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techtalk:ref:tools025 [2022/09/09 18:41] – [Torque Wrench Care and Usage, Related Charts and Information] hippysmack | techtalk:ref:tools025 [2024/01/23 01:49] (current) – hippysmack | ||
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====== Torque Wrench Care and Usage, Related Charts and Information ====== | ====== Torque Wrench Care and Usage, Related Charts and Information ====== | ||
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- | ====== Is a Torque Wrench Really Necessary? ====== | ||
+ | ====== Is a Torque Wrench Really Necessary? ====== | ||
* **Best answer is, if there is a torque spec written in the manual, it's best to use a torque wrench on that fastener**. \\ The torque values are written so you don't break parts while installing things. \\ Arrogance when wrenching can end up with broken bolts and parts. \\ Some have the gift of ' | * **Best answer is, if there is a torque spec written in the manual, it's best to use a torque wrench on that fastener**. \\ The torque values are written so you don't break parts while installing things. \\ Arrogance when wrenching can end up with broken bolts and parts. \\ Some have the gift of ' | ||
- | * Some people strip threads with torque wrenches. It depends on the person using the wrench. ((Oldwrench of the XLFORUM | + | * Some people strip threads with torque wrenches. It depends on the person using the wrench. ((Oldwrench of the XLFORUM |
* Sometimes 'hand tight plus a nudge' is good enough for non-critical fasteners. \\ However, parts like heads and sprockets need a certain clamp load or they will not perform well or even break loose while riding. | * Sometimes 'hand tight plus a nudge' is good enough for non-critical fasteners. \\ However, parts like heads and sprockets need a certain clamp load or they will not perform well or even break loose while riding. | ||
* A torque wrench allows you to get near the same clamp load on all the fasteners to a piece (evenly distributing the load). \\ Without a torque wrench, it's easy to tighten some fasteners tighter than others. \\ (like on a cam cover which will end up warping the cover) \\ Heat plays it's own roll on clamp load after you've put the torque wrench up and ride away. \\ The designed clamp load spec takes these things into account. | * A torque wrench allows you to get near the same clamp load on all the fasteners to a piece (evenly distributing the load). \\ Without a torque wrench, it's easy to tighten some fasteners tighter than others. \\ (like on a cam cover which will end up warping the cover) \\ Heat plays it's own roll on clamp load after you've put the torque wrench up and ride away. \\ The designed clamp load spec takes these things into account. | ||
======= Torque Wrench Maintenance ======= | ======= Torque Wrench Maintenance ======= | ||
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The more often a torque wrench is used the faster it will wear or go out of calibration. \\ | The more often a torque wrench is used the faster it will wear or go out of calibration. \\ | ||
Monitoring the number of cycles per day or total hours that a tool is used is the most accurate way to establish proper maintenance intervals. ((https:// | Monitoring the number of cycles per day or total hours that a tool is used is the most accurate way to establish proper maintenance intervals. ((https:// | ||
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* If using the beam type wrench, always check and ' | * If using the beam type wrench, always check and ' | ||
* If you drop a beam-style torque wrench and bend the pointer or scale, it obviously won’t read accurately. \\ You can try to bend things back to their original position and check calibration. \\ But you may or may not succeed in restoring it's accuracy. | * If you drop a beam-style torque wrench and bend the pointer or scale, it obviously won’t read accurately. \\ You can try to bend things back to their original position and check calibration. \\ But you may or may not succeed in restoring it's accuracy. | ||
- | * ** Torque wrenches are really misunderstood, | + | * ** Torque wrenches are really misunderstood, |
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====== Torque Wrench and Accuracy ====== | ====== Torque Wrench and Accuracy ====== | ||
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Accuracy across multiple bolts across a piece; \\ | Accuracy across multiple bolts across a piece; \\ | ||
