Torque wrenches

[spacecat]

Hi everyone,

What are your thoughts on using these? Are they really necessary? Have never owned one but was thinking about it especially as components seem to be getting more fragile.

Or is it a case of if you ain't a gorilla then your own judgement is well within tolerances?

Thanks

Al

 

[smokeysmoo]

I use THIS one, I bought it when I had a cf bike, but even though I'm very happily cf free, I still find it very useful for routine maintenance on my other bikes.

IMHO they are essential, (others will dis-agree) if your bike is cf, not so much if alu or steel, but still handy if like me you have very little mechanical sympathy

 

[chris grace]

Every nut and bolt has a torque setting that ensures the fitting is working to it's fullest without stressing it .If you overtighten a fitting then it will fail,if you undertighten a fitting it will fail to secure properly.

I have torque wrenches in 3 sizes and about 8 different types,because they are essential.

 

[Alun]

I have torque wrenches in 3 sizes and about 8 different types,because they are essential.

Crikey, are you a F1 mechanic?

 

[spacecat]

Thanks guys.

I don't have any cf and have always done all my own repairs without one, without ever encountering any problems. My alu roadie probably just 'looks' a lot more fragile than my mtb.

Maybe i'll get one when something fails! Then i'll learn

 

[smokeysmoo]

Maybe i'll get one when something fails! Then i'll learn

Like people who buy a burglar alarm after they have been burgled

Only joking, IMO just keep your eyes peeled, if one crops up for the right money happy days, if not I wouldn't worry about it, as you've said you've no cf to worry about

 

[chris grace]

Crikey, are you a F1 mechanic?

Used to do a lot of engine building and needed 3 sizes and different types for different spaces,some times you couldn't get a long wrench into a small area and would have to use a dial wrench or a lever type.

 

[subaqua]

Every nut and bolt has a torque setting that ensures the fitting is working to it's fullest without stressing it .If you overtighten a fitting then it will fail,if you undertighten a fitting it will fail to secure properly.

I have torque wrenches in 3 sizes and about 8 different types,because they are essential.

its not just the fixing, its the items its bolting together too that have a torque setting. you don't want to put a bolt with a high torque setting into/onto an item thsat has a low torque crush setting. I have seen some gorilla armed sparks bust switchgear and use the argument that the torque wrench was used to the bolt setting. and i asked them if they used the setting for the lug connection, to be met with a blank look.

have a couple of them 1 3/8" drive low setting for small stuff a 1/2" one for bigger bolts on the bike and a larger 1/2" one for bolting copper busbars together etc.

 

[jethro10]

I use THIS one, I bought it when I had a cf bike, but even though I'm very happily cf free, I still find it very useful for routine maintenance on my other bikes.

IMHO they are essential, (others will dis-agree) if your bike is cf, not so much if alu or steel, but still handy if like me you have very little mechanical sympathy

I have the same one.
Works great for me.

Jeff

 

[Herzog]

I have the same one.
Works great for me.

Jeff

So do I, though it's got a different brand name on it. Works fine...my frame hasn't cracked yet...