Login required to started new threads

Login required to post replies

Prev Next
recommend me a torque wrench?
Quote | Reply
hey folks -

am going to be starting a winter road bike/trainer build project soon, and i'm thinking i'd like to have a torque wrench. as more and more of our bikes are made of carbon it seems wise. even stuff like balancing out the load on stem faceplates or getting tension right on fussy areo seatposts.

this will be the first one i've ever bought or even used.

what do you guys like?

____________________________________
https://lshtm.academia.edu/MikeCallaghan

http://howtobeswiss.blogspot.ch/
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [iron_mike] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I have this one. I like it. It has a case with sockets which makes storage and use easy. It is lower torque ranges, which is suited for smaller bolts and attachments.

https://www.amazon.com/...stable/dp/B07Q7SN4J5
Last edited by: exxxviii: Dec 2, 20 4:40
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [iron_mike] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
This is the thing you're looking for. Real brand, well made, easy to use, not terribly expensive, hits pretty much every rating you'll need for a bicycle.

When you outgrow that wrench, you'll not need other's opinion on which one to replace it with.

My Blog - http://leegoocrap.blogspot.com
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [exxxviii] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
exxxviii wrote:
I have this one. I like it. It has a case with sockets which makes storage and use easy. It is lower torque ranges, which is suited for smaller bolts and attachments.

https://www.amazon.com/...stable/dp/B07Q7SN4J5

I have this one too, I like it.
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [iron_mike] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
this one works great and not too pricey

https://www.amazon.com/...rench/dp/B07JKJTDWC/




"time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted"
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [iron_mike] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply

Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [iron_mike] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I'll probably get flamed for this. I use this: https://www.harborfreight.com/...ue-wrench-63881.html

You can almost always find a coupon to get it for around $10. For a few dollars you can buy all the hex and torque bits you need.

I read a lot of reviews and watched videos first, and it seemed like the accuracy of this unit is right in line with every other wrench tested. Like all click-type torque wrenches, you'll want to exercise the tool before you use it, always take all the tension out before putting it away, don't throw it around, don't hammer it, etc.

For me, the biggest downside is that the wrench is engraved for inch pounds and cm kgs, not NMs. But, you can easily print out a chart for nm to in-lb and leave that in the case with the tool.
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [rob_bell] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I'm pretty big on Tekton for enthusiast/DIY level stuff now. I was gifted the 1/2" and 3/8" Pittsburgh Pro wrenches you linked and had one break while working on my car. Did a little more than 'flame' my hand.
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [iron_mike] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
The CDI one that was recommended is great for 95% of what you'll do on the bike, from a very reputable brand, for a very reasonable price.

I personally have that CDI & the large park clicker at home, which covers the full range of every bolt on every bike. I also have a Giustaforza for my travel/race kit, and have been very happy with all 3. Given the trust you'll be putting in this tool, I wouldn't suggest a super budget option. To me the CDI is a no brainer at the price.
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [rob_bell] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I've used a HF 1/4" torque wrench before and it has worked perfectly. I use this online unit converter tool below.
Convert newton meter to inch lbs - Conversion of Measurement Units (convertunits.com)

Other wrenches I've considered buying (pricier) are Pedro's, Shimano PRO and Park tool torque wrenches but since the HF one has been doing the job, I have no reason to upgrade. Also don't forget buy a 3/4" to 1/4" socket adapter if you don't already have the smaller 1/4" bits.
Pro Torque Wrench - Tools - Pedro's NA
Amazon.com : PRO Adjustable Torque Wrench - 3-15 Nm Black/Silver, One Size : Home Improvement
Amazon.com: Park Tool TW-5.2 Ratcheting Click-Type Torque Wrench: Sports & Outdoors
Last edited by: Yeti racer: Dec 2, 20 8:03
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [exxxviii] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
exxxviii wrote:
I have this one. I like it. It has a case with sockets which makes storage and use easy. It is lower torque ranges, which is suited for smaller bolts and attachments.

https://www.amazon.com/...stable/dp/B07Q7SN4J5

I also have the Shimano Pro one and I like it but I got it at pro deal pricing for $50 or less back when I got it. Actually picked up a second. With that being said, I bought a GF the following and used this to wrench on her bike plenty of times. It is solid. She had no complaints either and traveled and disassembled and reassembled her carbon bike many times without issue.


