Halfords Torque wrench value for cash

[jackthelad]

Hi guys been looking at the halfords 3/8th 8-60nm torque wrench and wondering if it is better to purchase this torque wrench compared to 2 different torque wrenches which do 2nm-24nm and 20nm-60nm.I am under the impression that you need a torque wrench for seat post,stem etc which falls into the category of using the 2nm-24nm and a torque wrench for cassette,bottom bracket, crankset bolts, pedals etc which torque at 40nm and falls into the category of 20-nm-60nm.So is buying just 1 torque wrench the best value for cash,Any views appreciated

Its at present £70 has anyone seen this cheaper on halford specials

 

[numbnuts]

do you really need a torque wrench, I had one when repairing cars ect, but for a bike unless it is full carbon I would not bother, after a while you get a "feel" how tight it should be.

 

[jackthelad]

numb I have done most jobs on bikes like bottom brackets etc,and i recon I tighten most stuff with a little care to over tightening,but it is always in the back of my mind-- did i not tighten that enough or did I over tighten,the torque wrench is basically just for piece of mind

 

[fossyant]

I'd but the lower rated one, as that's where there is a chance to overtighten

 

[MacB]

numb I have done most jobs on bikes like bottom brackets etc,and i recon I tighten most stuff with a little care to over tightening,but it is always in the back of my mind-- did i not tighten that enough or did I over tighten,the torque wrench is basically just for piece of mind

At the moment I'm with NN on this, I hover between the two, some days I think I should invest in one and others I think why bother, I've not had a problem yet. Though I should add that I don't have any carbon in the areas in question and nor do I select super lightweight components.

You can judge a fair amount just via the allen keys/wrenches you use, depending on size they put a natural limit on the amount of force you can apply.

 

[fossyant]

Never had one myself, and judge by feel, but I've been looking after my own bikes for 25 years. Might be advisable for someone new to bike maintenance. Key points are bars,stem and seatpost clamp, especially if you have very light alloy or carbon parts.

 

[Red Light]

Do you have a problem with things either breaking when you tighten them or coming loose unexpectedly? If so a torque wrench might help but otherwise it doesn't seem like you need one.

 

[jackthelad]

guys thanks for the replies,I have the Ritchey allen key which is pre-set at 5nm, so use this for seat clamps stem bolts and general bolts on the bike,the torque wrench was basically more for the bigger stuff,but your right I probably dont need it as have got along ok in the past,it was just that I was in an lbs and he said they use the torque wrench all the time.

 

[fossyant]

If you have the Ritchey key, then you won't need anything else.

I've got Ritchey on my commuter, and I doubt I'd get near the 5nm torque for the bars - just use a small allen key. Pro stem and WCS bars.