Torque wrenches

[Logpot]

The service manual I have makes a lot of noise about the importance of using the correct torque when tightening bolts etc - and rightly so

In they manual they use kg-m as their torque measurement e.g. 3 kg-m which according to the online converters = 29Nm.

I want to get a torque wrench for my tool collection but after checking out a few examples in the weekend I'm not sure what size or brand to get.

1/2 drive, 1/4 drive, 3/8 drive?

[k14]

Well firstly what size socket sets do you use? For a bike ideally you would have all three however you can probably get by with just a 3/8. For building my gsxr600 engine I used a 1/4 and 1/2 just because that is all I had available. 3/8 should probably manage everything from 8mm head to 22mm with no problems and that should cover about 98% of the bolts on your bike.

[Edbear]

The service manual I have makes a lot of noise about the importance of using the correct torque when tightening bolts etc - and rightly so

In they manual they use kg-m as their torque measurement e.g. 3 kg-m which according to the online converters = 29Nm.

I want to get a torque wrench for my tool collection but after checking out a few examples in the weekend I'm not sure what size or brand to get.

1/2 drive, 1/4 drive, 3/8 drive?

http://www.sulco.co.nz/Category?Acti...ategory_id=470

3/8 drive would probably suit for the torque you mention and are generally the cheaper option. Call SULCO on 0800 800 488

[cromagnon]

To convert from kg-m to N-m just multiply the kg-m number by 10 and you will be close enough. If you want to be precise its 9.81 (gravity).

[sil3nt]

Supercheap and bunnings have them for between $60 and $80. Are they rubbish?

[UberRhys]

Well firstly what size socket sets do you use? For a bike ideally you would have all three however you can probably get by with just a 3/8. For building my gsxr600 engine I used a 1/4 and 1/2 just because that is all I had available. 3/8 should probably manage everything from 8mm head to 22mm with no problems and that should cover about 98% of the bolts on your bike.

I agree with this, the best comprimise is a 3/8 drive set. The best thing I have seen for a while in the shop from Powerbuilt was a torque adapter for 3/8 & 1/2 sets. It is digital so you key in the torque your looking for, snap it on to your rachet with you socket on the other end, and it beeps when you get to the pre-set torque.

Can't remember the price but it was cheaper then the 3/8 torque wrench I bought that clicks when it get to the torque setting. Smaller too...

Supercheap and bunnings have them for between $60 and $80. Are they rubbish?

Get what you pay for...

[k14]

Supercheap and bunnings have them for between $60 and $80. Are they rubbish?

If you have to ask then you know the answer

[dipshit]

I have two for carrying out various jobs on my bike. One 3/8 drive 10-100 ftlbs for mainly tightening the axle nut .

Then another 4.4-22 ftlbs 1/4 drive for more delicate jobs like fitting spark plugs.

[slofox]

I still have the one I bought 35 years ago. Still seems to work...

[dipshit]

Supercheap and bunnings have them for between $60 and $80. Are they rubbish?

For the occasional use at home they are better than not having any torque wrench and just guessing tightness.

Just don't rely on them at the extremes of their range. At their price you can afford to have a couple of the different sizes for various jobs and use them in the middle of their range.

[Edbear]

I still have the one I bought 35 years ago. Still seems to work...

Hmmm... Mine's only 30 years old, I think from memory I paid $36.00 for it and it's still in the original foam and cardboard box.

[dipshit]

Hmmm... Mine's only 30 years old, I think from memory I paid $36.00 for it and it's still in the original foam and cardboard box.

I trust you guys have had them calibrated from time to time..???

[UberRhys]

Then another 4.4-22 ftlbs 1/4 drive for more delicate jobs like fitting spark plugs.

you must have plenty of spare time on your hands...

[dipshit]

you must have plenty of spare time on your hands...

Why you say that..???

[Edbear]

I trust you guys have had them calibrated from time to time..???

Ummm... well, it's only ever been used at home and has hardly been out of the box since I stopped doing homer's back in the late '80's... I used to do a few repairs for friends and had a good sized garage with a pit back in Taupo but after moving North I gradually stopped the mechanics. Now I just call Tim, (Classic_Z), and he can get his hands dirty.