{"id":40252,"date":"2022-08-03T20:00:22","date_gmt":"2022-08-03T18:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=692144"},"modified":"2022-08-03T20:03:25","modified_gmt":"2022-08-03T18:03:25","slug":"the-best-torque-wrenches-for-cyclists-and-how-to-choose-the-right-one-for-your-tool-kit","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/the-best-torque-wrenches-for-cyclists-and-how-to-choose-the-right-one-for-your-tool-kit\/","title":{"rendered":"The best torque wrenches for cyclists \u2013 and how to choose the right one for your tool kit"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Oscar Huckle\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 03 August 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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If you\u2019re adjusting any of the bolts on your bike, a torque wrench is a particularly useful investment, to ensure that you don\u2019t under-tighten or over-tighten them. There\u2019s a reason you see the tool recommended in many manuals and maintenance articles.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Equally, a bolt that is undertightened may result in a component slipping or becoming loose while riding.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

What is a torque wrench?<\/h2>\n
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A torque wrench enables you to fasten a bolt to the correct tightness.<\/span><\/figcaption> Katherine Moore \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

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

If you look at your bike, you\u2019ll generally see there\u2019ll be a small number next to a bolt, which is generally written in \u2018Nm\u2019 (newton metres) or sometimes \u2018in-lb\u2019 (inch-pounds). This is the unit of torque the bolts require.<\/p>\n

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Pay attention to the torque setting on any component.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Check to see if it says \u2018max\u2019 torque. If it is \u2018max\u2019, that really is the max and you should torque it 10 per cent lower. Sometimes, such as on Shimano crank pinch bolts, you\u2019ll be given a range and you should aim for the middle of that range.<\/p>\n

While there are plenty of hardened-skin naysayers for such a tool, happy to work on \u2018feel\u2019, the truth of the matter is that if you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

Torque wrench types<\/h2>\n
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There\u2019s a vast array of choices out there.<\/span><\/figcaption> David Rome \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Most bolts on a bicycle require quite a low torque (generally under 10Nm).<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, disc rotor lockrings and crank bolts. The most you\u2019d ever need to torque something on a bicycle is 60Nm.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Generally, there are four types of torque wrench: preset, adjustable, modular bit-based systems and beam-style torque wrenches.<\/p>\n

Preset torque wrench<\/h3>\n
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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.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matthew Allen \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Preset torque wrenches are also ideal if you\u2019re regularly working on a range of bikes, to save time setting up an adjustable one.<\/p>\n

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Don\u2019t forget a torque wrench when tightening up all your fancy components.<\/span><\/figcaption> Reuben Bakker-Dyos \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

You can often buy preset 4, 5 or 6Nm torque wrenches, with some designs also offering preset adjustability within that range.<\/p>\n

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\u2019ll want to check there\u2019s enough clearance for the tool to fit.<\/p>\n

This option is also typically lighter, so would be a good option to carry if you\u2019re going on holiday.<\/p>\n

Adjustable torque wrench<\/h3>\n
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An adjustable torque wrench offers the largest range.<\/span><\/figcaption> David Rome \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The best and most common type of torque wrench is the adjustable, click-type torque wrench.<\/p>\n

That does, regrettably, mean they are the most expensive type and will cost you anywhere from \u00a330 up to \u00a3200.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s quite a range in price, so what do you get for your money when you spend more?<\/p>\n

Greater accuracy is the biggest difference and, ultimately, a torque wrench is only useful if it is accurate.<\/p>\n

Other differences as you spend more include better-quality bits and a dial indicator that\u2019s easier to read and set, ensuring less margin for error.<\/p>\n

Modular bit-based torque wrenches<\/h3>\n
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Silca\u2019s T-ratchet + Ti-Torque is a delightful little thing that combines a multi-tool with a torque wrench.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matthew Allen \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

A less prominent type of torque wrench \u2013 but\u00a0 one that\u2019s growing in popularity \u2013 is a portable bit-style ratchet with a torque feature.<\/p>\n

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\u2019ve assembled the tool, you tighten the bolt while carefully monitoring the arrow until you reach your desired torque.<\/p>\n

Some manufacturers, such as Silca, offer modular T- and L-handle bit-based systems for fitting into tricky spaces.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, only a better-quality option.<\/p>\n

Beam-style<\/h3>\n
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Beam-style torque wrenches are cheap, but not the most accurate.<\/span><\/figcaption> Dave Caudrey \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

A final option is a beam-style torque wrench \u2013 commonplace before adjustable, click-type options existed.<\/p>\n

They aren\u2019t very common anymore because they\u2019re 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\u2019ll also need a steady hand. However, some brands, including Canyon, include a beam-style wrench when shipping bikes.<\/p>\n

Given the number of affordable designs available elsewhere, there isn\u2019t much to argue in favour of the beam-style torque wrench.<\/p>\n

That said, it\u2019s certainly better to use a beam-style torque wrench than not to use anything.<\/p>\n

Best preset torque wrenches<\/h2>\n

Park Tool Preset Torque Driver 5Nm PTD-5<\/h3>
<\/div> 4.5 out of 5 star rating<\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div>
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