I just had some issues with my clutch on my IAME X30, so I had to troubleshoot and with that I disassembled also the flying wheel. I have a lock for the flying wheel and removed the locking nut with a socket wrench, and now it’s time to reassemble. The locking nut requires atleast 100nm (see image).
I’ve been thinking to get a nut driver, impact driver or a torque wrench, to be more sure that it apply the least right amount of torque. I wonder though how precise it must be with the recommendations for the X30? Of course minimum recommendation is a must, but if it exceeds “max”? Feels like impact/nut drivers has usually limited settings of torque and a pretty high minimum torque.
I don’t want to spend a fortune right now, so 1 tool would be amazing to have if it’s possible and use my basic screwdriver (max 40nm) as a complement.
I’m into a torque wrench because of the ability to change torque settings very precise, but at the same time they don’t seem to reliable either and seems a bit slow to get going.
What would you recommend? And how should I think here?
If I am reading this right, are you asking if you can use a torque wrench as your sole ratchet? I’d never do that, if that’s what you are asking. I only use my torque wrench when I need accurate, final torque. For the most part, I tighten by feel, but I have a good feel for what different torques feel like. Torque wrenches are typically much slower than a normal ratchet (longer handle and coarser ratcheting mechanism), and they don’t fit in tight areas well at all. They are also delicate. Dropping one and even just wear from over-use can cause the calibration to shift over time.
There are some times you’ll need a ratcheting wrench, sometimes you’ll need a ratchet. They don’t have to be expensive, but there are some tight areas on a kart where you’ll greatly benefit from having the right tool.
Power ratchets and impact drivers are awesome - I carry both in my kit - but neither is a “must have” in the literal sense. Under no circumstance would I use the torque settings on those in lieu of a torque wrench though. They are just for speed and convenience, and they provide those two aspects by a mile. Even the stiffness of your extension and sockets will change the torque from an impact tool, but they won’t change the torque setting from a smooth force you get from a torque wrench.
And no, this would only be for the sake of having precise torque setting for certain parts, other wise I do also go by feel with just a ratchet or ratchet wrench. And as you say with the torques wrenches, that the calibration might shift over time. And seems like a digital is even more sensitive and expensive than an analog.
The only things I’m using a torque wrench for on a kart are related to the motor such as head bolts, exhaust stud nuts, intake pieces, etc. if you’re not working on your own engine at this point you can probably skip the extra money on the torque wrench.
You’d be surprised just how many single-point-of-failure bolts there are on a kart. I started using it for engine bolts but quickly decided it was also nice to use on clamp bolts on hubs and brake rotors, on the steering wheel bolt hub nut, on the driven sprocket, and the kingpins.
Same - I try to torque everything because for the smaller fasteners - M6, it is very easy to over torque and over load the fastener. I use these (
EKLIND 55168 Cushion Grip Hex T-Key allen wrench - 8pc set Metric MM sizes 2-10 (6In shaft) https://a.co/d/dXDIg26) because the handle twists and that is a low effort built in torque wrench.
In addition to your very nice list, I torque the rim to hub nuts which is a pain because you need someone to hold the wheel.
In this video he uses some kind of impact driver? (6:44 into the video) Isn’t this a risk for over torque? Or might it be a torque limit on the socket here?