Parts with multiple bolts to accomplish clamp force across the entire part (covers, head etc.) require all bolts to end up the same torque. \\ | Parts with multiple bolts to accomplish clamp force across the entire part (covers, head etc.) require all bolts to end up the same torque. \\ | ||
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====== Torque Wrench Calibration ====== | ====== Torque Wrench Calibration ====== | ||
[[techtalk: | [[techtalk: | ||
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====== Using a Torque Wrench ====== | ====== Using a Torque Wrench ====== | ||
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Proper torque procedures were used to initially build your bike. Skipping any of the advice below should be done at your own risk. \\ | Proper torque procedures were used to initially build your bike. Skipping any of the advice below should be done at your own risk. \\ | ||
Many engine tear-downs are the result of too much torque (or hunkering down) on a nut or bolt. Don't let it be you. \\ | Many engine tear-downs are the result of too much torque (or hunkering down) on a nut or bolt. Don't let it be you. \\ | ||
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* Any angle other than 90° puts the load on only one side of the fastener. \\ That sets you up to possible strip the corners on hex bolts or strip the center of Allen head / Torx head bolts. | * Any angle other than 90° puts the load on only one side of the fastener. \\ That sets you up to possible strip the corners on hex bolts or strip the center of Allen head / Torx head bolts. | ||
* **While applying torque, always use slow even motions**. \\ Applying torque too fast leads to fooling the torque wrench (and / or your eyes) before torque is actually reached. \\ Establish a pattern to follow every time to condition yourself not to make a mistake when it's counted. | * **While applying torque, always use slow even motions**. \\ Applying torque too fast leads to fooling the torque wrench (and / or your eyes) before torque is actually reached. \\ Establish a pattern to follow every time to condition yourself not to make a mistake when it's counted. | ||
- | * The clicker type torque wrench can click too fast or you can end with a temporary visual mistake with a beam wrench ((hippysmack from the XLFORUM | + | * The clicker type torque wrench can click too fast or you can end with a temporary visual mistake with a beam wrench ((hippysmack from the XLFORUM |
* The 1/4" clicker will go way beyond torque when used too fast. \\ By the time you hear the click, your still turning which could result in damaged bolts, bolt heads and even cracking the piece your working on. | * The 1/4" clicker will go way beyond torque when used too fast. \\ By the time you hear the click, your still turning which could result in damaged bolts, bolt heads and even cracking the piece your working on. | ||
**Pre-torque tightening**: | **Pre-torque tightening**: | ||
- | * **Start all of the fasteners in a component before you tighten any of them**...not even hand tight. Any misalignment of the part can side load the last fastener enough to prevent it starting or promote cross threading. ((Jollly Rogers from the XLFORUM | + | * **Start all of the fasteners in a component before you tighten any of them**...not even hand tight. Any misalignment of the part can side load the last fastener enough to prevent it starting or promote cross threading. ((Jollly Rogers from the XLFORUM |
* **By hand, all dry bolts should run in rather easily**. If not, there may be trash/ debris caught up in the threading (which can alter you reaching proper torque values). Turn all bolts in sequence by hand until snugged. | * **By hand, all dry bolts should run in rather easily**. If not, there may be trash/ debris caught up in the threading (which can alter you reaching proper torque values). Turn all bolts in sequence by hand until snugged. | ||
* **If you're using thread dressing** (oil, loctite / anti seize, etc.), these will induce drag on the bolt(s). You can use a socket, without the wrench, to turn the bolts to snug by hand. You will also need to reduce the final torque on your fasteners since thread dressings will add pre-load to the threads. This pre-load is added on top of your final torque. You can use the wet charts below as a guide to decide how to adjust your final torque. This will vary on how much and what type dressing is used on the threads as well as proper use of the torque wrench. | * **If you're using thread dressing** (oil, loctite / anti seize, etc.), these will induce drag on the bolt(s). You can use a socket, without the wrench, to turn the bolts to snug by hand. You will also need to reduce the final torque on your fasteners since thread dressings will add pre-load to the threads. This pre-load is added on top of your final torque. You can use the wet charts below as a guide to decide how to adjust your final torque. This will vary on how much and what type dressing is used on the threads as well as proper use of the torque wrench. | ||
