torque wrenches

2

26er

New Member
Do I really need one??? All the research I come up with is kind of making me paranoid that if I don't use one, I'll damage my bike or worse hurt myself.

If I really should buy, one which brand should I buy? Which type?
 
It couldn't hurt. Especially with most bolts being made of stronger material (steel) than the threaded component material (aluminum). I would definitely have one in your toolbox for any carbon components. I have 2 wrenches, one for most of the fasteners using a 5mm hex socket and one I used for crankbolts. One is a Craftsman that I picked up at Sears and the other is a Husky I got at Home Depot.
 
If you have a carbon seat post and handlebar, I would recommend getting a wrench to keep from over tightening the bolts. 90% of posts that break at the frame binder clamp are due to user error. The post gets crushed from over tightening and then it is just a matter of time before it snaps like a twig.

I've used this one and like it. It comes with all of the bits that you would use on your bike. Easy to use.

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/product/item/BBBSBS3K
 
JDurk said:
It couldn't hurt. Especially with most bolts being made of stronger material (steel) than the threaded component material (aluminum). I would definitely have one in your toolbox for any carbon components. I have 2 wrenches, one for most of the fasteners using a 5mm hex socket and one I used for crankbolts. One is a Craftsman that I picked up at Sears and the other is a Husky I got at Home Depot.
Click to expand...

I use to be a fan of Craftsman but not anymore. I'll check out the Home Depot one though, def for the bigger stuff like lockring.

BiknBen said:
If you have a carbon seat post and handlebar, I would recommend getting a wrench to keep from over tightening the bolts. 90% of posts that break at the frame binder clamp are due to user error. The post gets crushed from over tightening and then it is just a matter of time before it snaps like a twig.

I've used this one and like it. It comes with all of the bits that you would use on your bike. Easy to use.
Click to expand...
Yeah I wasn't even thinking of carbon components just yet, but point taken. More importantly is my rotor bolts (rear) need to be tightened up asap. I have no clue how it happened but the rotor is loose. I will be upgrading to some carbon stuff at some point though.

I suppose I'll pick up the Park Tools TW-5 and SBS-1 socket & bit set for almost the same price.
 
I have a few from Harbor Freight. They're super cheap but for the use I put them through they're perfect.

I have one for smaller jobs (up to 50 in-lbs or something) and one for stuff up to car lugs (20-150 ft-lbs).
 
I've read in a few places that the Harbor Freight torque wrenches are very accurate. Similar to Snap-On/Craftsman.

If you buy the click style remember to keep them at "0" so the spring doesn't soften. The needle style are weird to operate but they are always accurate.

-Steve
 
The only problem with using common torque wrenches on a bike is few are capable of being set low enough while remaining accurate. I wouldn't use a clicker-type for such low-torque applications. A beam/dial type should work reasonable well. You would be surprised at how little torque is required on most bolts.

S-K sells a low-torque driver model (new TPMS valves have specific torque requirements), but it is somewhat expensive.

After awhile (and a few stripped threads), you get a feel for how tight a bolt needs to be. I still have 4, 5 & 6mm heli-coils in the tool box from my DH racing days, just in case.
 
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