Torque Wrench

[Guest]

I'm in the market for a torque wrench (seems I need one for EVERYTHING). What do you guys think of this one? Will it be adequate?

http://cgi.ebay.com/1-2-DRIVE-TORQUE-WRENCH-ABLE-TORQUE-Left-Right-/170513340776?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27b3631968

[rapidray]

Please do a "search" of this site. This has been covered MANY times. I would NEVER buy a used torque wrench! Ray.

[Adler]

Its rather difficult to search for something as mundane as a torque wrench as they are mentioned in virtually every rebuild thread. What would be wrong with a used wrench?

[tas850g]

Its rather difficult to search for something as mundane as a torque wrench as they are mentioned in virtually every rebuild thread. What would be wrong with a used wrench?

One big problem would be it is not accurate with specs.

You would have to get it calibrated. I've never had this done yet but it will be in my future at some point.

[posplayr]

Its rather difficult to search for something as mundane as a torque wrench as they are mentioned in virtually every rebuild thread. What would be wrong with a used wrench?

I guess this thread is doomed to mundainity

[Adler]

I guess this thread is doomed to mundainity

Poor thread, never stood a chance.

I think that for the price I'll just get it and hope for the best. Ill be back shortly with a few stripped parts, begging forgiveness from the motorcycle gods.

[MikeG]

I'll just echo the others, that thing is almost certainly out of calibration and because of it's age and type, nearly impossible to recalibrate.

I'd just use my ratchet if that was the alternative. Look on Craiglist for a used clicker type or beam type. The clickers are round cross section and the beam are rectangular with an adjusting knob on the side. Even a Craftsman or Harbor Freight will be better than that one.

[wacky941]

Don't do it!
The price may be enticing but that particular one is a "beam" type torque wrench, when used you must observe the needle at all times. Using this type you can easily overtorque or undertorque the hardware you are dealing with.
Just go to Sears and buy a standard reversible torque wrench that can easily be used on anything you have and you predesignate the torque at which you want it to "break" and if the torque wrench from Sears gets damaged, Craftsman has a lifetime warranty, just take it back and trade it for a new one.
As for calibration, if you are using it on your own bike/vehicle or whatever it does not need to be certified but if you have access to any shop worth their salt they will have a calibrator which you might be able to put your wrench on real quick like to verify the torque, I check mine every now and then.

[posplayr]

more mundainity

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=124672&highlight=torque+wrench

[Nessism]

That torque wrench looks like a great deal. Bending beam torque wrenches are not the most accurate but they do NOT need to be calibrated (as long as the pointer is aimed at zero you are ready to use it) so they are great for occasional usage. Click type torque wrenches on the other hand should be calibrated on occasion which is their main drawback.

That torque wrench is fine for head bolts and such but you will need a smaller one for the smaller bolts - 3/8" or even a 1/4" unit. Most people have two or three torque wrenches so keep that in mind as you search.

[Adler]

That torque wrench looks like a great deal. Bending beam torque wrenches are not the most accurate but they do NOT need to be calibrated (as long as the pointer is aimed at zero you are ready to use it) so they are great for occasional usage. Click type torque wrenches on the other hand should be calibrated on occasion which is their main drawback.

That torque wrench is fine for head bolts and such but you will need a smaller one for the smaller bolts - 3/8" or even a 1/4" unit. Most people have two or three torque wrenches so keep that in mind as you search.

Thanks Nessism.
Couldnt you just use an adapter?

[Adler]

well thats that... I just bought it for... umm.... a dollar? can that be right...?

let me check again... yes, one dollar. Shipping might be 10 but it sounds better if i say that i got it for a dollar.

I don't care how crappy this thing is that is WORTH it.

[Nessism]

Thanks Nessism.
Couldnt you just use an adapter?

The hex size isn't the issue, it's the usable range of the tool. Torque wrenches always list their usable range and that one is for 20+ ft-lbs so it won't work on small bolts like those on your cam cap bolts for example.

[Adler]

The hex size isn't the issue, it's the usable range of the tool. Torque wrenches always list their usable range and that one is for 20+ ft-lbs so it won't work on small bolts like those on your cam cap bolts for example.

Oh makes sense, perhaps ill continue looking for another smaller one, this one was really just a deal I didn't want to pass up.

[kparkfan]

I got one at harbor freight for under 20 bucks.