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* Continue to turn the fastener, and allow the handle to rotate so that the pivot is the only thing contacting the beam. \\ Some handles have a pivot piece that you actually are holding. \\ Arrange it so the handle ' | * Continue to turn the fastener, and allow the handle to rotate so that the pivot is the only thing contacting the beam. \\ Some handles have a pivot piece that you actually are holding. \\ Arrange it so the handle ' | ||
* Keep your eyes looking straight at the center bar end and the torque scale. \\ It's hard to impossible to judge when the pointer is on the right value looking from the side. | * Keep your eyes looking straight at the center bar end and the torque scale. \\ It's hard to impossible to judge when the pointer is on the right value looking from the side. | ||
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{{: | {{: | ||
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====== Using " | ====== Using " | ||
See also, [[techtalk: | See also, [[techtalk: | ||
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If you don't possess the ' | If you don't possess the ' | ||
- | * Most of this applies to any wrench. ((Hippysmack of the XLFORUM | + | * Most of this applies to any wrench. ((Hippysmack of the XLFORUM |
- **First, you can't feel anything by swinging a torque wrench or any other kind of wrench too fast**. | - **First, you can't feel anything by swinging a torque wrench or any other kind of wrench too fast**. | ||
* The best way to approach tightening a fastener is to snug it up by hand (in a cross pattern on multiple bolt fastening). | * The best way to approach tightening a fastener is to snug it up by hand (in a cross pattern on multiple bolt fastening). | ||
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- **Torque Wrench Size**: | - **Torque Wrench Size**: | ||
* Quote from Toejam503 of the XLFORUM: | * Quote from Toejam503 of the XLFORUM: | ||
- | * I've always found that the lower end of the scale on a foot pound torque wrench isn't accurate enough for something rated in inch pounds. \\ 100-120 in/lbs has a lighter pull than 10 ft/lbs on a 150 foot lb torque wrench. ((http:// | + | * I've always found that the lower end of the scale on a foot pound torque wrench isn't accurate enough for something rated in inch pounds. \\ 100-120 in/lbs has a lighter pull than 10 ft/lbs on a 150 foot lb torque wrench. ((https://www.xlforum.net/ |
* You bet it does. \\ Ever notice an in/lb wrench is smaller, especially shorter, than a ft/lb wrench? \\ There is a leverage difference in the size of a wrench. \\ This goes to the concept of ' | * You bet it does. \\ Ever notice an in/lb wrench is smaller, especially shorter, than a ft/lb wrench? \\ There is a leverage difference in the size of a wrench. \\ This goes to the concept of ' | ||
* A smaller torque wrench will allow you to feel more than a larger one. \\ Flipping back and forth between beefy and wimpy wrenches of the same fastener size can confuse the sense of feel. \\ Ask yourself which 9/16" open/box end wrench you prefer, the short one or the longer thicker one? \\ The beefier ones give you more power for the pull and helps keep from bruising your hands more on high torque. \\ But the smaller ones allow you to feel more of the pull. \\ So it's a balance based off your strength and resilience as to which is the best to use when practicing " | * A smaller torque wrench will allow you to feel more than a larger one. \\ Flipping back and forth between beefy and wimpy wrenches of the same fastener size can confuse the sense of feel. \\ Ask yourself which 9/16" open/box end wrench you prefer, the short one or the longer thicker one? \\ The beefier ones give you more power for the pull and helps keep from bruising your hands more on high torque. \\ But the smaller ones allow you to feel more of the pull. \\ So it's a balance based off your strength and resilience as to which is the best to use when practicing " | ||
====== Will Using Extension / Adapters Change Torque Applied? | ====== Will Using Extension / Adapters Change Torque Applied? | ||
