Park Tool TW-5 Torque Wrench

Product Information

If you are tightening bolts where there are two or more in the same location, such as on the stem, make sure you tighten each bolt evenly rather than fully torque one and then the other. This isn’t too surprising given that like a gauge, torque wrenches are typically most accurate in the middle range; reducing that range results in greater precision. Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply. The included bits will see you through most repairs, and the case keeps it all together. However, it’s penalised for its price given that some online retailers sell effectively the same thing under a different name for less money. Below is a table of torque equivalents and formulas for conversions follow the torque table. The table is also available as a PDF file.

Made in Italy, the Pro version from Effetto Mariposa is positioned as the premium cycling-specific torque wrench. Testing showed reliable accuracy and ease of use. The PTD and ATD tools are assembled and calibrated in-house by Park Tool. Obviously accuracy of a torque wrench is key and the ATD proved consistent and precise when tested on our digital torque tester. For example, we got an average reading of 5.13nm with the ATD set to 5nm.More importantly though, this accuracy remained after putting this tool through some hard use. The torque setting is set by twisting the bottom of the handle and watching the little red indicator move to the desired number. Those numbers are only even, so there’s an element of estimation for odd numbers – and many bolts require 5Nm. Despite its appearance and cost, the handle parts feel like they don’t quite fit perfectly together with some wobble rather than an assured fitTo achieve the correct torque, you’ll a specialist tool called, unsurprisingly enough, a torque wrench, and we’ve selected the best torque wrenches for mountain bikes we could find.

A torque limiter uses a built-in clutch system designed to release when the resistance at the fastener exceeds the resistance of the clutch. Generally, torque limiters are used on lower-torque fasteners such as stems, bars, rotor bolts, cable pinch bolts, etc. Measured torque not typically used. Common industry practice is resistance at lever half way through swing from open to fully closed. For more see Tire and Tube Removal and Installation. The main handle and torque part of the tool can be put together in several configurations which mean it can get into tight spots where other tools may not be able to reach awkwardly positioned bolts. However, estimating torque can be a risky business and if it goes wrong, you’ve not got much hope of a warranty swap. What types of torque wrench sets are available?Torque wrenches are simply tools for measuring resistance to rotation. There is a correlation between the tension in the bolt and the effort it takes to turn it. Any tool, even a torque wrench, should be used with common sense. A cross-threaded bolt will not properly tighten even with a torque wrench. The mechanic must be aware of the purpose of torque, and what torque and fastener preload are doing to the component joint. It is also important to consider thread preparation, which is discussed in detail in this article. In fact, using many torque wrenches 'the wrong way' can damage their mechanism and stop them from accurately gauging the level or torque. If the tool you've got does not do reverse thread, don't try and use it for reverse thread (or for loosening bolts). The TW-5.2 from Park Tool is a conventional ratcheting torque wrench designed for lower torque settings that you typically find on bike components. The ‘Deluxe’ tool wrap and bits are great quality and it even includes a free calibration service (in Italy…). All wrapped up, it’s compact and doesn’t waste space in the toolbox.

The Lifeline Essential Torque Wrench set is a simple, yet effective, and very tactile torque tool that will do most (small) tasks that the average home bicycle mechanic is likely to take on. Threaded fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, are used to hold many components to the bike. As a fastener is tightened, the fastener actually flexes and stretches, much like a rubber band. This stretching is not permanent, but it gives the joint force to hold together, called “preload,” or tension. Each fastener is designed for a certain range of tension. Too much tightening will deform the threads or the parts. Too little preload will mean the fastener will loosen with use. This can damage components, such as a crank ridden with a loose mounting bolt. Loose bolts and nuts are also generally the source of various creaking on the bike. Effectively the same as the LifeLine Professional but at a higher price, the PRO Torque Wrench is a fuss-free option if found at a good price David Rome / Immediate Media

Hey, that looks just like the LifeLine Professional or the Pedro’s Demi,” I hear you say. Yep, there’s a good reason for that – it’s the same. Sourced from Taiwan, this Shimano/PRO item is a rebadged tool, but there’s a good reason so many brands put their label on it – it does exactly what it should. With the parts slotted together, you can feel the join between them, given away by a movement that I feel wouldn’t be there if each part was more precisely sized to slot together more snuggly. The struggle here is it can be hard to read the raised numbers, especially if you’re wrenching in a poorly lit hotel room, or adjusting a saddle bolt upside down. It’s comfortable to use, but the hollow plastic construction certainly feels cheap and can lead to clearance issues in rare cases.