BBB Torquefix Torque Wrench - This is not a very good tool

Triathlon Forum
1

Snapped a bolt head right off the Zipp aerobar clamp (that clamps to the Vuka base bar) this morning using my relatively new BBB Torquefix torque wrench. Got it from Trisports for $80. I wasn’t impressed from the beginning with the dial/setting handle. Pretty cheap look and feel. I like that it is very small and fits into tight spaces. Zipp stamps 5-7 Nm on the bar extensions - I set the wrench for 6 Nm (this one bar has been slipping on me) - BAM! snapped the head right off. Fortunately, I was able to extract the male portion left stuck in the bar and Home Depot had some replacement 4mm screws so my ride that I was heading out on in 45 mins wasn’t delayed.

Before someone asks - yes, I’ve used other torque wrenches before. This was not a “user error”. The BBB Torquefix has been used on several other parts on my bike. Worked fine but I questioned the accuracy because it “felt” like I was going pretty tight. Could it have been the quality of the bolt? Sure. But like I said, the BBB Torquefix is pretty cheap looking so I question the accuracy of it. I’m going to return it an get a Pedro’s Torque Wrench - a little more but looks like a quality item.

I wouldn’t recommend the BBB Torquefix.

2

if you spend the kind of money that we do on bikes, you should only use the best tools. snap-on for me, nothing suspect goes near my bike.

3

Don’t trust clicker torque wrenches. They are fundamentally flawed. They can work if they’re very well-made and have a strict usage and calibration procedure. But at that point they are far more expensive than dial or digital torque wrenches.

4

Thanks for the update, I was thinking about getting this, but, uh, not now.

Leonard Zin recommends a $180 torque wrench caled Guistaforzzo or something like that and we use the Syntace in our shop.

Bob

5

I have never had a problem with park beam wrench.I use it on bars,seatpost clamp etc. I don’t lick the Click type wrench for low torque settings.

http://http://i28.tinypic.com/x29kis.jpg

6

another thing is that you always have to return it to zero as soon as you’re done so it doesn’t get miscalibrated.

Dan
www.aiatriathlon.com

7

I purchased the Giustaforsa torque wrench (2 to 16 Nm) that was recommended by Leonard Zinn ($175 includes shipping from the US distributor) and after using it, I fully concur with the reviews given for this piece of equipment.

8

The good reviews for the GIustaforsa or concuring that it is lumped with the BB and it’s not that good?

Bob

9

Exactly how old is it and have you ever had it calibrated? Also, when you store it, do set the torque to zero?

10

1 week old. Certificate of calibration included in the box. I know to store it at zero and always do.

11

Don’t trust clicker torque wrenches. They are fundamentally flawed. They can work if they’re very well-made and have a strict usage and calibration procedure. But at that point they are far more expensive than dial or digital torque wrenches.
I don’t believe that to be true. I just had the calibration on my 8 year old Craftsman wrench checked and it was actually still in spec going into the cal lab. It was a $75 torque wrench. Cost me $25 to have it checked/calibrated.

They work fine as long as you follow the 3 rules of torque wrenches:

  1. Don’t drop it.
  2. Unwind it when not in use.
  3. Don’t use it as a socket wrench.
12

I’ve owned the BBB Torquefix torque wrench for a few months now. I like it. I was critical a while back of its design and thought it was the reason I snapped a bolt off my base bar. In reality, I think that bolt bottomed out. The ergonomics of the wrench are nice, the adapter is fixed to the bits and the price is reasonable.

I would recommend this torque wrench for everyday use in the home shop. I bought mine at Trisports.com.

13

Where did you have it calibrated?

Thanks

14

I just bought one the other day and went around torqueing everything in sight. I have to say, all these years I thought I was over tightening stems, I was barely touching them if that thing is accurate 8nm on stem bolts is a heck of alot tighter than I had imagined. I guess it is always better to error on the light side for that sort of thing.

I have to say about the BBB I wish the handle had a ‘lockout’ as i find that I sometimes twist the handle as I’m torquing and change the setting.

15

http://www.effettomariposa.com/index.html

http://www.effettomariposa.com/giustaforza_en.html#gf_simplehead_en

Giustaforza - you will be very happy with this one.

http://www.effettomariposa.com/Images/Giustaforza_whitebkgrnd250.jpg

16

Another vote for the Giustaforza. Was able to get it at REI with a 20% coupon.

17

I have used it many times…but alas…I just feel I get the same results with my far less costly, and far easier and cheaper to get Craftsman. Oddly, both at Barnetts and United cycling institues…they had Craftsman as well.

18

I had exactly the same thing happen this evening as happened to the OP. Adjusting a Zipp Vuka bar using a BBB torque wrench set to 6nm. I was alternating between the bolts to bring it snug evenly when on of the bolts snapped. It went from essentially no resistance to snapping. Luckily, I too had the bolt break at a point near the head so I was able to turn the remainder out with a pair of pliers. Pretty sure this wasn’t an issue of tool failure.

19

Are you still pretty happy with this torque wrench? Wht is the torque range?

20

The only reason I can imagine to the the Giustaforsa is its size. If you want to carry a torque wrench around with you, this is the one to do it with. Buy it on Ebay for like 50% off.

Otherwise, your best choice is Park Tool. This is an extremely accurate toque wrench that is well constructed and will last for a long time if not your entire life. I use these in my laboratory for working with ultra-centrifuges (although mine say Beckman and not Park Tool.)