for a noob to working on cars/bikes, i would recommend a torque wrench, but if you have been doing it for a while you get a feel of whats what. i still use it for critical stuff like water pumps and lug nuts though.

 

I gotta get me a 1/4" one. I have two 3/8"'s and a 1/2" for work stuff but some of the KLX torques are on the bottom end or below the ranges. I have never bought one so had assumed even a small one was over $100. Might start shopping for a good one now.

 

I'd say that paying a bit more is even more crucial for the 1/4" drive because of the smaller threads on those fasteners. Ï don't have one yet, it's on that list.

 

Harbor Freight had a 3/8 drive clicker type on sale at $19.95, claims 4% accuracy, but I don't know. I'll stick with a beam type, mostly because I already have it. There was a "tips for torque wrenches" in one of the bike mags and one was not to use the lower 20% of the range on the clicker type, so an inch/lb makes a lot of sense to have for sure. Realize 6 ft/lb (a middling number on small fasteners like 6mm thread) is 6x12= 72 inch/lb! Handle bar bolts are around 10 ft/lb or 120 inch/lb. So you can see the usefulness of the in/lb wrench. A ft/lb 1/2 drive is good for axles and large things like flywheel nuts.

 

Git yers today, mate.

 

Ok. I am ordering the wrenches soon and would like some help. I have lots of information in my head right now, so I need straight answers, please. It will be easier to organize things up here.

Considering I will start servicing my bike and I've decided to get a beam type:

1. What range do I need?
2. Do I need a 1/4" and 1/2"? Or a 3/8" instead of a 1/2"?
3. Good brand.


Quick note: The beam type will my best option because I live in Rio. I have no idea where I could take a torque wrench for calibration over here. So, I need a reliable, tough wrench.

Thank you, guys.

 

I have a 3/8" drive metered in ft-lbs and a 1/4" drive metered in in-pounds for the small stuff. This has handled every job I've ever needed them for.

 

So, is a KD 1/4" 0-60in and a 3/8" 0-150ft a good set?

 

I normally use my 3/8" inch lb and the 1/2" ft lb mostly. The standard clicker type from Snap On. Craftsman (don't go with the craftsman tq wrenches)

 

Precision
http://www.torqwrench.com/