RD400 primary gear tightening

[old-man]

My crank is removed from the engine. I need to tighten the primary gear nut. The service manual sequence to tighten the nut is to place someting soft between the clutch gear and the crank gear and tighten.  I worry about causing damage to the bearings, shafts, gears or cases. Since I have the crank out of the engine, shouldn't I use a clutch holding tool and torque wrench to tighten the primary gear nut, insert the crank and then assemble the engine cases? A different service manual suggests putting the bike in gear and torqueing the nut!

[dgorms]

Put a penny between the gears, works well and costs, well.....a penny!

[m in sc]

i usually blue loctite them and throw an impact gun on them. never had one come off. its sort of caveman but hasnt failed me yet.   

[rodneya]

I was going to say to use an impact, but I've also seen a lot of negative comments about it. Always worked for me in the past, clutch and sprocket nuts as well. Just don't use an impact meant for working on semi's or earth moving equipment.

[Plasticman]

I use the shop rag version of "use a penny" except I put the handle of the wrench under a small stool and ask my wife to come sit by me for a spell.  So far she hasn't noticed what she's being asked to do.  I may be living on borrowed time....

[Jspooner]

I was going to say to use an impact, but I've also seen a lot of negative comments about it. Always worked for me in the past, clutch and sprocket nuts as well. Just don't use an impact meant for working on semi's or earth moving equipment.

I do this^^^^^

[Hawaii-Mike]

I use a penny and an impact gun.  No problems.