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* Socket extensions to lengthen the distance vertically from the drive end to the socket do not affect the accuracy of final torque. \\ That is if they’re used properly, and you’re using your torque wrench correctly. ((https:// | * Socket extensions to lengthen the distance vertically from the drive end to the socket do not affect the accuracy of final torque. \\ That is if they’re used properly, and you’re using your torque wrench correctly. ((https:// | ||
* You're applying a torque at one end, and the bolt is applying a counter-torque at the other end. \\ If the extension is not in the process of being twisted to a greater extent then it already has been, \\ then the torques at both ends must be the same in magnitude but opposite in direction. \\ (If the torques were not equal, the extension would be twisting more.) \\ Then by Newton' | * You're applying a torque at one end, and the bolt is applying a counter-torque at the other end. \\ If the extension is not in the process of being twisted to a greater extent then it already has been, \\ then the torques at both ends must be the same in magnitude but opposite in direction. \\ (If the torques were not equal, the extension would be twisting more.) \\ Then by Newton' | ||
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===== Drive Extensions (horizontal to the wrench) ===== | ===== Drive Extensions (horizontal to the wrench) ===== | ||
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* **An extension that increases the length of the wrench at the drive end will change the final torque applied**. | * **An extension that increases the length of the wrench at the drive end will change the final torque applied**. | ||
* These are usually considered methods to extend the length of the wrench (in a linear plane). | * These are usually considered methods to extend the length of the wrench (in a linear plane). | ||
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==== Calculation for Length Extensions ==== | ==== Calculation for Length Extensions ==== | ||
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* **Measurements**: | * **Measurements**: | ||
* Torque is measured at the socket (drive center) axis. \\ It does not depend on the length of the wrench handle. \\ That only affects the amount of pressure you have to exert to achieve a particular torque. | * Torque is measured at the socket (drive center) axis. \\ It does not depend on the length of the wrench handle. \\ That only affects the amount of pressure you have to exert to achieve a particular torque. | ||
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Calculate: 80 x 18 / 22 = 65.45. \\ | Calculate: 80 x 18 / 22 = 65.45. \\ | ||
Therefore if you want to torque a fastener to 80 ft/lbs using an 18" torque wrench with a 4" torque extender, you will set the wrench to 65.45 ft/lbs. \\ | Therefore if you want to torque a fastener to 80 ft/lbs using an 18" torque wrench with a 4" torque extender, you will set the wrench to 65.45 ft/lbs. \\ | ||
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===== Socket Extensions / Adapters (vertical to the wrench) ===== | ===== Socket Extensions / Adapters (vertical to the wrench) ===== | ||
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* **Socket extensions or adapters do not change the length of the drive (center) axis or the final torque**. | * **Socket extensions or adapters do not change the length of the drive (center) axis or the final torque**. | ||
* Socket extensions come in a variety of drive sizes and lengths. | * Socket extensions come in a variety of drive sizes and lengths. | ||
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===== Swivel or Universal Joint (off center by default) ===== | ===== Swivel or Universal Joint (off center by default) ===== | ||
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* **A swivel, used with a torque wrench, can be detrimental to achieving even accurate torque**. | * **A swivel, used with a torque wrench, can be detrimental to achieving even accurate torque**. | ||
* A swivel is a great little tool for getting into areas where a straight run at a nut / bolt is hindered by obstacles near it (whether by the frame, wheels etc). | * A swivel is a great little tool for getting into areas where a straight run at a nut / bolt is hindered by obstacles near it (whether by the frame, wheels etc). | ||
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===== Crows Foot ===== | ===== Crows Foot ===== | ||
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Any force that is applied that isn’t at a 90° angle will change the applied torque to the fastener. ((https:// | Any force that is applied that isn’t at a 90° angle will change the applied torque to the fastener. ((https:// | ||
