Torque wrench
 

Being a DIY monkey, im embarking on a journey to do some simpler jobs on the bike myself. To that end, Im looking at buying a torque wrench, but havent got a clue what Im looking for! Any pointers?

[Edited on 24-3-2005 by khu996]

probably better to get 2. one for the small bolts and one for the really high torque needed on some of the big bolts

Most decent quality ones will do an adequate job. One that "clicks" when you reach the preset torque level will probably be the easiest to use as opposed to the analogue pointer types. You probably want a torque range from about 15-200 Nm.

Here are a couple example:
Low priced from Screwfix
Another lower priced example

Of course, you can spend well over £100 for top quality ones. As usual, you pretty much get what you pay for.

RIDE mag rated some a few months ago. Halfords own came out top - about £50 each. They do them in different torque ranges as well.

Ive got the Sealey one, has done the job for the last few years, cheap aswell.

Thanks lads. Ive been looking on fleabay, and can see the usual crap that you see in pound shops all over the country! :lol:

So, I should spend a reasonable amount and get a quality branded one?

Hello Khu996



I bought a Torque wrench in Argos (£20 or there abouts) big beasty. Ok for rear wheel, engine bolts etc

But does the job.

Cheap and chearful . .

regards

TopiToo

[Edited on 15-07-1968 by TopiToo]

The Halfords Professional ones are great...they also come with a no quibble lifetime guarantee.
Bear in mind that you can go as low as 7Nm on 6mm fasteners so that may be worth thinking about as a low end value

Felix, I like the look of the Sealey you provided the link to, thanks.

As for working on my bike, should I go for a 3/8 or 1/2" drive?

get the one that fits your socket set 1/2 is best for general use but if you go to 3/4 and get a set of reducer sockets i.e 3/4 to 1/2 and 1/2 to 3/8 and also 3/8 to 1/4 youll have a tool to do everything-- although the smaller sizenuts and bolts you should really get a small torque wrench for -- thats what i do any way - but you havent got to listen to me i know nothin:D

Go for half inch drive. Using a torque wrench on anything smaller than 3/8" size sockets is pretty pointless. Your hand is your friend there.

Difficult to tell the two apart. I have one just like that by Draper same blue box etc.I paid £20 for it . Does the back wheel nut up on the 996 at 172nm and as we no, that tighter than a duck's ar8e. Better to get a long shifting bar to undue it first if its been tightened with a power /air tool. 4D

Felix, The bikes look ace Love the colour scheme.:burn:

[Edited on 25-3-2005 by Fordie]

Now theres a surprise ..... :P

Dibble go and do some house work and stop bothering me. ;)

Thanks for your help with the mock-ups, Pete. Have a look in the race section for more pics.

I've got a brand new Facom 1/2" drive torque wrench for sale if anyone wants it

How much do you want for it mate?

PM me your email

I have a 3/8 drive draper,and a 1/2 drive, 60 nm to160 (i think)that i use for work.We have a guy comes around twice a year to check the calibration.He was round last week,thay doth passed ok,ive had them about 3 years.I think i paid about £20 each.

Just a pointer the lower the torque range the more expensive they are as the more accurate they have to be, cheap low range torque range wrenches tend to be less accurate. If you do by a low range one don’t leave the wrench set as this can effect its accuracy. Mines by a company called Norbar and is actually made in England!

http://www.hd-tools.com/stores/system/index.html

Cool. I think Im gonna get one small one and one moster!

lane748, Ive u2ud you my email address...