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Author Topic: Torque wrenches  (Read 1919 times)
piper51
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VRCC31055 VRCCDS0227

Ohio


« on: April 05, 2010, 04:03:55 PM »

What is the best brand and type of torque wrench to buy?
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Ricky-D
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Posts: 5031


South Carolina midlands


« Reply #1 on: April 05, 2010, 04:23:11 PM »

Snap-on torque wrenches are the gold standard!

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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
roboto65
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Conroe,TX


« Reply #2 on: April 05, 2010, 04:36:17 PM »

And of course they are priced like GOLD too  Shocked I have Craftsman and have not broke a bolt yet. Tools are like OIL though everyone has a favorite..
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Allen Rugg                                                       
VRCC #30806
1999 Illusion Blue Valkyrie Interstate
1978 Kawasaki KZ 650 project
Farther
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Quimper Peninsula, WA


« Reply #3 on: April 05, 2010, 04:45:27 PM »

I purchased an S&K micro torque wrench off ebay and have been very happy with it.
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Thanks,
~Farther
Madmike
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Campbell River BC, Canada


« Reply #4 on: April 05, 2010, 05:04:55 PM »

Snap-on torque wrenches are the gold standard!

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Snap-On split beam style wrenches are the most robust that I have worked with - I have used the 3/8/ 1/2 and 3/4 drive and had excellent results with them.  They were manufactured for Snap-On by these guys Precision Instruments but I think Snap-On bought up another manufacturer and does their own now CDI- A Division of Snap-On.  For for at least the the last 4 years or so they have been available through other sources - search "split beam torque wrench".  The only downside to them is they will not torque left hand threads unless you flip them over and use an adaptor, they are pricey but you get what you pay for.  

For most applications the micrometer click style are adequate but be sure that you back them off after use and be aware that if you are doing any heavy repetitive torquing the mechanism can heat up and be  quite inaccurate.  For perspective-  we used to switch them out when doing heads on V12 and V16 149's, 7 bolts per head and at least 4 times per bolt.


Of interest..

http://www.amazon.com/Split-Beam-Click-Torque-Wrench/dp/B000FMO6HG

« Last Edit: April 05, 2010, 05:41:18 PM by Madmike » Logged
hubcapsc
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upstate

South Carolina


« Reply #5 on: April 06, 2010, 06:37:24 AM »


I've had one of these Craftsman (like in the wiki page) beam style ones for 30-35 years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque_wrench] [url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque_wrench[/url]

I'm scared to use a torque wrench on stuff that might break off while I'm mindlessly
trying to do what the torque wrench says, so I use it mostly on stuff like the axle
and when I put the swingarm back on...

-Mike
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PharmBoy
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Lawton, Ok


« Reply #6 on: April 06, 2010, 10:57:10 AM »

Check ebay.  I got a "new" MAC 1/4" there at a good price.  Then I found a "new" SNAP-ON 3/8" in a pawn shop.  Both were less than half of retail.  Both look new and work well...JTL  cooldude
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99 Interstate
97 Bumble Bee
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PAVALKER
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Retired Navy 22YOS, 2014 Valkyrie , VRCC# 27213

Pittsburgh, Pa


« Reply #7 on: April 06, 2010, 07:47:52 PM »

Go to your local Harbor Freight.... get 3 Click Torque Wrenches (different sizes) for the price of one Craftsman.  I have used em for years, broke one and got another replacement for free.  I have a Beam style Torque wrench that I use occasionally to check the accuracy of the clickers and they are good.  Craftsman wrenches recommend their need calibrated every so often.   Price is right at Harbor Freight, and if you lose or break one it don't cost an arm or leg.  JMO.....
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John                           
roboto65
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Conroe,TX


« Reply #8 on: April 06, 2010, 07:50:12 PM »

Does craftsman calibrate them !!
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Allen Rugg                                                       
VRCC #30806
1999 Illusion Blue Valkyrie Interstate
1978 Kawasaki KZ 650 project
PAVALKER
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Retired Navy 22YOS, 2014 Valkyrie , VRCC# 27213

Pittsburgh, Pa


« Reply #9 on: April 06, 2010, 08:33:55 PM »

Does craftsman calibrate them !!

Not sure... but I highly doubt it....they would probably replace it (if within the 90 warranty period) and even if they did, it surely would cost you more than you could pick up a new one for at Harbor Freight.  From what I have read, torque wrenches and other precision measuring equipment are only guaranteed for a year (tops) and should be calibrated annually.  You can get a HF torque wrench for less than what a calibration could cost.  And, according to my Pittsburgh Tool Warranty on the HF torque wrench;  a Limited Lifetime Warranty applies (no abuse, misuse etc).  It's your money, spend it as you see fit....

PS... and that is why I use my Beam Torque Wrench to check my Clickers periodically.
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John                           
R J
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DS-0009 ...... # 173

Des Moines, IA


« Reply #10 on: April 07, 2010, 01:44:20 AM »

When my son opened his shop 28 years ago we had several tool trucks stop by to sell us tools.    There was Matco, Snap-on, and God only knows who else stopped.

A couple of them got pushy when they saw different brand wrench in the tool box.  The 1st time we just kind of ignored them.   The 2nd time, I told them to get the f**k off the property and stay off.

Snap-on is about all that stops anymore.    the son went to school with him & he some hellish deals......      Yesterday we picked up a (new  price) $13,000 scanner, (trade-in), 1 year old and will cover any vehicle we will get in for awhile.   It came from a large car dealers tech with his own stuff....   Got less than $2,700 in it.   Has all the adapters, memory cards for domestic and foreign vehicles for the past 9 years.  It has 2010 vehicle data in it.     

A lot of his tools come from Harbor Freight.    They are just around the corner from me at home. 
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