Save: $50 on Speed Hound Recovery Boots | $20 on Air Relax| $100 on Normatec| 15% on Most Absorbable Magnesium

Blogs: Best CHEAP Zwift / Bike Trainer Desk | Theragun G3 vs $140 Bivi Percussive Massager | Normatec Pulse 2.0 vs Normatec Pulse | Speed Hound vs Normatec | Air Relax vs Normatec | Q1 2018 Blood Test Results | | Why HED JET+ Is The BEST value wheelset
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [iron_mike] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Hi,

I have tried a rebranded Var (2-20Nm) and a Hazet (40-200Nm / note that I have bought this one for other purposes than my bikes, but I happen to use it for things like cranksets, discs and cassettes).

The Var wrench is not good. Especially when you have tried something like Hazet quality.

But then I didn't mention their prices and yes, Hazet is expensive.

Instagram
Youtube Channel
Meta Endurance

Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
I also have the Shimano Pro one and I like it but I got it at pro deal pricing for $50 or less back when I got it.
Ditto. I think I got mine for around $60. I was a bit shocked to see the current price at $116.
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [rob_bell] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
rob_bell wrote:
I'll probably get flamed for this. I use this: https://www.harborfreight.com/...ue-wrench-63881.html

You can almost always find a coupon to get it for around $10. For a few dollars you can buy all the hex and torque bits you need.

I read a lot of reviews and watched videos first, and it seemed like the accuracy of this unit is right in line with every other wrench tested. Like all click-type torque wrenches, you'll want to exercise the tool before you use it, always take all the tension out before putting it away, don't throw it around, don't hammer it, etc.

For me, the biggest downside is that the wrench is engraved for inch pounds and cm kgs, not NMs. But, you can easily print out a chart for nm to in-lb and leave that in the case with the tool.

I also bought this HF torque wrench (as well as one of their larger ones) after reading reviews comparing the accuracy - which were well within and sometimes better than ranges provided by other big-name brands. Use them regularly on the bicycles, dirt bikes, cars/trucks, etc etc.

I may pick up the hand-sized one linked above to complement the HF one, as sometimes the longer handles and/or the head of the wrench make it challenging to reach tight spaces.

Travis
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [iron_mike] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I have been using the click type ratchet torque tools for years now. They work, but I don't like that feeling of waiting for the 'click'. I tend to torque progressively (i.e. if torque is 4N m, I torque the bolts to 2, then 3, then 4N m) to be on the safe side

Recently, I bought a beam style torque wrench and I appreciate that I can see where my torque is at while turning the wrench. They are inexpensive too. The beam style is now my go to torque wrench.
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [beston] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
beston wrote:
I have been using the click type ratchet torque tools for years now. They work, but I don't like that feeling of waiting for the 'click'. I tend to torque progressively (i.e. if torque is 4N m, I torque the bolts to 2, then 3, then 4N m) to be on the safe side

Recently, I bought a beam style torque wrench and I appreciate that I can see where my torque is at while turning the wrench. They are inexpensive too. The beam style is now my go to torque wrench.

This is exactly how I feel. Plus, at least how I understand it, if the bar is straight and undamaged, reading zero at rest, then it's accurate.

Does anyone who is a home mechanic actually ever recalibrate a click type ratchet torque wrench? I'm totally with you about having click anxiety and that will only get worse the longer you've had it.
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [iron_mike] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
The Topeak D-Torq wrench (digital) is excellent, but it's gotten pricey....
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [OddSlug] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
OddSlug wrote:
beston wrote:
I have been using the click type ratchet torque tools for years now. They work, but I don't like that feeling of waiting for the 'click'. I tend to torque progressively (i.e. if torque is 4N m, I torque the bolts to 2, then 3, then 4N m) to be on the safe side

Recently, I bought a beam style torque wrench and I appreciate that I can see where my torque is at while turning the wrench. They are inexpensive too. The beam style is now my go to torque wrench.


