bought a craftsman 3/8 torque wrench that is 25-250 in/lb. ($79.99) Hopefully that will help me with the oil change!

Thanks for all advice

[rockNroll]

Originally Posted by koenigcitizen

So the solution for that would be ideally to have two torque wrenches, right?
One in in/lb, and one in ft/lb (up to 100 ft/lb or so).

I suggest purchase both in 3/8" drive. It will mean you don't need another set of sockets and I have been told by tool distributors that 3/8" drive vs 1/4" drive of the same brand, the 3/8" drive will be more durable, hold calibration better than the 1/4" due to it being beefier (built of larger components). Makes sense, so I have no 1/4" torque wrenches but I have multiple 3/8" drive and multiple 1/2" drive torque wrenches.


As far as using extensions... use good judgement. The higher the torque, the more likely your extension will deflect or twist, resulting in inaccurate torque. Also, a 10" long extension will deflect easier than a 3" long extension, so if you must use an extension, use the shortest extension you can. If you need to tighten something to 100 ftlbs, your 3/8" drive extension isn't gonna do, you need no extension or even better, move up to 1/2"drive. If you're using inlb torque values, your 3/8" extensions are probably gonna do fine, but still keep your extension as short as will do the job.

[koenigcitizen]

Originally Posted by rockNroll

I suggest purchase both in 3/8" drive. It will mean you don't need another set of sockets and I have been told by tool distributors that 3/8" drive vs 1/4" drive of the same brand, the 3/8" drive will be more durable, hold calibration better than the 1/4" due to it being beefier (built of larger components). Makes sense, so I have no 1/4" torque wrenches but I have multiple 3/8" drive and multiple 1/2" drive torque wrenches.


As far as using extensions... use good judgement. The higher the torque, the more likely your extension will deflect or twist, resulting in inaccurate torque. Also, a 10" long extension will deflect easier than a 3" long extension, so if you must use an extension, use the shortest extension you can. If you need to tighten something to 100 ftlbs, your 3/8" drive extension isn't gonna do, you need no extension or even better, move up to 1/2"drive. If you're using inlb torque values, your 3/8" extensions are probably gonna do fine, but still keep your extension as short as will do the job.

Thank you so much for the advice!