Torque Wrenches

[Chapomis_imp]

I started looking around at torque wrenches this morning. I found one that goes from 2 to 24 NM, plus it included a nice assortment of Allen Keys which I was looking for as well.

I converted the NMs to FT LBs and it looks like the max is 17 FT LBs. Is that going to be high enough ? or should I be looking at something that goes higher ?

I have never been properly educated in torque wrench use and its been 40 years since I have used one, so any input is appreciated.

[Ack-CB11_imp]

I'd go higher, the drain plug is 22.

3/8 wrench I have, works great 2-37 ft lbs.
http://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-ARM601-3-8...ench+3%2F8

DR

[Chapomis_imp]

Most of the 3/8 drive start at 10 ft lb. Is that too high ?

[Ack-CB11_imp]

I have 1 of each size. You want the target to be close to middle of the spread. That's where they are most accurate.

[Chapomis_imp]

That makes sense, thanks. I'll go see what Dave or Harry have, I try to buy local if I can.

Just noticed the link, thanks

[the Ferret]

If you are doing your rear axle you will need more than 65 ft lbs and as high as 85 ft lbs depending on year. My old FZ Yamaha called for 108 ft lbs on the rear axle nut, so I have a 1/2 " drive torque wrench that will go to 150 ft lbs, and another 3/8" unit that will go to 80 ft lbs.

[rocket_imp]

The Snap On 3/8 " starts at about 3 1/2 pounds and can easily be used up to about 60 pounds. Although it is rated for 85 pounds, the length of the handle makes it tough to use at that rate.
A few things about torque wrenches :
* Think about what other stuff you can use it on when selecting a wrench. Don't limit your thinking to the CB1100
* You WILL become a torque junky & begin torqueing everything on the bike. Great piece of mind.
* Go with a digital with sound or a clicker. DON'T buy a beam type. They are not accurate & can't be easily read when upside-down.
* Try to get one with a swivel head. Makes life easier.
* My Snap-On will measure torque on both right & left hand threads. Convenient when tightening cam gears on some motors.
* Make sure you relax the setting after use. Otherwise the spring inside can take a set that will give inaccurate readings.
* Store in a case or bag. It is a precision instrument that's only as good as its condition.
* The small bolts are sensitive to accurate readings and should be tightened with a good quality torque wrench. Above 75 pounds, the accuracy is not so important. Does the axle really know the difference between 85 pounds and 88 pounds ?
* Spend extra on the 3,8" and buy a reasonably priced 1/2" for the big jobs.
* I once had a Honda with four nuts that held on the front axle. Never bothered to torque them. Just tighten until my veins popped. Removed the four studs to have the front end powder coated and found that the studs had actually elongated and were about 35% thinner in the middle where they had been over tightened for several years. VERY scary. Became a torque junky after that.
Glad to hear you're going to service your bike properly. It will reward you with great riding for years. ROCKET

[Chapomis_imp]

Thanks Rocket ! That pretty much covers it. I used to do all my own work on cars and bikes till I got busy around 24. Now that i'm semi-retired I have more time to work on my own stuff. With the exception that the technology has changed so much, I'm ready.