Another what torque wrench question...

[Goobs]

I've just bought a Defy1 and feel obliged to set the stem/bars torque up correctly so am looking for a torque wrench of some kind.

I have seen the following :

http://www.amazon.co.uk/GIANT-Giant...408618041&sr=8-2&keywords=giant+torque+wrench

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Widow...sr=8-1&keywords=black+widow+torque+wrench+set

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mighty-8802...408618041&sr=8-1&keywords=giant+torque+wrench

Are these all the same or who is copying who ? Prices range from £65 to £44. I have seen the Giant at £50 elsewhere.

Alternativley there is the Topeak Combo Torque wrench at £13.49 from Halfords.

I only need a wrench for 6Nm for now but not sure if in the future I'd make use of the extra range on the Amazon clones.

Thoughts ?

 

[Brommyboy]

I do all my own repairs and have never used a torque wrench! The Allen key cannot be overtightened unless you use a very long extension. If under tightened, then the component will slip.

 

[numbnuts]

As above do it by feel

 

[smokeysmoo]

Used to have the Giant one, does what it says on the box.

Don't feel the need for one nowadays, but I no longer own a plastic bike either

 

[Roadrider48]

Planetx.co.uk have the same one for £35.00
But....it's out of stock at the moment.
Sign up to them for email alerts and they will let you know when it is back. If this is what you want of course.

 

[slowmotion]

This one is good.
http://www.pvrdirect.co.uk/products...rometer-Style-3-8Sq-Drive-2-24Nm-147-1770lbft
I also have one by the same manufacturer that covers the approx. range 25-100 Nm

 

[Garethgas]

Most torque wrenches are only accurate in the middle of their range,
In tests, they tend to vary wildly at the lower and upper ranges, depending on the manufacturer.
A bit of googling will help you choose which is the most suitable and accurate for your needs.
Also, calibration certificates are not that important...it's a bike not an aircraft
I had one about 30 yrs ago but only used it two or three times, its surprising how quickly you get a feel for it.

 

[Smokin Joe]

I never bother even though I got one free with a magazine subscription years ago. You'd have to be a really insensitive gorilla to overtighten a clamp round a carbon tube with a standard Allen key.

 

[Goobs]

Does it not invalidate your warranty if you don't torque properly though ?

I mean I had my bike delivered from Rutland Cycling with everything built except for the handlebars that needed moving and tightening.
Now if I over tighten them then after a few miles a fault develops I don't have a leg to stand on regarding getting it fixed do i?
Personally I don't think its worth the risk on a grands worth of bike to spend £15 to £50 on a tool that yes will get infrequently used but helps you stay within the spec of build the manufacturer wants.

If it was a secondhand winter knacker bike I might think differently.

 

[bpsmith]

I totally agree and am looking at picking up a Park Tool TW5 soon. I am always tinkering and adjusting/checking bolts regularly, so will get used a bit. Not worth the worry IMHO.

 

[samsbike]

This one is good.
http://www.pvrdirect.co.uk/products...rometer-Style-3-8Sq-Drive-2-24Nm-147-1770lbft
I also have one by the same manufacturer that covers the approx. range 25-100 Nm

I agree and have the same one

 

[Goobs]

I totally agree and am looking at picking up a Park Tool TW5 soon. I am always tinkering and adjusting/checking bolts regularly, so will get used a bit. Not worth the worry IMHO.

Cheapest I've seen the Park TW5 is £80 either from Chainreactioncycles or probikekit.

I agree and have the same one

The Sealey was out of stock when I looked.

Cheapest I've seen the Park TW5 is £80 either from Chainreactioncycles or probikekit. 100% more than I fancied paying tbh.

 

[BRounsley]

I torque everything up. You’ll be surprised how not tight 5/6nm is. A crank is Allen keyed on at 35+nm so if people struggle to over tighten a 6nm bolt I’d suggest an extra turn on their crank bolts!

Most bolts on a bike are around the 5nm mark so a cheap option is a “Torque Key” like this

http://www.tweekscycles.com/Product...eneral Tools&gclid=CK-AoNKJp8ACFZMRtAodUh4ASw

 

[Goobs]

I torque everything up. You’ll be surprised how not tight 5/6nm is. A crank is Allen keyed on at 35+nm so if people struggle to over tighten a 6nm bolt I’d suggest an extra turn on their crank bolts!

Most bolts on a bike are around the 5nm mark so a cheap option is a “Torque Key” like this

http://www.tweekscycles.com/Product.do?method=view&n=3340&p=345552&c=215&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Base&utm_campaign=General Tools&gclid=CK-AoNKJp8ACFZMRtAodUh4ASw

Good find.

I was considering something like this or the Topeak Combo similarly priced with a bit more range but the Ritchey would certainly be more pocketable if thats what was needed.