Torque wrench question

[gfaltersack]

Having my triglide back tires on and off several times in this 90 degree weather adjusting and testing shock preload I'm finding I have lost torque every single time even after retorquing. I'm now questioning the 1/2" drive torque wrench accuracy my son got me for xmas about 15 years ago. After reading numerous comments on the various forums including trike talk proper torque of triglide back rims and maintaining it is extremely important. After examining the wrench there is zero information anywhere as to brand but has a tiny stamping on a rivet saying Taiwan. I'm thinking I might want to replace it but asking anyone out there for brand advice, accuracy relative to price and all that good stuff. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[trike lady]

I used expensive Snap-on torque wrenches.

 

[nucseal]

Mine are Craftman's

 

[Notgrownup]

Harbor freight Quinn is my last one i just bought to replace a Craftsman that took a crap.

 

[Zammy]

I have a set from Harbor Freight, haven't had any problems

 

[Dan SC]

Whenever you install an aluminum wheel you should check the torque after 500 miles or so.

The Tri Glide service manual will tell you that.

Same for any vehicle with aluminum wheels.

 

[David792]

Having my triglide back tires on and off several times in this 90 degree weather adjusting and testing shock preload I'm finding I have lost torque every single time even after retorquing. I'm now questioning the 1/2" drive torque wrench accuracy my son got me for xmas about 15 years ago. After reading numerous comments on the various forums including trike talk proper torque of triglide back rims and maintaining it is extremely important. After examining the wrench there is zero information anywhere as to brand but has a tiny stamping on a rivet saying Taiwan. I'm thinking I might want to replace it but asking anyone out there for brand advice, accuracy relative to price and all that good stuff. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Are you torquing them to 90 lbs? I use a 3/8 drive torque wrench and 90 lbs is right near the top of it's scale. Your 1/2" drive wrench should have 90 about mid range so it should be even better. I still have the cases to both my torque wrenches so branding is not a problem, but I still think they are cheap. Take your torque wrench to a parts store and see if they can test it or find a buddy and compare some torque values. Either way, if you only tighten them with a breaker bar (like most of us do) they should not come loose.

 

[gfaltersack]

Thanks for all the helpful tips including comparing torque with another torque wrench. Given the fact my 1/2" drive wrench has no name on it makes me wonder what the mfg was hiding?? I'll pursue one of the above mentioned brands if a comparison with another "reliable" torque wrench shows major inaccuracy!

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Having my triglide back tires on and off several times in this 90 degree weather adjusting and testing shock preload I'm finding I have lost torque every single time even after retorquing. I'm now questioning the 1/2" drive torque wrench accuracy my son got me for xmas about 15 years ago. After reading numerous comments on the various forums including trike talk proper torque of triglide back rims and maintaining it is extremely important. After examining the wrench there is zero information anywhere as to brand but has a tiny stamping on a rivet saying Taiwan. I'm thinking I might want to replace it but asking anyone out there for brand advice, accuracy relative to price and all that good stuff. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Craftsman

 

[Papa Zook]

Tekton cannot be beat for quality, price and warranty. They only sell direct from their website or through Amazon. Their entire line of tools is very high quality and when you open an account, you get free shipping on orders over $25 and 10% back in rewards added to your account that can be applied to any future order. Tekton

 

[Koolbreeze]

As above, Tekton is great for the garage mechanic. Get this set and it will cover most everything you need with regards to torque. $165.00 for all three.

Amazon.com

 

[Marc H]

Mine are leftover from my mechanic days.Mac 1/2 Matco 3/8 Snap On 1/4.

 

[Notgrownup]

As above, Tekton is great for the garage mechanic. Get this set and it will cover most everything you need with regards to torque. $165.00 for all three.

Amazon.com

View attachment 126322

That’s a nice set

 

[ultrafxr]

If I understand your post it seems you are questioning if your torque wrench is so far off that you didn't actually torque the lug nuts to the proper spec and because of that they backed off.

There are YouTube videos on how to check (and adjust) the accuracy of your torque wrench. Not terribly difficult to do. I checked and adjusted all three of mine a couple years back. They were not off my much even after several years of intermittent use.

 

[gfaltersack]

Very good advice verifying the important need to have trike talk forums

 

[Jack Klarich]

Having my triglide back tires on and off several times in this 90 degree weather adjusting and testing shock preload I'm finding I have lost torque every single time even after retorquing. I'm now questioning the 1/2" drive torque wrench accuracy my son got me for xmas about 15 years ago. After reading numerous comments on the various forums including trike talk proper torque of triglide back rims and maintaining it is extremely important. After examining the wrench there is zero information anywhere as to brand but has a tiny stamping on a rivet saying Taiwan. I'm thinking I might want to replace it but asking anyone out there for brand advice, accuracy relative to price and all that good stuff. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have used many torque wrenches, I like my Snap Ons the best

 

[Burnerboy]

Snap on's for my usage

Ronnie
7/6/24

 

[Jd1a]

Proto and Craftsman, both work.