Torque wrenches?

Question

Are they really important/necessary for repairing engines and stuff? I know people say not to use anything but torque wrenches, but I don't have a torque wrench, what am I risking by not using one?

Answer 1

i don't use one, i have one, but i've been working on things along time and can definately just get the feel for it.... of course, when i put my bike back together i ride it a bit, then go back and check to ensure all the bolts still have the same torque (i.e. not rattling out) i also keep a very close eye on my axle bolts, and suspension linkage....

if you don't have a great ammount of expeirence doing this stuff already, i highly suggest using a torque wrench (they're not THAT expensive, you can get one at malmart for 25 bucks, not the best quality tool in the world, but it will definately get the job done)

the reason people use torque wrenches isn't really because they don't want the bolt to come out... that's easily remedied, just tighten the bolt as tight as you can get it, but then you risk breaking the head off and guess how much extra work you just made for yourself? the torque wrench is so people know when to say 'ok if i tighten this anymore it's going to brake' without having to second guess whether they were right or not

Answer 2

I put off getting one for many years. Now I kick myself in the a$$ for not having got one sooner. A great tool that gives peace of mind.

Answer 3

risking a lot maybe your life and or the bikes. Some ole timers can all most get the torque just by feel, but to do it proper use the wrench. using the torque wrench could save big $$$$$$ down the road.

Answer 4

Every nut and bolt has a torque setting.

It is recommended to give the exact torque value.

A wheel lug nut has a torque of 70. Different for each manufacturer and model.

What happens if you under torque it:

Risk the danger of nuts coming off.

Over torquing:

You can spoil the threads eventually make it useless.

Both of them end up in costly repairs.

Answer 5

stripped bolts..  broken bolts.. leaking head gaskets..

they are not that dear.... go & buy one..................

Answer 6

You are risking a LOT!!!!!!!!!Without a torque wrench whatever you are working on -especially if it has tight mating surfaces - will undoubtedly warp ,blow the gasket ,possible mix fluids or bypass gasses!!!! Another problem is potentially breaking bolts or studs !!

That is why there is a listing for most of the bolt and nut torques!!  If any of the above occurs you will blow or ruin the engine and be out loads of$$$$$$$$$!!!!!!!!!! Just for th sake of a couple of dollars on a GOOD torque wrench!!!!

Answer 7

Torque wrenches are vital for cylinder heads,connecting rods and intake manifolds, main bearing caps,and I even use one on my wheel studs. They make sure that each bolt gets the same torque, which distributes their clamping force evenly over the component you are working with. When doing cylinder heads, Its usually a good idea to buy new bolts, as most modern head bolts are "torque to yield" which means when they are installed, they are torqued to a certain value (75 ft. lbs. is common) and then turned a FURTHER 1/4-1/2 turn, which actually stretches the bolt. They cannot be reused. You also have to follow a recommended torquing pattern, otherwise warpage of the component can result. Get a Chilton's(Clymers brand for motorcycles) brand manual for the vehicle you are working on, as this book will have the torque values and torquing sequences.

Answer 8

They are absolutely necessary. In order for a bolt to stay tight, it stretches a certain amount to maintain the tension thus not letting it come loose. A certain bolt for a certain application has a specific torque rating that it must yield to hold properly. If it is too tight or to loose the bolt will eventually come loose. Everything has a torque rating. You don't always need a torque wrench if you have a good feel for nuts and bolts, but on certain bolts like connecting rod bolts and head bolts you better use a torque wrench. As you gain experience working on cars and engines you'll know when you absolutely need the torque wrench or when you can get away with going by "feel".