Wednesday, December 4, 2013
How to Measure Torque Using a Pipe Wrench
Torque is the force exerted on an object that causes he object to turn or twist. It becomes very important in industrial applications to measure this force as a means of evaluating the maximum tolerances of various components such as drive shafts and wheel lug nuts. One simple way of measuring torque involves a pipe wrench fastened to a shaft in conjunction with a spring scale.
Instructions
- 1
Tighten the jaws of a 12-inch pipe wrench around the shaft or pipe on which you wish to measure torque.
2Attach the weight-end hook of a spring scale to the hole in the end of the pipe wrench.
3Pull on the other end of the scale at a right angle to the wrench and the shaft.
4Note the reading on the scale in pounds.
5Multiply this weight value by the length of the wrench (one foot, or 12 inches).
6Express your answer in foot-pounds. If the scale reads 50 pounds, multiply 50 pounds by one foot. Your torque is 50 foot-pounds.
7Express your answer in inch-pounds. If the scale reads 50 pounds, multiply 50 pounds by 12 inches. Your torque is 600 inch-pounds.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
How to Measure for a Harley Clutch Cable Replacement
To properly service your Harley, you must be aware of the location of your clutch cable adjuster. The adjuster must be accessible if you are going to properly maintain your bike. Usually, the most variation in cable lengths is the distance between the adjuster and the clutch lever. It is not necessary to measure Harley-Davidson stock clutch replacement cables; the part is always simply sold as "stock" length. However, you must always measure the clutch cable when you replace your stock handlebars or install handlebar risers. It is best to install the new handlebars or risers first, then measure for your replacement cable immediately after.
Instructions
- 1
Tape one end of the piano wire to the top of your clutch lever housing. Ensure that the wire extends across the entire breadth of the housing.
2Turn the handlebars all the way to the right to ensure your clutch cable will cover your full turning radius.
3Route the piano wire down your forks. Tape the wire to your forks approximately where the clutch cable adjuster was located on your old clutch cable.
4Route the wire two inches beyond the spot where your old clutch cable entered your primary case. Mark that termination point on the wire with a third piece of tape.
5Remove the piano wire from your motorcycle. Remove the first two pieces of masking tape. Measure the distance from the end of the wire to the third piece of masking tape with a steel or cloth measuring tape.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
How to Measure Car Exhaust
The purpose of the exhaust pipe is to provide an exit route for engine fumes. In order for a car exhaust pipe to work correctly, it must fit onto the exhaust system securely. The task of measuring an exhaust pipe can be challenging due to its location and shape. Another aspect of an exhaust pipe that should be measured is the decibel level of the noise that starts in the muffler and travels through the exhaust pipe. Measuring the length of an exhaust pipe as well as the decibel level are important components of responsible car ownership and upkeep.
Instructions
- 1
Use the car jack to elevate the back end of the car and gain easier access to the exhaust pipe. Open the caliper and place it around a straight outside portion of the pipe. Make sure that the caliper is securely positioned around the exhaust pipe before recording the measurement.
2Position one of the caliper clamp arms inside while leaving the other outside of the exhaust pipe. Close the caliper in order to measure the thickness of the pipe. Record the measurement of the pipes thickness.
3Use the two measurements in order to calculate the inside diameter of the exhaust pipe. The Global Security website instructs to multiply the thickness of the exhaust pipe by two and then subtract the number from the outside diameter of the pipe. Once the dimension of the pipe is known, an individual can ensure that the current pipe or a replacement pipe will fit the exhaust system correctly.
4Visit the local police department and ask for information about the decibel limit for exhaust pipes and the noise reduction policy. A decibel meter with a built in microphone can be used to test the exhaust pipes decibel level in order to determine if the car is operating legally. The Radio Shack website has an example of a decibel meter that accurately reads a cars exhaust pipe decibel level.
5Apply ear protection before testing the decibel level. Park the car on a flat surface that is at least 25 feet away from any buildings or enclosed areas in order to avoid the noise echoing. According to the Sengpiel Audio website, the decibel meter microphone should be held level with the middle of the exhaust pipe opening.
6Set the decibel level on the meter to the human ear frequency. Have someone turn on the car and rev the engine to 50 or 75 percent of the safe RPM limit. Read the meter to determine if the cars decibel level falls within the legal limits.
