Topic: Torque Values for Frame - when to use a torque wrench?

[The Gurg]

Newbie question: can I torque everything on the frame using a torque wrench to spec? Or will I start to snap fasteners?

I know some guys gauge torque by feel, like for six millimeter bolts they snug the fastener then go a couple flats more to approximate 90ish inch pounds. As a beginner, I don’t quite have that feel down, so I want to use the torque wrench as a crutch. Seems like there are somethings your supposed to use the torque wrench on, but there is an unspoken rule that for other things you go by feel. Broke some bolts on an oil pan and had someone on the forum tell me I shouldn’t be using a torque wrench on an oil pan. Turned out my torque wrench was off, so I bought a better one and calibrated it. Another example, tightened the points cover to spec and it bent the cover. Points covers can’t be tightened to spec, but didn’t see that info anywhere. Learned the hard way.

So, for example, is it correct to tighten the 10mm nut on the kick stand to 22ft lbs? What about the little six millimeter bolt on the rubber kick stand toe?

[69cb750]

Sure, you can use a torque wrench.
After working on bikes for some time you can torque by feel.

[DaveBarbier]

I tend to torque everything by the book except those 6mm screws. For them I just use a quarter inch ratchet and choke up on it so I’m not really even on the handle. Pretty much just twisting the head of the ratchet. Then I give them a good strong tightening. Choking up on it really limits leverage.

[jonda500]

It must be a very small torque wrench if it can be set low enough to accurately torque sump and kick stand rubber M6 bolts!
John
ps to learn the feel of the right torque don't use the full length of the handle on little bolts

[The Gurg]

Jonda500 it’s a small snap on torque wrench looks more like a surgical instrument than a mechanics tool. The range is 40-200 inch pounds, so I actually have a bit of a gap between my inch pound wrench and my foot pound wrench (starts at 20). Don’t ask me to torque anything to 18ft lbs, cause it ain’t happening.

Appreciate the insight everyone!

[Kelly E]

I use a WWII vintage Plumb brand 1/4" long extension for the small stuff. It's 8" long and quite skinny, like 1/8", I've never checked it. It works like a torque stick as in it will only tighten something until it starts to twist. It is perfect for 6mm bolts going into soft aluminium. The only time it has stripped something the threads were already damaged. I've never seen another one like it.

[BigJimG]

If anyone is looking for a decent torque wrench for small torque values, check out the bicycle tool shops, Park Tool, Performance Bike, Jenson USA, Chain Reaction, etc.  Modern bicycles often have carbon fibre structural components that are VERY critical to small torque values. 

[PeWe]

I use torque wrench for most M6 and M5 (rocker arm shafts).
I have wrecked too many threads during all years.
It is very useful.

Hazet 1/4 sockets  2.5-25Nm
Link as reference only
https://www.toolteam24.com/en-GB/hazet-torque-wrench-nm-min-max-2-5-25-nm-tolerance-4-square-solid-6-3-mm-1-4-inch-5108-2ct-4000896119752.html

For head and clutch center nut Hazet 1/2" sockets 10-60 Nm

I could never imagine how often I should use them when I ordered them!