I’m going to be putting my new SRAM Force group on the bike in the upcoming weeks and I want to make sure all the bolts are tightened to the proper degree. That said, I’m clueless as to how torque wrenches work with hex keys. If any one can recommend an relatively inexpensive torque wrench for bike work, I would appreciate it. Thanks.
Ive been looking for the same thing. I have a great torque wrench, its a Craftsman, but it is also 1/2" drive and the minimum value is 35Nm … way too much for just about every piece on my bike.
Anyway, I dont have a wrench reccomendation, BUT… buy a set of metric hex attachments for the wrench. Thats how it will work. A really good set shouldnt be more than about $25 for about 6-8 attachments.
Wrenches are expensive though, if you want accuracy. Im going to do some internet searching.
I have the same 1/2" craftsman, but I also have the 3/8" smaller model that starts at 3.6nm for the small stuff. I think the little one set me back about $69 at Sears. I second the metric hex driver sockets, they are necessary if using a torque wrench.
Here is a guy selling the digital (very high end and nice)
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/tls/557948844.html
Cheers,
Dave
Get the small 3/8" Craftsman clicker type. It works fine on all stem bolts, etc… The only thing you might need a bigger wrench for is older crank arm bolts and freewheel lockrings. The small wrench works for external BB cranks with the pinch bolts.
Along with that, you’ll need 3/8" drive allen wrenches. There’s a 4mm - 12mm set of something like that.
Be sure and unwind the torque wrench to zero after use. It will stay more accurate that way.
“A good but relatively inexpensive torque wrench”
Can’t have both.
I would recommend the Snap-On one 3/8 or 1/4 drive. The are a little pricey but if you are looking for accuracy then they come from the factory dead on. If you are look for a cheap one your Foot/Inch pounds accuracy will be subjected to inaccuracies because of the price drop. Pick which is more important to you, accuracy and a little pricey or not as accurate and relatively inexpensive? Breaking a bolt off when you did not get to the mark or stripping out the sleeve can ruin your day, but hey you saved $25 bucks! Remember as long as you properly store your TQW it will last you a very long time and not need to be re-calibrated for eons’.
JMO~
Inexpensive and torques wrench and two words that do not collide in the same sentence
With the advent of pretty strict torque specs on almost all aspects of bikes these days, one of the best investments someone can buy is a torque wrench. unfortunately you cannot get one for a biek, you almost need two.
The one I use is the small Syntace Torque Wrench which goes from 0-20 Nm and is about $300. It comes with the hex set and is pretty damn sweet.
In our shop we also have the larger ones that go up to 500-600 ftlbs, but those are of limited use on most bikes these days.
Bob
I scored the Syntace one for ~$80 when they did their F-99 recall a few years back. Very nice piece.
Only $30, lifetime guarantee, and pretty much all you’ll ever need (along with some hex sockets and perhaps a 3/8" to 1/2" drive adapter).
No need to get it calibrated periodically like the click type, either.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944978000P?keyword=torque+wrench
Is that style accurate? I have a similar set made by Park Tools, and honestly, on most occasions, when tightening to recommended torque settings, it seems like I’m overtightening based on the effort it takes relative to the reading. Often I’m afraid to apply recommended torque based on the deflection reading for fear that I’ll break something. Perhaps it’s just me.
Is that style accurate? I have a similar set made by Park Tools, and honestly, on most occasions, when tightening to recommended torque settings, it seems like I’m overtightening based on the effort it takes relative to the reading. Often I’m afraid to apply recommended torque based on the deflection reading for fear that I’ll break something. Perhaps it’s just me.
The product spec says within 4%.
Like I said earlier, the big advantage (besides price) is not needing it to get it calibrated like the click-type should periodically. Anyone who doesn’t calibrate their click-type may be easily outside of 4%.
I’ll go with the simple and cheap beam. I don’t think the elastic properties of the beam change much with age 
BTW, a key to the beam type and getting accurate numbers is to make sure that the force to the handle is all through the handle pivot. Don’t make the mistake of allowing one end of the handle to rest against the beam while you pull on it.
Anyone tried this one? Giustaforza_EffettoMariposa
I have one of those and it doesn’t work well in the lower range for handlebars and other smaller fittings (around 5 N*m).
A Velonews article on the afore mentioned item.
http://beta.velonews.com/article/71252
I use a Syntace , seems like the ticket.
I bought the sears one with the half inch drive (really only good for a couple of things) and a nashbar click type one. It came with allen hex keys and was on sale for 60 or so. Imagine it is not as good as a more pricey one but seems to work (nothing has broken)
THats what I was going to say.
I use a Syntace , seems like the ticket.
Ok… so I bought the Craftsman 3/8" drive TW today. Works great. goes from like 10-250 in*lbs. I think it handles basically every piece on my bike. Im not super confident in the very low range though. Im really scared to over torque the seat post on my new P2C. It says MAX 4NM, but seems like a lot when I use the wrench.
Only if it doesn’t cost $300.
You can get a much more accurate eletronic torque wrench for $200. It will work in clockwise and counterclockwise which some clicker wrenches don’t do. It will also use any torque units so you don’t have to do any conversions.
we use the syntace in the shop and any LBS can get one for you from a variety of sources including syntace/ magura, qbp and others. offer to prepay and maybe get a discount. spend the money and get good ones - it is worth it.
good tools aren’t cheap and cheap tools aren’t good.
cheers,
Anyone tried this one? Giustaforza_EffettoMariposa
It rocks! Had a friend in town this weekend and borrowed it from him. This is the one to trust your carbon bits to.