Craftsman makes some nice ones. You probably want a low-torque version that will measure in inch/pounds. Many of the larger ones(auto mechanic type) start at 20 ft/lbs and go up from there, which is too much for some bike applications.

I have this one:

http://www.sears.com/...&pid=00944593000

They have some much more expensive ones, too. Make sure she gets you an Allen wrench socket and a set of metric Allen bits for it.

http://www.sears.com/...Sockets+%26+Ratchets

Merry Ho-Ho!

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"Craftsman makes some nice ones."

Ditto

As much as I would love to say "Sears", when it comes to torque wrenches, spend the money to get a really good one. Find out when the "Snap-on" or Mac Tools truck comes to your local garage and buy the best one you can afford off the truck. Prepare to be shocked at how expensive it will be. It will however, be guaranteed and usually you can take it back now and then to be calibrated.

The other alternative is use your quarter inch drive sockets. The smaller ratchet allows you to be a little more aware of how tight you are twisting the fastener. You can also get a 1/4 drive torque wrench.

Good Luck

John

Although I have not worked in a lbs for many years, I take stock in what I see the pros at the LBS using and the tools I see the most of in the service area are made by Park Tool Coompany. Although servicing the bottom brackets on our bikes is usually the only time I find a need for a torque wrench (turns out to be a regular occurence with ISIS bottom brackets) I do own the TW-2 beam-style Torque wrench offered by Park:



http://www.parktool.com/tools/TW_2.shtml

I purchased the TW-2 online for around $40 including shipping but you know what, Sears offers two Craftsman brand wrenches that are nearly identical for only $24 and $29 respectively and can probably be purchased locally at Sears Harware:



http://www.sears.com/...bcat=Torque+Wrenches

http://www.sears.com/...bcat=Torque+Wrenches

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Speaking as a mechanic, I use both Park and Sears wrenches, both of equal quality and value. It truely amazes me that most mechanics have never used one or don't use them at all. Torque specs are there for a reason and over tightening or under can be dangerous.

That said, I probably use my torques more when I work on my motorcycle/car then my bike.

Good tool to have to "learn to develop a feel" when you are buidling or working on your bike.

Steve H.

www.aero-conepts.com

www.buytrigear.com

http://www.infinitepools.com

A cheap alternative is to get a $10 torque wrench from any local auto supply store. Sure, it won't be as nice as the more expensive ones but it gets the job done.

The cheap torque wrench works pretty well except in the case of bottom brackets! The problem with the inexpensive 'clicker' style torque wrenches is that some of them (well mine at least) only allow for applying torque in only one direction of travel and that does not work when it comes to the bottom bracket.

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There's nothing cheap about the Craftsman, Snap-On, and Mac Tools 'clicker' type torque wrenches. I've used several over the years, mostly Craftsman, and have found them to be easier to use, and more accurate.

Chris