What if wrenching without a torque?

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Re: What if wrenching without a torque?

#16

Post by WingMan71 »

Well, I guess I come down on the more conservative side of this issue.

I've been wrenching on bikes for over 50 years and if the factory service manual for a bike has a torque spec for a fastener I use a torque wrench on it, particularly on suspension components, brake components, engine components, and most else that is safety related.

Yes, after 50 years, it's amazing how close I can get to the spec by hand just by feel, but for the important stuff I finish with a torque wrench.

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Re: What if wrenching without a torque?

#17

Post by sgwilly »

I mainly use a torque wrench because it makes me look cool.

That and I have a few stripped/sheared bolts in my past.
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Re: What if wrenching without a torque?

#18

Post by twowings »

WingMan71 wrote:Well, I guess I come down on the more conservative side of this issue.

I've been wrenching on bikes for over 50 years and if the factory service manual for a bike has a torque spec for a fastener I use a torque wrench on it, particularly on suspension components, brake components, engine components, and most else that is safety related.

Yes, after 50 years, it's amazing how close I can get to the spec by hand just by feel, but for the important stuff I finish with a torque wrench.

***
I agree. I'm a licensed Industrial Millwright and Construction Millwright and that's what we were taught. Always snug the bolts by whatever means you choose but finish with a torque wrench. I have trouble with any bolts under 5/16 (8mm) as I break them way too often. I use an inch/pound wrench for the small stuff and have two different foot/pound wrenches for the bigger stuff. It doesn't take any extra time to run the bolts down and then finish with a proper torque.
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Re: What if wrenching without a torque?

#19

Post by HOTT »

CYBORG wrote:I think it depends on how long you have been wrenching. I have a couple of very good torque wrenches, but have been wrenching for over 50 years. I use them for some things like head gaskets etc. but rely on my calibrated arm for many things,...but a man has to know his own strengths
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Re: What if wrenching without a torque?

#20

Post by salukispeed »

Of course an accurate torque wrench is the safest. But for many non critical items an educated feel is usually fine. But If any doubt, torque a couple with the torque wrench to re calibrate your wrist or arm. It is amazing how little torque is actually needed for a 6X1 screw or bolt in cast aluminum.
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Re: What if wrenching without a torque?

#21

Post by jdvorchak »

Either use a torque wrench or learn how to remove broken bolts and how to use Heli-coils when stripped.
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Re: What if wrenching without a torque?

#22

Post by CYBORG »

I guess a few of us are just better at it then some. I have never broke a bolt from over tightening, or had one fall out while riding. As said, I do use one on engine rebuilds. Bearing caps etc. Head gaskets. It DOES take more time when used on every fastener, and back in the day time was money
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Re: What if wrenching without a torque?

#23

Post by jdvorchak »

CYBORG wrote:I guess a few of us are just better at it then some. I have never broke a bolt from over tightening, or had one fall out while riding. As said, I do use one on engine rebuilds. Bearing caps etc. Head gaskets. It DOES take more time when used on every fastener, and back in the day time was money
You're a Pro. If the OP was a pro he wouldn't be asking. Best advice is to buy inch pound and Foot pound torque wrenches. I've been wrenching for the better part of 50 years and I won't change a tire without a torque wrench. Axle nuts and caliper mounting bolts MUST be torqued correctly. Now do I use it on all fasteners? No.. but then I've been doing this for 50 years.

EDIT: I've also gotten good at removing stripped and broken bolts and using inserts.... lolol
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Re: What if wrenching without a torque?

#24

Post by CYBORG »

I agree, and do pretty much the same. And if anyone is in doubt, they should use torque sticks, or well calibrated torque wrenches. I do for a lot of things,....but not everything
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Re: What if wrenching without a torque?

#25

Post by desertrefugee »

jdvorchak wrote:... I've been wrenching for the better part of 50 years and I won't change a tire without a torque wrench.
For sure it's a case of doing what you're comfortable with. In over 50 years of cycles, I have never changed a tire WITH a torque wrench. No issues so far.
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Re: What if wrenching without a torque?

#26

Post by Whiskerfish »

I use them on a lot of stuff but certainly not everything. Front wheel stuff all gets a torque wrench as does much of the engine stuff.

Lug nuts on all my vehicles get a torque wrench as do brake parts.

I have found as I have aged my arm strength has changed and what I thought was 90 foot pounds or 200 inch pounds is not even close.
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Re: What if wrenching without a torque?

#27

Post by Sundance »

Somewhat have the full bag of answers here for the metal specifics. Now part of the original curiosity was the fact of bolting down parts that had underlying gaskets, such as the head covers. The prime example of delicate wrenching on the outside of the motor so leakage is negated, it is possible surely for the proven mechanic, maybe, to get it right the first time without torqueing, I suppose? Or is the gasket relatively secure from leaking just by its own seal with the gasket-glue, anyway? Thanks for all the input thus far.
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Re: What if wrenching without a torque?

#28

Post by jdvorchak »

Those bolts on the valve covers are big shoulder bolts and easily snapped off. The real clamping force is the rubber grommet below each bolt. When the bolt bottoms out that's it!! Turn it no further! DO NOT FORCE IT!!!! The rubber grommet takes over. So the ONLY way to up your odds of the valve covers not leaking is to buy new fresh grommets and a new fresh valve cover gaskets.
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83 KZ550LTD Shaft sold

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Re: What if wrenching without a torque?

#29

Post by scootsx2 »

jdvorchak wrote:Either use a torque wrench or learn how to remove broken bolts and how to use Heli-coils when stripped.
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Re: What if wrenching without a torque?

#30

Post by raiddrten »

And of course for you animals out there, a Harbor Freight half incher on sale for $9.99 makes a better and cheaper breaker bar than a regular Harbor Freight breaker. I had to do that once, so i immediately painted the old one red and never used it for a torque application again. I cannot think that Horsing off a bolt in Red Green fashion can be good on a calibrated tool, no?

Now I think it is high time that I buy a quarter inch drive inch pound torque wrench
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