Tightening Screws

Today I adjusted my stem to have a higher rise and was reading what the proper torque was on the various screws I had taken off. I have no torque wrench. I am worried I may have overtightened them, but am too nervous to loosen them because it would be catastrophic if it wasn't enough. How do you gauge how tight to turn everything when you make your adjustments?

These days, with bikes out of lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber, it is best to use a torque wrench. As I do some of the work on my bikes, I bought the Park one and it works fine for stuff like the stem bolts and seatpost binder bolt. I don't have to worry or guess and can't afford to buy new stuff if I crush or strip something so the torque wrench was a good investment.

In steps the voice of reason. :) You're right. I will look into getting one. Thanks.

tzvia - Do you have a link to which Parks wrench you have?

I have two of them. One which is better for the lower range, and the other for higher torque settings.
http://www.parktool.com/products/category.asp?cat=13

I have the TW1 and TW2, and a socket and bits. They work well enough for my needs. I bought mine locally but I am sure they can also be had online too.

seriously- I feel so dumb. I had no idea that you could overtighten the screws. I've just been tightening them until I couldn't turn it anymore. I didn't know there was such a thing as a torque wrench. DUH! (I embarrassed to admit how long I've been riding...)

Thanks for your help. I ordered one today.

I didn't think it was that big of a deal either Tri Girl, but when I was tightening my seat post, I noticed some metal shavings coming off of the screw and it got me thinking about it. I guess it can cause parts to break and have to be replaced. Better to pay for the torque wrench than have to buy new bike parts I suppose!