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I want to buy a torque wrench specifically for working on my bike. I'm a new cyclist, however I like tools and learning how to take things apart, adjust, etc. I don't want to buy the most expensive tool in the world since I'm not sure I'll get that much use out of it, but don't want some cheap piece of junk either.
How do I choose a quality torque wrench? Brands that are good?
Thanks.
Good standard bicycle tool is made by Parks Tools. It seems they have a monopoly on them.
A good torque wrench is the kind that clicks. you dial in the torque required. Tool will make a click sound when the desired torque is reached.
A cheaper version has a needle pointer with a scale near the handle.
Best to get the clicky kind. Quite a bit more expensive but so worth it. Ask you LBS to the size of the torque wrench you should buy. I probably would get a 1/4" ratchet first since most of the bicycle stuff is small.
other sources of good torque wrench are: Sears Craftsman, Snap-on (not sure where you would buy one of them). I would avoid the no name brand cheap chinese imports and stuff from Harbor Freight.
Correct tightness of bolts and nuts are very important on seat posts, stems etc.
I've read that beam-type wrenches are actually more accurate than the click or dial type. They don't need re-calibration after you buy them.
Professional mechanics prefer click-type wrenches because you can work more quickly - you don't have to watch the needle while you're torquing, and you can set it once and torque a whole series of fasteners that take the same torque, like on a cylinder head or similar cover. Plus, it is possible to over-torque with a beam wrench if you're not paying attention. And, the long flexible beam means it can be hard to work with in tight spaces.
I wouldn't spend $2-300 for a torque wrench if all I were doing was working on my personal bicycle, no matter how much groovy carbon fiber it had. A beam wrench is fine for that, but do get a quality brand like Craftsman or Park, as Smilingcat said.
You definitely want 1/4" drive for a bici, and also make sure the torque values you'll be going for (50-70 in-lbs on most bici fasteners) are in the middle of the wrench's range. All calibrated tools, from thermometers to pressure gauges, are made to be most accurate in the middle of their ranges.
We just bought a Park one, it was about $20 at our LBS. DH has two bikes with carbon seat posts, one is a mountain bike that tends to slide just a bit so it was a good investment.
DH and I have a Pedro's demi torque wrench that we really like. Its torque range is low enough to be useful for seatposts and stems, while just high enough for things like external BB crankset bolts.
Good morning all. Thank you all for your advice. I will go look for one.