Torque Wrench Values

[h0wz3r]

I'm after a torque wrench at the moment for my R1200GS and I've found a good one from Halfords (their professional range, supposedly very good?)

Their lowest range torque wrench goes from 8 to 60Nm which is a broader and more useful range than others I've looked at but I wondered if this would be suitable for most jobs? It costs £49.99. The drive size is 3/8" so I would need a 3/8" to 1/4" converter for the smaller sockets in my socket set.

Having looked at the torque values for my bike though they can range from 1 - 5Nm for the smaller bolts, will this be a problem? The lowest range I can find on a torque wrench goes from about 5Nm up to about 25Nm but the upper limit is too low for my needs. I can't find one that goes from 1Nm upwards though.

I will need a wrench with a broader range at some point and again Halfords do one of two - 40Nm - 200Nm (£49.99) or 60Nm - 300Nm (£59.99) but there's no rush for this one, I'll buy one when I need one.

 

[Wapping]

You have answered your own question.

Smallest range bolts need 1-5 nm - The wrench you are looking at is 8 - 60nm.

Q. Is this a problem?

A. Only if you want to torque something to less that 8nm.

Sensibly, the lower torque values you can definitely get away with 'gently tight plus a quarter turn'. In other words, don't give it a Superman wrench, just treat it like a normal bolt.

Many of the bolts / nuts show a ridiculous need for torque values, the wing mirror nuts and the mushrooms for the vanilla GS luggage for example. You would be a sad basted to start torquing those.

As to the bigger values? Well, you tell us you are going to wait. Rather like your buying of the 3/8 - 1/4 converter....That's great

Here from a quick Google is one down to 2nm http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-34570-Ratchet-Torque-Wrench/dp/B0001K9T2O

 

[Owen Snell]

BMW go a bit over the top, with torque values for every fixing on the bike. Torque wrenches used to be reserved for critical components where a correct bolt tension is important, like cylinder head bolts. You really don't need a torque wrench to tighten up the pinch bolt on the gear lever or the mounting screw for the rear mud guard.

If you are worried about the small stuff when you work on the bike, just check them a week after doing the work to make sure they are still OK.

The 8 - 60 Nm range will do what's important.

 

[h0wz3r]

You have answered your own question.

Smallest range bolts need 1-5 nm - The wrench you are looking at is 8 - 60nm.

Q. Is this a problem?

A. Only if you want to torque something to less that 8nm.

... You would be a sad basted to start torquing those.

LOL, a simple question requires a simple answer I guess!

What I was really asking was is a bolt that requires less than the lowest value (8Nm) really worth torquing?

From your cheeky but apt response the answer to that would be no!

I've found a Draper one that does 10 - 80Nm but is a lot cheaper - £19.87. Might go for that one as 50 quid is a lot for a tool, even if it is supposed to be good!

 

[claw]

Found this link a few days ago, i did have another in my favourites list but i can't find it, that was all in english!! Anyway this will be of some help

http://www.bmwgsclub.nl/R1200GS-torque.htm

 

[Red Rock]

I bought the Draper one, it's fine. - As said before 5-8Nm on a non-critical bolt just needs nipping down by hand. The main benefit I've found is to ensure I don't overtighten stuff. It's amazing how light 20Nm is. Before using a torque-wrench I'd give some of these fixings like caliper bolts a big shoulderfull and way overdo it.

 

[OldCroc]

I bought the Draper one, it's fine. -

I bought two Draper ones - the smaller one and a bigger one, Used the small one about 5-6 times then tried to torque the bolts on the rear caliper and snapped one off - torque wrench fekked I suppose I got what I paid for....


OldCroc

 

[Owen Snell]

......tried to torque the bolts on the rear caliper and snapped one off - torque wrench fekked I suppose I got what I paid for....

Make sure to get a torque wrench with a calibration certificate. Halford's professional includes a cert.