The best torque wrenches for cyclists – and how to choose the right one for your tool kit

By Oscar Huckle

Published: Wednesday, 03 August 2022 at 12:00 am

If you’re adjusting any of the bolts on your bike, a torque wrench is a particularly useful investment, to ensure that you don’t under-tighten or over-tighten them. There’s a reason you see the tool recommended in many manuals and maintenance articles.

As frame materials have evolved, tolerances have grown ever finer, and this is particularly true of carbon fibre frames and components. If a bolt is overtightened, the carbon can fracture and, ultimately, fail.

Equally, a bolt that is undertightened may result in a component slipping or becoming loose while riding.

Either way, it is important to make sure the bolts on your bike are securely tightened, and a torque wrench will help you do just that.

Here, we will take you through what to look for in a torque wrench, the different types, how to effectively use the tool and the best torque wrenches we have tested to date.

What is a torque wrench?

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A torque wrench enables you to fasten a bolt to the correct tightness.
Katherine Moore / Our Media

A torque wrench is an incredibly useful tool that measures how much force you are tightening a bolt up to, known as torque.

If you look at your bike, you’ll generally see there’ll be a small number next to a bolt, which is generally written in ‘Nm’ (newton metres) or sometimes ‘in-lb’ (inch-pounds). This is the unit of torque the bolts require.

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Pay attention to the torque setting on any component.

Check to see if it says ‘max’ torque. If it is ‘max’, that really is the max and you should torque it 10 per cent lower. Sometimes, such as on Shimano crank pinch bolts, you’ll be given a range and you should aim for the middle of that range.

While there are plenty of hardened-skin naysayers for such a tool, happy to work on ‘feel’, the truth of the matter is that if you’re working with delicate components, the use of a torque wrench makes it far less likely for things to go wrong, especially when your warranty (and teeth) are involved.

Torque wrench types

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There’s a vast array of choices out there.
David Rome / Immediate Media

Most bolts on a bicycle require quite a low torque (generally under 10Nm).

This is why bicycle-specific torque wrenches exist, though you could use a more general torque wrench for bolts that require a higher torque, such as the cassette, disc rotor lockrings and crank bolts. The most you’d ever need to torque something on a bicycle is 60Nm.

Ultimately, the best torque wrench for your needs depends on how frequently you intend to use it and what parts of the bike you intend to use it for. It is always worth investing in a quality option for the greater accuracy and user-friendly benefits.

Generally, there are four types of torque wrench: preset, adjustable, modular bit-based systems and beam-style torque wrenches.

Preset torque wrench

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The handy little ATD-1.2 torque wrench covers the critical 4-6Nm torque range in 0.5Nm steps, and includes 3, 4, and 5mm hex bits, plus T25.
Matthew Allen / Immediate Media

If you only intend on using a torque wrench for items such as the stem and seatpost bolts, you could save some money and buy a preset design, based on the torques required on your specific bike.

Preset torque wrenches are also ideal if you’re regularly working on a range of bikes, to save time setting up an adjustable one.

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Don’t forget a torque wrench when tightening up all your fancy components.
Reuben Bakker-Dyos / Immediate Media

You can often buy preset 4, 5 or 6Nm torque wrenches, with some designs also offering preset adjustability within that range.

As preset options can often be quite stubby in design, if you are running an integrated seat clamp or wedge system, which often require a low-profile head, you’ll want to check there’s enough clearance for the tool to fit.

This option is also typically lighter, so would be a good option to carry if you’re going on holiday.

Adjustable torque wrench

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An adjustable torque wrench offers the largest range.
David Rome / Immediate Media

The best and most common type of torque wrench is the adjustable, click-type torque wrench.

That does, regrettably, mean they are the most expensive type and will cost you anywhere from £30 up to £200.

That’s quite a range in price, so what do you get for your money when you spend more?

Greater accuracy is the biggest difference and, ultimately, a torque wrench is only useful if it is accurate.

Other differences as you spend more include better-quality bits and a dial indicator that’s easier to read and set, ensuring less margin for error.

Modular bit-based torque wrenches

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Silca’s T-ratchet + Ti-Torque is a delightful little thing that combines a multi-tool with a torque wrench.
Matthew Allen / Immediate Media

A less prominent type of torque wrench – but  one that’s growing in popularity – is a portable bit-style ratchet with a torque feature.

These typically consist of a handle and bits with a torque bar. The torque bar usually features a set of numbers, denoting the torque and an arrow underneath. Once you’ve assembled the tool, you tighten the bolt while carefully monitoring the arrow until you reach your desired torque.

Some manufacturers, such as Silca, offer modular T- and L-handle bit-based systems for fitting into tricky spaces.

This can be a great option for cycling holidays or as an option to carry on the bike because it doubles-up as a multi-tool, only a better-quality option.

Beam-style

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Beam-style torque wrenches are cheap, but not the most accurate.
Dave Caudrey / Immediate Media

A final option is a beam-style torque wrench – commonplace before adjustable, click-type options existed.

They aren’t very common anymore because they’re less reliable and accurate. You have to carefully read the beam in relation to a scale to know that you have achieved the correct torque. You’ll also need a steady hand. However, some brands, including Canyon, include a beam-style wrench when shipping bikes.

Given the number of affordable designs available elsewhere, there isn’t much to argue in favour of the beam-style torque wrench.

That said, it’s certainly better to use a beam-style torque wrench than not to use anything.

Best preset torque wrenches

Park Tool Preset Torque Driver 5Nm PTD-5

4.5 out of 5 star rating
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The Park Tool PTD-5 is an excellent preset torque wrench.
  • Good: Perfectly accurate, ultra comfortable, quality construction, cam-over design
  • Bad: Weight, size, price (especially to buy all three)

This model from Park Tool offers metal mechanical components to give a highly positive and durable wrench. Accuracy is superb and the cam-over mechanism means there’s zero chance of over-tightening.

Using standard 1/4in bits that magnetically snap in place, the tool also houses three spare bits in the handle. This is a top pick for a preset torque wrench, although to buy a set of three (4, 5 and 6Nm versions) is certainly expensive.

  • Price: $45 / £40 / AU$75 as tested
  • Preset options available: 4, 5 or 6Nm
  • Bits included: 3, 4 & 5mm hex, Torx 25
  • Weight: 216g
  • Length: 103mm
  • Average torque reading at 5Nm: 5.18nm