Do I need two torque wrenchs

[The ModFather]

Do I need two torque wrenches to cover the range of torques on my 2005 Monster 620. I was looking at a 10-50 ft/lbs and a 40-200 ft/lbs both CDI. Any tips here?

[BK_856er]

I have the following CDI torque wrenches for my bikes:

5-30 Nm (for the small jobs)
10-100 Nm
30-250 Nm (for the big jobs)

I try not to use the lowest ranges on any of them.  Been happy with the brand.

Bob

[scduc]

Need is a term that is debatable. If you are doing internal engine work, some of the values are quite high. The flywheel nut is supposed to be 200 or something ft lbs. I did mine with an impact wrench. Figured if it was able to loosen it, then it would definitely tighten it. And the larger wrenches are big bucks. Then there is the "right tool for the right job" theory. Which in a perfect world we all would have the proper tools. So, if you are not perfect or have money flowing out your butt, then I say live with the 10 to 50 and save the 200 for rental or a good find to buy so you can just borrow it if needed.

[The ModFather]

The only thing that worries me about rentals is if they're out of spec. I went to rent a Torque wrench at Autozone and it wasnt zero'd out and they told me they do not calibrate them so I said no thanks.

All I'm doing is tire changes, oil changes and taking off the top triple to put some clip-ons on.

Rick

[ducpainter]

The only thing that worries me about rentals is if they're out of spec. I went to rent a Torque wrench at Autozone and it wasnt zero'd out and they told me they do not calibrate them so I said no thanks.

All I'm doing is tire changes, oil changes and taking off the top triple to put some clip-ons on.

Rick

If you have any wrenching experience at all...

you don't need a torque wrench for any of that.

If you have no experience then rent one and get an idea of the feel of it.

It isn't rocket science

[Thermite]

I need two.  They're a lifetime investment if you take care of them so the long-term cost is pretty low.

If you stay out of the engine you don't absolutely need them but you do see a lot of this guy  on the forum posted by people who don't torque bolts.

[The ModFather]

So whats the verdict here? Do I or I dont need a torque wrench for tires, oil and top triple? I've got a craftsman beam torque wrench I've been using for oil changes up till now and was worried it wasn't precise enough for the various bolts I'll need to fasten in the upcoming tire changes and Cycle-Cat Clip-Ons I'll be doing. If the consensus is I wont need one that would be great.

[He Man]

If you have any wrenching experience at all...

you don't need a torque wrench for any of that.

If you have no experience then rent one and get an idea of the feel of it.

It isn't rocket science

echo.

torque ranges are based on the bolt. not the item its holding on. most bolts on the bike are the same. M5 or M6, youll get the hang of it quickly.

if you are going to buy one, buy a good one. the cheap ones have never really lasted me.

[suzyj]

Don't forget a torque screwdriver, so you can get the right torque on your brake reservoir cap when you change the brake fluid!

http://uk.farnell.com/gedore/755-05/torque-screwdriver-1-13-6nm/dp/9791507

[Roaduser]

plenty of mechanics only have one, and the amount of times a year they will actually pull it out of the draw could probably be counted on one hand easily!

one medium to small torque wrench is more than enough for a back yard maintenance guy. even major work can be done with common sense and a medium wrench. if all your doing is a top triple, oil changes and tyres, its really not worth the $$$ to buy even one imo.

and suzyj, thats pretty awesome!! haha i didnt realise someone made such an item!

[sofadriver]

So whats the verdict here? Do I or I dont need a torque wrench for tires, oil and top triple? I've got a craftsman beam torque wrench I've been using for oil changes up till now and was worried it wasn't precise enough for the various bolts I'll need to fasten in the upcoming tire changes and Cycle-Cat Clip-Ons I'll be doing. If the consensus is I wont need one that would be great.

no you don't need anything better than that

[Armor]

My opinion, you need two.  One for low torque like the spark plugs, and one for high torque, like the clutch hub nut.

[corey]

I bought two torque wrenches from CA-Cycleworks â€" one of our sponsors â€" and could not be happier. Especially considering the price. I figure, if they weren't good enough, Chris wouldn't sell them.

http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=torque+wrench&x=0&y=0

Like $75 for both wrenches, with cases too. I've been using them for like 3 or 4 years now without flaw.

[The ModFather]

wow thats a great deal. If these things are decent I'm all over them. 

[Thermite]

torque ranges are based on the bolt. not the item its holding on.

Disagree. 

Obvious exceptions are pinch bolts, threads tapped into aluminum with steel fasteners and specialty items like spark plugs.

I don't see anything wrong with torquing the list above as well as bearing caps, head bolts, axle nuts and anything that is pattern-torqued.  I also use a level when I do projects around the house even though my eyes can almost tell if something is level or plumb.