There is many opinions on tools but for me the torque wrench is an absolute garage essential. Here’s me explaining what a torque wrench is, how to you use a torque wrench, what to think about when buying a torque wrench, digital torque wrench verse click... plus a few things from my experience. This is a great video to understand the best torque wrench for motorcycles and for a Teng Tools review on their torque wrenches.
I want to highlight that I am no pro mechanic, I am a home learned, trial and error, and learning as I go. I’d love to hear you’re thoughts on torque wrenches? Let me know in the comments!
I use Teng Tools Torque Wrenches and highly rate them: www.tengtools....
What is a torque wrench?
A torque wrench is a tool used to apply a specific torque to a fastener such as a nut, bolt, or lag screw. It is usually in the form of a socket wrench with special internal mechanisms.
Using Nm you can apply a specific force to tighten something.
In simpler terms white knuckling bolts might be possible when you’ve been in the industry 30 years but for most knowing the 8th of a turn to tighten too is a mysterious game that can have expensive consequences… I’ve cracked clutch houses, split cases and ruptured a nut cap [show it], I’ve even had a trailer wheel fall off when the wheel nut came loose.
The good news is this is all avoidable with the right tools - torque wrench.
Torque wrenches enable you to tighten to manufacturer specifications, and is especially important on light metals like aluminium that can scratch and dent easily. Torque wrenches can also be used to set bolt pulleys, bearings, seal the mating surface between a gasket or crush plate, and more. In short it enables proper tension and loading of all parts
Types
- Digital - more accurate but can run out of battery - 1% accuracy to ISO standards
- Mechanical - 4% accuracy to ISO standards
- Wrenches start at 1Nm and go up to 980Nm, you can also get screw drivers
- Tend to come in ¼”,3/8”,1/2” & ¾” sq drives
While a torque wrench is not absolutely required, it's a good idea. You need to ensure the wheel is evenly clamped onto the hub. This prevents the wheel from warping and causing other issues.
Features of torque wrenches
- measurement in Nm - this is N [force x gravity] - 10 N is roughly 1kg at 1m - this - linear measurement - so 10N is roughly 2kg and 2m
- Flip reverse switch (reverse not for Torque setting)
- Designed to Torque right hand (clockwise) fasteners or left hand but some you can reverse the setting on
Things to think about
- Any reverse bolts? Which direction do I need to torque?
- What range of torque settings to you need?
- Can you use socket adapters to extend the usage?
- Re-calibration of torque wrenches is needed, depending on the brand you’re looking at every 12 months or xx amount of cycles - Teng do this in house
- ISO 6789 : 2003 will ensuring the tool calibration complies with the best set up.
- Each torque wrench should come with a calibration certificate
This is the first in a mini series on garage life - keeping myself busy in lock-down. Let me know what you think, do you use torque wrenches? And also, are there any garage topics you would like me to cover?
#torquewrench #motorcyclemaintenance #thegirlonabike
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0.00 Intro and why I use a torque wrench on my motorcycles
1:01 What is a torque wrench
1:13 Explanation of Nm - newton metres
1:25 Why it is important to use a torque wrench on your motorcycle
3:38 Types of torque wrenches - digital & mechanical
4:37 Different sizes of torque wrench - ¼”,3/8”,1/2” & ¾” sq drives
4.48 Ratchet function in a torque wrench
5:06 Newton metre sizes - 1Nm and to 980Nm
5:13 Different sizes of torque wrench - ¼”,3/8”,1/2” & ¾” sq drives
6:15 How to set and use a torque wrench, applying force
7:10 What a torque wrench click sounds likes
7:31 What sort of torque wrench do you need
9:10 Recalibrating your wrench
9:33 Importance of storing your torque wrench correctly
10:00 Answering your questions