Do you have a Torque Wrench?

[Ana]

So if I get at 3/8" torque wrench, do I need a hex set? What do you have for small bike parts (seat post clamp, stem, brakes, etc)?

Thanks!

[mudmucker]

Yes the torque wrench is just a wrench, like a rachet ready to accept hex sockets, in this case for your bike, allen type bits.

Unless the wrench comes with hex sockets like this set found at Colorado Cyclist.

If you get the wrench alone, you will need to buy the hex sockets separately - you can buy them individually, and they need to be the same size as the drive of your wrench. ie. 1/4" or 3/8" drive unless you use/need an adapter. 1/2" inch drive will be overkill for just carbon parts. Don't buy too cheap of allen sockets.

The most frequently used sizes I use for carbon seatpost, bars, etc is a 5mm and 6mm allen type socket. Those would be good to start but you may need others. Typically, a torque of around 5 to 6 Nm will be required for small stuff like seatposts and carbon bars.

ETA: typically the recommended torque should say on your carbon bars or seatpost.....

[OakLeaf]

Not only 1/2" drive will be "overkill" for carbon parts, you won't find sockets in 1/2" drive in the sizes you need (4 mm and 5 mm, for handlebar clamps, brifter clamps and seatposts). There's a reason for that, as I said before.

If it's for the bici only, get a 1/4" drive wrench with a range that includes the torque specs you'll need (50-60 in-lbs, 5-6 N-m for the above). Price the sockets (either at Sears or wherever you get the torque wrench) - depending on how many you need, it may be cheaper to buy a whole set, or to just buy the ones you need. Sears will have them either way.

Park Tool has a handy universal torque spec chart that I just happened across.