This is exactly how I feel. Plus, at least how I understand it, if the bar is straight and undamaged, reading zero at rest, then it's accurate.

Does anyone who is a home mechanic actually ever recalibrate a click type ratchet torque wrench? I'm totally with you about having click anxiety and that will only get worse the longer you've had it.

Plus one.
I once dropped my click-style wrench from 4ft up on a concrete floor, which caused it to consistently over-torque (when compared to my beam-wrench).

Also, smaller cheaper click-style wrenches are susceptible to internal binding, when used at off-angle.
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [iron_mike] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I use this one for up to 16 Nm. Slowman did a review of it a while back.

https://www.slowtwitch.com/...e_Wrenches_3998.html

Much cheaper to source overseas, like at probikekit.com.

Effetto Mariposa Giustaforza II 2-16 Deluxe Torque Wrench - Black (Includes Bits)

https://www.probikekit.com/...ingpid=TOP10_220518_


For larger Nm needs, like pedals, bottom brackets, cassettes, etc. I use the Park Tool model.

https://www.parktool.com/...egory=Torque%20Tools

Neither are cheaper, but nice tools are long term investments that can be used for years.
Last edited by: wetswimmer99: Dec 2, 20 20:58
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [iron_mike] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Ditto on the PRO BIKE TOOL 3/8 in drive for the big things (e.g. bottom bracket, pedals).

For the small stuff I love using this: https://www.feedbacksports.com/...atchet-wrench-combo/

I'd say 75% of the time the small ratchet tool is what I have in my hand. More so once the bike is built and needs ongoing adjustments.
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [iron_mike] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
They're currently out of stock, but for the vast majority of bike applications the Silca torque tube is plenty. Because it's a deflection type wrench, t's also pretty idiot proof; just don't exceed the max value. No need to unwind or worry (all that much) about the internal works.

I own a couple/few torque wrenches, but this is probably the one that gets the most use. It's also really great as part of a travel kit.

Tech writer/support on this here site. FIST school instructor and certified bike fitter. Formerly at Diamondback Bikes, LeMond Fitness, FSA, TiCycles, etc.
Coaching and bike fit - http://source-e.net/ Cyclocross blog - https://crosssports.net/ BJJ instruction - https://ballardbjj.com/
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [iron_mike] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I've had the prior generation of this wrench https://www.parktool.com/...torque-wrench-tw-5-2 since 2008. It's still going strong. For heftier items, e.g., disc centerlocks, I have a Craftsman with a 17 - 105nm range.

Mike Sparks


I have competed well, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [iron_mike] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
For you guys using the Harbor Freight ones, find someone that has a calibration gauge and check it. I have a 1/4 drive in pound one and it's terrible, Also, read up on correct storage and use. Never back the tool off past zero and never store the tool with a torque setting, doing either can ruin the calibration. Some of the better tools can be serviced and re-calibrated, most of the cheap ones can't.
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [justcallmejoe] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
https://www.parktool.com/product/adjustable-torque-driver-atd-1-2?category=Torque%20Tools


Take this everywhere, leave it in my car and pack it when I travel, great for on the go minor adjustments and quick fixes.
Quote Reply
Re: recommend me a torque wrench? [tri3ba] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I over researched this, and still haven't bought anything. As a result, I'm following this thread!

I was getting ready to buy my go to brand - Park - until I read this review:

https://www.bikeradar.com/features/the-best-cycling-torque-wrenches/


"This is the same model of torque wrench I’ve used for a number of years without issue. I must reveal a secret though (sorry Park), beneath the blue paint and comfortable handle, this is effectively a generic 3-15Nm torque wrench from Taiwan and internally is extremely similar to those from PRO, Pedro’s and even LifeLine."

I then went to The Garage Journal

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=457600


At that point I decided my bike was worth more than a $7 torque wrench, and started looking at Norbar, etc.


Will probably end up with something like this:


https://www.norbar.com/products/view/product/categoryname/tt-wrenches/rangename/tti-adjustable-ratchet/pname/tti20-n-m-3-8-4-20-n-m-only/category_multid/50/range_multid/309/id/23398








Quote Reply

Prev Next