Triumphrat

dazco · 07-17-2005

I got the cheap one that was on sale for 64 bucks. The instructions are worthless. The one thing i'm unsure of is how to set it for low setting like 10 LBS. On the metal shaft there is a "tree" of numbers that get higher as it goes up. The collar when turned right gradually moves up and you stop turning it when it reaches the number you want. then the numbers on the collar can be added to get odd numbers. go to 50 and set it to 5 on the collar and it's set to 55 for nexample.

Ok, so you all know this probably, as i'm sure it's a typical TW. However, how do i set it for numbers under 25, which is the lowest number on the tree? And do the numbers that nare fractions BELOW the top numbers on the collar have something to do with it? Or does this thing only go as low as 25? If so, i just threw away 70 bucks because looking at the torqe guide for my bike a lot or even most of the bolts are under 25.

[ This message was edited by: dazco on 2005-07-18 14:51 ]

CarlS · 07-17-2005

Dazco, first check the torque range of the wrench. The box it came in should state the torque range. I have a wrench that has a range from 25 to 150 and one with a range from 10 to 120 (I think).

dazco · 07-18-2005

Yep.....25-250 LBS. ***** ! And it's a long story, but i can't return it. I'll just have to chance the under 25 LB bolts because i'm not about to spend more on a second one. I've just been spending so much on accessories and tools for this bike since i got it, and the list is never ending. i Never even thought of a minimum when i bought it. I just assumed the max torque was the important factor and figured they'd all go as low as needed.

So basically it's 70 bucks down the tubes because looking at the pdf file i have it shows the vast majority of bolts on the bike are under 25, many way under. Well, live and learn...........and go broke at the same time.

Wooly · 07-18-2005

It's a fact of life that most workshops carry at least 2, and sometime more, torque wrenches to cover the range usually required.

Even if you find one that will cater for the low ranges as well as higher figures, such as the torque required for the chain sprocket nut for example, the wrench is usually too heavy and bulky for the extreme low ranges and usually a lighter, more easily handled wrench is to be preferred.

Phil.

vonbonds · 07-18-2005

Dazco, look at this as an opportunity to start building a tool chest in your garage. I have 2 torque wrenches now and will buy whatever I need when my next task is upon me. I always get the proper tool for the job. It is amazing how easy DIY is with the correct equipment.

Tom

dazco · 07-18-2005

Quote:

If you need one for lower ranges get a beam torque wrench, they are less expensive & they do every thing that the ratcheting click type do except ratchet

Excellent idea, thanks! I pretty much wrote those off as a candidate since i was only going to buy one and didn't mind buying a decent one. But now that i need a second one, that's a great solution since they're very cheap. Gotta be better than no torque wrench at all, right? At least it should get me in the ballpark. Good call.

CarlS · 07-18-2005

Dazco, one of my two torque wrenches is the beam type. It works just fine. As Smokenstogie said, just take care of them properly and they will serve you a long time. The nice thing about a beam type is that you can calibrate it yourself.

Shorty · 07-18-2005

dazco....I calibrate hundreds (not kidding) of torque wrenches a year and would not feel bad about using a beam type torque wrench. I find that they are just about as accurate as the snap-on brands I calibrate here at work.
They might look Low-Tech to many of us, but I find them to be within 5% accurate in almost all cases. Even the higher priced clicker ones are only good for about 3% of scale and I would not use one at the lowest range setting anyway because the accuracy of the first 20% of the scale is not assured.
One recomendation, put the torque wrench in a vise and exercise the range a couple of times before you use it and as some of the others have already said in the threads above...you will probably wind up with at least 2 if not 3 Torque wrenches to be able to comply with all the various torque settings of your bike.

Shorty

dazco · 07-18-2005

Geez.......when i first asked about one i was told the beam type are junk. I would have bought that type otherwise. Now i hear they're quite good ! Wish i knew this 2 days ago.....Arrrrrg !

Shorty · 07-18-2005

They're not junk. the newer style clicker types have a better resolution because you can dial in a value (example 125) where as on a beam type you might have to check the reading at between 120 and 130 on the needle.
Still well within 5%...maybe that's why alot of them are still floating around in old Wrencher's tool boxes.
Torque wrenches are not accurate unless you can afford some of the 1% or 2% accuracy snap-ons at about $350 and up each (personally, I could buy alot of beer and cigars for that).

Shorty