Sonix

iTrader: (1)

I have no idea which forum to use to ask "where do I buy", so here it is.

I can't for the life of me find a 1/4" (20-200in/lbs) beam style torque wrench. An industrial supplier here doesn't carry them, NAPA doesn't have any, EBAY doesn't show any. Snap on showed one I think, but I find it hard to justify spending $300 on a tool I may use 4 times.

I need this to measure the bearing preload in my rear end, as well as torquing up things like oil pan bolts ( I could use a click style wrench for this, but why buy two?)

If anyone has purchased one and knows of a supplier, please let me know! Hopefully they're willing to ship to Canada... *cough Mcmastercarr sucks cough*

formula_pilot

A dial type torque wrench will do the job for you just as well as a beam type, and they are more common to find. If you need it for measuring the pinion bearing preload in your rear, I do not recommend the 20-200 in lb scale you mentioned. The reason is, most pinion bearings are set somewhere in the 8-25 in lb range, and a 20-200 scale wrench will not give you the precision you need for that job. I bought a 0-30 in-lb dial type for doing pinion bearings, but a 0-75 would also work well and be more useful for other jobs due to the larger scale. You can find dial type torque wrenches on ebay.

Sonix

iTrader: (1)

I couldn't find a torque wrench with lower than 20in/lbs. I also couldn't find any in/lbs torque wrenches in the beam style at all.
If you can find me a link i'd greatly appreciate it.

The dial type won't really work for bearing preload, because to get the movement started it takes more torque than to keep it moving, and I want to measure the torque it takes to keep it moving. It'll click as I get it moving, and then I have no idea how much torque it takes to keep it going. Know what I mean?

Guest

Sears. They show a KD Tools in in/lb, to 60 in/lb.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...orque+Wrenches

They may not have it in your local store (you do have one right? I know I've been to a couple up there), but you should be able to order one or maybe find a KD supplier. I dont care for the range, 60 in/lb isnt much.

naf

iTrader: (7)

I picked one up at NAPA a few years back for ~$50. Looked exactly like the one in the link madmax posted. You may want to try there again with a different counter person? Especially if it's buy locally or pay super extra for shipping.

Sonix

iTrader: (1)

Alright, called up the local Sears store (I'm really getting annoyed by talking to ladies who work the tool counter... I mean, I'd really prefer to talk to an old gruff sounding guy, that way I can skip the 5 minutes explaining WHAT it even is... Plus an older guy has probably actually held, and used, a beam style torque wrench...)
The local Sears of course doesn't have any, and they can't order them in. I'd have to do it online.
Tried the main napa (the warehouse in town), again, they seem to think this is some ancient tool as if i'm trying to build a wagon for my Amish friends or something...
I guess i'll have to mail order it from Sears. 60inlbs should be ok for me, after that I can use my ft lbs 3/8" one.

formula_pilot

A dial type torque wrench has a needle that reads the torque from "zero" to whatever the upper scale limit. It is not a "click type". It provides an actual measurement of the torque. Here is a link showing what they look like. It is the perfect tool for measuring preload on the bearings.


http://www.stanleyproto.com/default....meter+Kilogram

formula_pilot

The link did not work, here is a picture of a dial torque wrench.

Sonix

iTrader: (1)

oooohhhhh, I thought it was one and the same as a click style
Alright then, i'll see whats available in that style...

Sonix

iTrader: (1)

Ok, so those are very expensive. Starting at $200 on ebay. I can't find a source for it locally either.
I'll keep my eyes peeled for this I guess. I'll just go by feel and snug up my oil pan bolts for now

formula_pilot

I bought a Snap-On dial type on ebay for $50 (used).

formula_pilot

The torque on the pan bolts is not that critical- better off being too loose than too tight and distorting the gasket. To stay on the safe side, you could use a stubby 1/4" drive ratchet and one hand to prevent overtorqing.

When you do your rear end bearings, make sure you have a proper torque wrench. Proper preload on the pinion bearings is very important.

Sonix

iTrader: (1)

Yea, it weeps a little bit from the very front seal on my oil pan, with a rubber 1 piece felpro. I wasn't sure if I was too tight and warped it, or too loose. That's why I wanted a torque wrench for that.

I'll buy a dial one when I get around to re-re-rebuilding my rear end and putting in a posi.

I'll keep my eye on ebay. Thanks

formula_pilot

Here is a link to a beam type torque wrench, 0-60 in_lb, on sale now for $35. It would work for pinion bearing preload if you can not get a deal on a dial type.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4219

Sonix

iTrader: (1)

oh, damn, thanks man.
I just picked up a dial torque wrench, 0-75in/lbs the other night off ebay. Used, and $42, but I think it'll work for me in many ways.
Thanks for the thought though.