When you put a crows foot on a torque wrench and use it long-ways, the torque applied to the fastener increases. \\ | When you put a crows foot on a torque wrench and use it long-ways, the torque applied to the fastener increases. \\ | ||
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====== A Torque Wrench Does Not Break Bolts ====== | ====== A Torque Wrench Does Not Break Bolts ====== | ||
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====== Clamp Force ====== | ====== Clamp Force ====== | ||
- | + | The first 5 threads of a bolt does all of the work with the first 3 doing about 80% of the holding. All other threads are just along for the ride. ((bustert of the XLFORUM | |
- | The first 5 threads of a bolt does all of the work with the first 3 doing about 80% of the holding. All other threads are just along for the ride. ((bustert of the XLFORUM | + | |
Look at the length of a standard nut. ((Hippysmack)) \\ | Look at the length of a standard nut. ((Hippysmack)) \\ | ||
A bolt will hold the same clamp force if you use a nut on the end or if the bolt is sunk down into 2" of a threaded hole. \\ | A bolt will hold the same clamp force if you use a nut on the end or if the bolt is sunk down into 2" of a threaded hole. \\ | ||
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When you tighten a bolt, the threads on the bolt and the threads in the hole will pull against each other. \\ | When you tighten a bolt, the threads on the bolt and the threads in the hole will pull against each other. \\ | ||
- | The bolt will deflect or stretch and this stretch is the clamping force that holds the parts together. ((bustert of the XLFORUM | + | The bolt will deflect or stretch and this stretch is the clamping force that holds the parts together. ((bustert of the XLFORUM |
If you over torque the fastener, it can deform and will lock the threads together so it can not be removed. \\ | If you over torque the fastener, it can deform and will lock the threads together so it can not be removed. \\ | ||
And it may break the threads in the hole, destroying them. You may not realize this until you have a leak or the next time you remove the bolt. \\ | And it may break the threads in the hole, destroying them. You may not realize this until you have a leak or the next time you remove the bolt. \\ | ||
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| Normal way a bolt tightens up ((drawings by Hippysmack)) | | Normal way a bolt tightens up ((drawings by Hippysmack)) | ||
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====== A Word on Torque and Re-using Bolts ====== | ====== A Word on Torque and Re-using Bolts ====== | ||
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* **There are many bolts on a Sportster that the MoCo writes in the FSM to discard and replace them with new ones**. | * **There are many bolts on a Sportster that the MoCo writes in the FSM to discard and replace them with new ones**. | ||
* How many of those bolts get reused? How many of those have been tightened too much before, that now seem to be breaking? | * How many of those bolts get reused? How many of those have been tightened too much before, that now seem to be breaking? | ||
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These bolts were damaged due to a clicker wrench not operating properly. \\ | These bolts were damaged due to a clicker wrench not operating properly. \\ | ||
The person using the torque wrench felt it happening yet kept pulling awaiting the click. \\ | The person using the torque wrench felt it happening yet kept pulling awaiting the click. \\ | ||
- | "I did notice before it snapped that it kind of spun for a second, then broke. One of the other bolts did the same thing and I stopped immediately." | + | "I did notice before it snapped that it kind of spun for a second, then broke. One of the other bolts did the same thing and I stopped immediately." |
Any time you have any amount of thread damage or bolt stretch, replace the bolts. \\ | Any time you have any amount of thread damage or bolt stretch, replace the bolts. \\ | ||
\\ | \\ | ||
- | {{: | + | {{: |
- | ====== Torque Range ====== | + | |
+ | ====== Torque Range ====== | ||
Torque specifications are normally stated within a range and not a specific number. The range is given to accommodate these factors. \\ | Torque specifications are normally stated within a range and not a specific number. The range is given to accommodate these factors. \\ | ||
