Torque Wrench

[Sava66]

Can anyone recommend a good torque wrench that is affordable? i don't want one that will serve the needs of this motorcycle. I know some of them have a crazy wide range. A link to a website would help too. Thanks.

[Barry]

To be anything like accurate at the low end of the range needed for airheads say around 10 lbft you need to look at 3/8" drive rather than 1/2" drive wrenches.  Mine is 5 - 80lbft  but I wouldn't trust it at all below 10.

[montmil]

I'm with Barry on trying to use a torque wrench at very low values. Risky and borderline useless.

Fork drain bolts, final drive 'level check' bolts, battery cable/transmission attach, even engine and trans drains... I use two fingers and a gentle pull to just snug. Same with valve cover refits. Save the torque wrench for the short block rebuild.

Steel bolts into aluminum threaded holes can be evil.

Don't be like my old granddaddy, "Just pull 'til you feel 'em give, son, then back off a quarter turn."

[tvrla]

Monte - a friend of mine called that "farm tight".

I've got a 1/4" torque wrench for low torque situations, but somehow rely on feel instead. It's the way I've always done it...

Look for a beam style - I've heard they're the most accurate, and it's one of those times where the cheapest, low tech solution is the winner. That's what my 1/4" is.

If you're new to wrenching, it's a good idea using a torque wrench on critical fasteners till you get the feel of it.

[Sava66]

thanks guys, you just saved me 150 bucks! I'll get back to you on which torque wrench is good when I disassemble the whole bike:)

[wa1udg]

Harbor Freight has a 1/4 drive for 10 bucks on sale.  I have a dial type 1/4 inch calibrated in inch pounds.  I may get the HF unit and compare.  The dial wrench is US made and still has a cal lab sticker on it.

[wa1udg]

You  might want to Google "Marathon Tools.  Lots of ex government tools at real good prices.