Torque wrench - recommendations?

Freeza
Freeza Posts: 128
edited June 2010 in Workshop
I'm looking for a torque wrench to perform basic adjustments on a carbon fibre framed bike such as seat post, handlebars etc. and I don't want to ruin it.

I have seen a few like this one :

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Effet ... 360049310/

but a bit too pricey for my intended purpose. Any recommendations?

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Comments

  • The Spiderman
    The Spiderman Posts: 5,625
    Sealey torque wrench form ebay can be had for £30 ish plus you`ll need some hex bits whaich can be picked up for a tennet.Be aware that you need a fairly low torque for these components,typically around 5N,so make sure your torque wrench can go this low.Ideally you want something that goes from 5-25N.
    2006 Giant XTC
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  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 16,435
    sealey stw1012 - does 2-24nm

    costs about £30
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • sungod wrote:
    sealey stw1012 - does 2-24nm

    costs about £30
    I've got one of these, it's not bad for the money, and comes with a calibration certificate.
    ______________________________________
    Alive at both ends, but a little dead in the middle.
  • desweller
    desweller Posts: 5,175
    <pedant>

    nm means nanometres (units of distance).

    N means Newtons (units of force).

    Only Nm are units of torque (Newton metres).

    </pedant>
    - - - - - - - - - -
    On Strava.{/url}
  • Freeza
    Freeza Posts: 128
    That Sealy looks just the ticket, however I did find this wrench which comes in at £50.99 complete with hex bits.

    http://www.rutlandcycling.com/19773/Gia ... rench.html

    If they don't have any in stock, which with my luck lately they won't, I'll definitely get the Sealy.
  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 16,435
    tbh 20 quid extra is an awful lot to pay for a few hex bits, you could get a whole box for 22...

    http://span-trade.co.uk/auto-tools/sock ... d_665.html
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • robbiedont
    robbiedont Posts: 89
    I got mine from Machine mart for £30 + vat
  • clankymike
    clankymike Posts: 18
    Buy the best quaulity wrench (BRITOOL) you can afford & REMEMBER to zero it after use, only torque in a clockwise direction .
    De Rosa Merak
    Look KG386
    Langster
  • jimmcdonnell
    jimmcdonnell Posts: 328
    I've just ordered the Sealy , looks good. I was going to order this one

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=32396

    but they're out of stock. I have a 20-50Nm for BB etc - bought from eBay - and the comment in the post above is partly valid; I didn't look to see if the wrench I bought was bi-directional, so I can only properly torque one side of my BB (or pedals). But everything else is righty tighty, lefty loosey so not a problem.

    Re: the comment though, with a bi-directional wrench you can torque left- and right-handed.

    I like the fact that using a torque wrench teaches you how much grunt a given fastening has. I now realise I'm a habitual overtightener, especially on the higher torque parts.
    Litespeed Tuscany, Hope/Open Pro, Ultegra, pulling an Extrawheel trailer, often as not.

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  • Ben6899
    Ben6899 Posts: 9,686
    I have one of these. Seems okay so far.

    http://www.parker-international.co.uk/7 ... ench-.html
    Ben

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  • clankymike
    clankymike Posts: 18
    Remember if it is a ratchet torque wrench it will only torque in a c/wise direction (unless you spen a couple hundred££) a break back torque wrench which has a push through square drive will torque in both directions.
    De Rosa Merak
    Look KG386
    Langster
  • Freeza
    Freeza Posts: 128
    clankymike wrote:
    ... a break back torque wrench which has a push through square drive... .

    ??
    A who what now?
  • jimmcdonnell
    jimmcdonnell Posts: 328
    clankymike wrote:
    Remember if it is a ratchet torque wrench it will only torque in a c/wise direction (unless you spen a couple hundred££)

    So what is a 'bi-directional' ratchet wrench then? - £40. Not a break back push through drive.
    Litespeed Tuscany, Hope/Open Pro, Ultegra, pulling an Extrawheel trailer, often as not.

    FCR 4 (I think?)
    Twitter: @jimjmcdonnell
  • ajb72
    ajb72 Posts: 1,178
    I own a BBB torque wrench which cost £49.99 from Websters in Leicester http://www.mailordercycles.com/products ... p647&rs=gb

    Fantastic value for money - the build quality is very good and comes with all the useful hex bits plus the T25 torx key. I have found it a real eye-opener to use, and I definitely apply less pressure to bolts and cables than I did previously.
  • amnezia
    amnezia Posts: 590
    sungod wrote:
    sealey stw1012 - does 2-24nm

    costs about £30
    I've got one of these, it's not bad for the money, and comes with a calibration certificate.

    +1

    i have one and its exceptionally good for the price.

    I've checked it against a mates Norbar and its pretty much spot on.