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A torque wrench is a tool used to control and apply a specific torque to a fastener such as a bolt or a nut. Not only for the wheels, but also for any other bolted parts such as the cylinder head, a torque controlled solution must be used to tighten at the required torque.
For what purpose is a torque wrench used?
What is a torque wrench ? Used in car garages or in industry, a torque wrench is used to check and adjust the tightening torque of bolts, screws and nuts. A torque wrench is a precision tool which guarantees reliable and quality tightening.
Is a torque wrench necessary?
If you plan to do any major work on your engine or on some major powertrain components, you absolutely need a torque wrench. Overtightening cylinder-head bolts, for instance, can easily cause expensive damage and catastrophic coolant loss. Too-tight exhaust manifold bolts can cause the manifold to crack.
Can you use a torque wrench to undo bolts?
So long as users operate with caution and do not exceed the maximum torque, most torque wrenches can be used for undoing. By exceeding the maximum torque limit during a bolt loosening you can affect the wrench accuracy, causing problems for future use. If in any doubt, use another tool for loosening bolts.
How does a torque wrench measure torque?
When the wrench is used to apply torque, the lever bends and the indicating beam stays straight. Thus, the end of the indicating beam points to the magnitude of the torque that is currently being applied. This type of wrench is simple, inherently accurate, and inexpensive.
Do I need a torque wrench for my bicycle?
Torque wrenches have become a must-have in the last few years because there’s so much carbon fibre and very light aluminium in modern bikes. Clamps around carbon components can easily do damage if over-tightened, so a torque wrench is essential if you’re handling such gear.
Is a torque wrench necessary for bikes?
Unless you’re a master bike mechanic or intuitively know how to apply precise force measurements, you should USE a torque wrench to tighten nuts and bolts to specific bicycle manufacture specifications. Also, most bicycle manufacturer’s warranties can be voided unless a torque wrench was used.
What happens if you dont use a torque wrench?
Too tight and something will break, it may be the thread on the bolt, or much worse the thread on in the hole. Bolts will also break, sometimes leaving a very hard to remove bit in your frame.
Does a spark plug need a torque wrench?
Spark plugs should be torqued to manufacturers’ specifications. However, it is possible to tighten the plugs satisfactorily without a torque wrench.
Is it OK to use a torque wrench as a ratchet?
In these applications, a torque wrench is the proper tool to use instead of a plain ratchet. Fortunately, in all but the tightest or most specialized of applications, ratchet torque wrenches can be used.
Should you double click a torque wrench?
Double checking your torque is never a bad thing. By double clicking, you are allowing the fastener to rest for a second, then you are back at it to get the proper amount of torque there.
How do you use a torque wrench for beginners?
To use a torque wrench, adjust the handle and set it to a specific level of torque. Use the tightener on the end of the handle to lock it in place. Then, fit it over the socket, nut, or bolt and turn it clockwise to tighten it. When you’re done, turn the settings on the handle back to 0 and store it somewhere safe.
Why is it important to torque the wheels with a torque wrench?
When installing the wheels on a vehicle after servicing, it is important to torque the lug nuts properly. Lug nuts that are not tightened correctly can ruin wheels, affect rotor runout and can be deadly if the wheel comes off or studs snap. Over-torqueing the lug nuts does not affect runout immediately.
Can a torque wrench be used as a breaker bar?
Torque Wrench Use and Care Tips Tighten fasteners in two steps—first to half torque and then to final torque. Clean dirty or rusted threads before tightening, but don’t lubricate them unless instructed to by the equipment manufacturer. Never use your torque wrench as a breaker bar—that’ll damage the torque mechanism.
Do you need torque wrench for stem?
Eventually, after riding your bike over many miles, you’ll have to tighten them with an Allen key or wrench. If your bike is made of carbon fibre, most of the bolts have certain specifications. At your seatpost clamp or handlebar stem, you can see a 7 Nm or 5 Nm. To do that, you need a torque wrench, a precision tool.
What torque should handlebars?
Got Torque ? Bottom Bracket Bottom bracket cups 300-360 lb/in (32.9-40.7 Nm) Handlebar clamp welded stems 100-120 lb/in (11.3-13.6 Nm) Handlebar clamp forged stems 150-180 lb/in (17-20.3 Nm) Handlebar clamp with carbon fiber handlebar 100 lb/in (11.3 Nm).
How do I know how much torque I need?
Torque is defined the length of the lever arm multiplied by the force applied. For instance, if you have a two-foot long bar and you hang a 10-pound weight from it, you have 20 foot/pounds of torque.
How do I know how much torque my bolts are?
The marking check: After tightening the bolt, mark the bolt surface and that of the product or workpiece. Then loosen the bolt. Re-tighten it until the markings re-align. The torque needed to return the bolt to its original position is the torque value of the bolt.
How long do torque wrenches last?
As per the official website of the International Organization of Standardization, ISO 6789 states that a torque wrench should be re-calibrated every 5000 uses or every 12 months.
