Stihl Torque Wrench Essential?

[sawsaw]

A quote from the Stihl service manual (ms231):

 

"DG and P (Plastoform) screws are used in polymer and light metal components. These screws form a permanent thread when they are installed for the first time. They can be removed and installed as often as necessary without impairing the strength of the screwed assembly, providing the specified tightening torque is observed.For this reason it is essential to use a torque wrench"

95% of the quoted settings are in the 1-20 Nm range so I have treated myself to a 1/4 sq drive wrench to cater for this stuff. Just curious to see whether members use a torque wrench or just wing it?

[JB ToolHire]

Wing it, for machines in the chainsaw, hedge cutter, strimmer bracket, a torque wrench is not needed, you just know when things are tight enough.

[Dinosaw]

Just remember to turn them back half a turn before re-screwing them back in. Then they won't start a new thread and weaken the hole.

[spudulike]

God created us with the ability to tell the difference between loose, reasonably tight and OMG, it canna take it!! I personally don't use a torque wrench but would on car cylinder heads, wheel bearings etc.

 

If I used a torque wrench on every bolt, my costs and lead times would double:thumbdown:

[Stoatally]

If there are a few screws that are set to the same torque you could look at pre-set torque screwdrivers?

On pushbikes a lot of the fixings are 5Nm so there's these handy little pre-set drivers.

 

You can get them in other settings too

[sawsaw]

Thanks guys appreciate your comments. I have a tendency to over-tighten particularly with the low torque settings so is useful for me and helps me personally get a ''feel' for the right torque whether I use one or not. Fully accept Spuds point though probably not necessary for the more experienced 'spanner man' and would add to time/ cost.

[spudulike]

Another suggestion is to use a T27 screwdriver for the smaller screws in plastic, A small T handled plastic handled driver for a little more torque and then a proper tommy bar for cylinder bolts and flywheel nut etc.

 

That's pretty much my regime! Had some limp wristed cylinder bolts on some saws!

[GardenKit]

Not using a torque wrench Steve? Tut, Tut, what would Megatron say?

 

I have a high tec, super sensitive torque wrench built into my right arm. I use it all the time and its very accurate, or so I believe.

[spudulike]

Not using a torque wrench Steve? Tut, Tut, what would Megatron say?

 

I have a high tec, super sensitive torque wrench built into my right arm. I use it all the time and its very accurate, or so I believe.

 

Funny, I had a heated discussion with a close friend about using a torque wrench on his cars sparkplugs.

 

He didn't care for my scoffing:blushing:

 

I have only used my torque wrench on car parts such as cylinder head bolts and some wheel bearings where the settings are important to the reliability of the final job!

[peatff]

Funny, I had a heated discussion with a close friend about using a torque wrench on his cars sparkplugs.

 

He didn't care for my scoffing:blushing:

 

Some cars use taper seat spark plugs you struggle to get out even if they are torqued in. Ordinary plugs I tighten till they stop then give them another flat.