* **When the nut on a bolt is tightened**; | * **When the nut on a bolt is tightened**; | ||
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====== Conversion Charts ====== | ====== Conversion Charts ====== | ||
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Here is an [[https:// | Here is an [[https:// | ||
Below are some conversion charts from Applifast ((https:// | Below are some conversion charts from Applifast ((https:// | ||
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======= General Torque Specs ======= | ======= General Torque Specs ======= | ||
- | + | | |
- | | + | * Good engineering books, covering fasteners, will describe the situation in full (bolt diameter, thread pitch, bolt coatings, lubrication used etc.). A lot more information than most of us ever use. Also, in the back of some motorcycle manuals you sometimes will find charts listing common bolts and torque settings. Best to take them with a grain of salt, however. ((Ferrous Head of the XLFORUM |
- | * Good engineering books, covering fasteners, will describe the situation in full (bolt diameter, thread pitch, bolt coatings, lubrication used etc.). A lot more information than most of us ever use. Also, in the back of some motorcycle manuals you sometimes will find charts listing common bolts and torque settings. Best to take them with a grain of salt, however. ((Ferrous Head of the XLFORUM | + | |
* In fact, there are no torque specs for the motor mount bolts in the 57-78 FSMs. \\ And there is only value in the 79-85 FSM (rear motor mounting bolt-nut: 16 to 24 ft lbs). \\ For the rest, there is a " | * In fact, there are no torque specs for the motor mount bolts in the 57-78 FSMs. \\ And there is only value in the 79-85 FSM (rear motor mounting bolt-nut: 16 to 24 ft lbs). \\ For the rest, there is a " | ||
* When using oiled fasteners, you should take into account the added pre-load from the oil before applying advertised torque to avoid shearing off the bolt head or cracking/ breaking the piece your working on. You can use the Wet Chart below to calculate a torque value with the added pre-load. | * When using oiled fasteners, you should take into account the added pre-load from the oil before applying advertised torque to avoid shearing off the bolt head or cracking/ breaking the piece your working on. You can use the Wet Chart below to calculate a torque value with the added pre-load. | ||
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===== Dry Torque Specs ft/lb ===== | ===== Dry Torque Specs ft/lb ===== | ||
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* Convert ft/lb to N*m by multiplying by 1.3558 ((Clymer 2004-2013 HD Sportster Repair Manual)) | * Convert ft/lb to N*m by multiplying by 1.3558 ((Clymer 2004-2013 HD Sportster Repair Manual)) | ||
* Fastener strength of SAE bolts can be determined by the bolt head grade markings. Unmarked bolt heads are usually mild steel. More grade markings indicate higher strength fasteners. For instance, grade 5 may have three hash marks from the center out to the edge, grade 7 may have five hash marks and grade 8 should have 6 hash marks.((Clymer 2004-2013 HD Sportster Repair Manual)) | * Fastener strength of SAE bolts can be determined by the bolt head grade markings. Unmarked bolt heads are usually mild steel. More grade markings indicate higher strength fasteners. For instance, grade 5 may have three hash marks from the center out to the edge, grade 7 may have five hash marks and grade 8 should have 6 hash marks.((Clymer 2004-2013 HD Sportster Repair Manual)) | ||
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===== Wet Torque Value Chart for Lubed Threads From Allied Systems ===== | ===== Wet Torque Value Chart for Lubed Threads From Allied Systems ===== | ||
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If bolt threads are lubricated with light oil or anti-seize compound, the torque required to achieve the proper bolt tension is reduced. Below are charts with the proper " | If bolt threads are lubricated with light oil or anti-seize compound, the torque required to achieve the proper bolt tension is reduced. Below are charts with the proper " | ||
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===== Wet/Dry Charts from Applifast ===== | ===== Wet/Dry Charts from Applifast ===== | ||
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^ INCH BOLT TORQUE TABLE (SAE J429 and ASME 574) ||||||| | ^ INCH BOLT TORQUE TABLE (SAE J429 and ASME 574) ||||||| | ||
|Steel Grade|SAE 5||SAE 8||Socket Head \\ Cap Screw|| | |Steel Grade|SAE 5||SAE 8||Socket Head \\ Cap Screw|| |