Do you have torque specs memorized?

holligl

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How many of you have all the torques memorized for the wheel installations (and oil changes)? I don't trust my memory so I keep them on my phone.

On the other hand, how many of you just leave the torque wrench in the drawer and use your calibrated wrist?

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RCinNC

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LOL, this is on Page 3 of my quick reference guide that I keep on my phone (and tablet, and laptop)...



I do tend to use the calibrated wrist method for a lot if things, though. I never use the torque wrench for the oil pan drain bolts or the ABS sensors, for example.
 

Gerard

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Aug 20, 2020
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Sydney Australia
I hardly ever use torque wrench and for the bolts that really matters on the bike like the crankcase bolts around the crankshaft and the cylinder head bolt you use a tightening angle after your initial tightening, say 60 degrees, which is a more accurate way as the friction in the bolt head and threat will make a big difference in your final tightening angle. And most of the torque wrenches available are just rubbish. The only ones i really trust are the deflection beam torque wrenches
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cyclemike4

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ky
Pretty much go by feel on about all of it. Some things I will dig a torque wrench out that I feel need to be set perfect.
 

OldRider

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The only thing I have ever used a TW for is engine building. After 49 years in the service department you have a feel for just how tight things are and how tight they need to be.
 

Eville Rich

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Sep 15, 2016
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Wisconsin, USA
I try to memorize the n-m torque values, but do a lot by feel. I started using torque wrenches less or more cautiously after an older one I had went way out of calibration and snapped some brake caliper bolts on a car.

My only caution about going by feel is that you need to watch the wrenches you are using. 20 lb-ft feels different between shorter and longer wrenches. So I still use torque wrenches for some things. Especially when it's not something I do regularly. Oil pan plug bolts, no issue. Axle nuts, brake caliper bolts, or lug nut torque - I still use a torque wrench.

Eville Rich
 

lund

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Jul 8, 2019
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Okanagan Valley, Canada.
In the powersport world I have several torque wrenches by my side when I'm working on them. I don't use cheap wrenches, Snap-on.
And one torque wrench will not cover all jobs.
I learnt very quickly that alot of the material used in powersport will damage very easily such as the casting's.
Overtightening is a very common mistake, even though you think you have the correct torque on a fasteners, it is unlikely and more likely over torqued. I have seen more stripped threaded holes and fractured bolts on motorcycles and powersport in general then any other motorized vehicle application. That is when I know if a butcher was last to work on it or not...LOL
Another tool sitting next to me is Loc-tite. Using the correct loc-tite will protect the fasteners from seizing and prevent them from loosening from vibration. A mistake many make with loc-tite is TOO MUCH, you only need a drop and also too much loc-tite will effect the torque yield.

No I do not memorize the torque values no need, that is what a service manual is for, electronic or paper. Every tech is requires to have the service info in our shop before even starting a job. Including checking for service updates.
 
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