A bike torque wrench sounds like a fancy tool better left in the hands of mechanics, but in reality, it’s a small gadget you can learn to use in minutes. And since understanding torque and adjusting it properly are important parts of a regular rider’s routine, investing in this tool can save you multiple trips to the bike shop and costly bike repairs in the long run.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to use a torque wrench, from what it is to why it’s so important.
What Exactly Is a Torque Wrench?
Torque, simply put, is rotational force. For cyclists, torque is important to understand because bicycles are built with small hardware and lightweight materials that need to be tight enough to remain safe and secure, but not so tight that they are damaged or can break. That’s where a torque wrench comes in.
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“A torque wrench gauges the rotational force and prevents you from overtightening hardware or crushing a component you’re tightening down on such as seatposts or handlebars,” explains Kevin Harrison, professional mechanic and technical training representative for Cannondale. “A mechanism inside the wrench gives you an auditory and tactile cue when you’ve reached the correct amount of torque.”
That torque sweet spot is crucial because it’s common that—particularly with noise issues—cyclists turn to tightening parts on their bike. But too-tight parts are just as bad, if not worse, as loose parts. If parts aren’t torqued correctly, your bike may not function properly.
Torque is measured in Newton meters, abbreviated as Nm, which you’ve probably seen on various components on your bike like the stem. “This value is known as the torque spec and indicates the torque for the bolts closest to it,” Harrison says. “For example, your stem may have two different torque specs: one for the bolts clamping it to the steerer tube and another for the stem faceplate, which holds on the handlebar.”
Do You Really Need to Use a Torque Wrench?
Let’s get one thing straight: No matter how long you’ve been turning wrenches, your experienced hands are no match for a torque tool’s accuracy. While a multitool might seem like it does the trick, it’s best to always use a bike torque wrench. The value of owning this gadget and the 10 minutes it takes to learn how to use it easily outweigh the price you’d pay for trashing a costly component.
“Technically, anything with a labeled or publicized torque spec should be tightened with a torque wrench,” Harrison says. Sure, you could have your bike shop do it, but it’s definitely more convenient if you understand how to do it yourself.
The type of bike you have is what dictates how often you should check the torque. “Any kind of bike being ridden off road, full-suspension mountain bikes for example, undergo more vibration and impact and may need to be adjusted more often,” Harrison says. For regular pavement riders, checking at least once a month is a good start to protect your bike’s function. For off-road riders, weekly is best. While that sounds like a lot of regular maintenance, it’s a small price to pay for big results. “You can check every bolt on your bike in just a few minutes and catch a small issue before it becomes major,” Harrison says.
If your bolts are too loose...
- Critical components, such as the stem, handlebar, and seatpost, can move midride, causing you to lose control and possibly crash.
- You can damage parts, like if you ride a crank with a loose mounting bolt.
- Over time, loose bolts can speed up wear and tear.
- Undertightened bolts are often the cause of annoying clicks, creaks, and squeaks.
- If a carbon part moves when it’s not supposed to, it can get scratched or trashed.
If your bolts are too tight...
- Small, delicate parts, such as brake-and derailleur-cable anchor bolts, will break under too much pressure.
- Stress risers can form in bigger components, such as the stem, fork, and handlebar, which could lead to failure down the road.
- Cranking on a bolt too hard could cause it to snap off, leaving you with a tiny stub and a bigger problem.
- It’s possible to crush carbon components, and you won’t get any warning until it’s too late.
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How to Use a Torque Wrench
Exactly how to use this tool will depend on the type of torque wrench you’re working with. (See below for more details on the most common types used on bikes.) That said, generally speaking, you should first check the torque spec on the bolt or part you’re looking to tighten. Then, use the appropriate preset wrench or set an adjustable wrench to the proper torque value. Insert the wrench’s bit into the socket of the bolt or part and turn until you hear or feel the wrench’s cue. Remove the bit.
What Kind of Bike Torque Wrench Should You Use?
The good news: You don’t need to do serious damage to your bank account to get a decent torque wrench, and a small investment now can save you a lot of money down the road fixing more expensive issues that can result from improper adjustment.
“Before purchasing one, check and see what the various torque specs are on your bike to determine which preset wrench you should buy,” Harrison says.
The Basic Tool: Preset Torque Wrench
Prestacycle Mini TorqKeys Preset Torque Tool w/6 Bits & Holder – 5Nm
This wrench is preset to 5Nm—which makes it great if all you’re doing is adjusting your saddle height or cockpit. It’s also small enough to toss in your pocket or gear bag if you’re traveling.
An Intermediate Investment: Basic Adjustable Torque Wrench
Park Tool Park Tool ATD-1 Adjustable Torque Driver
Park Tool Park Tool ATD-1 Adjustable Torque Driver
A basic adjustable torque wrench gives you a small range to cover multiple bolts on your bike without a large investment. Adjust the dial on the handle to change the torque value.
The Expert-Level Tool: Adjustable Ratcheting Torque Wrench
Effetto Mariposa Giustaforza II 2-16 Pro Torque Wrench
This wrench looks like a ratchet you may be familiar with, but it has an adjustable mechanism inside that clicks at the desired torque value. It gives you a wider range (2-16Nm), and the benefit of a standard quarter-inch driver system so that you can use a wide variety of bits and extensions for hard-to-reach places. It’s important to note though that a professional bike mechanic will typically have two different ratcheting torque wrenches, one to cover the lower range and one to cover the upper range. “This one is best for an expert home mechanic because it will cover most of the adjustments they need to do,” Harrison says.
For the Tech-Lover: Digital Torque Wrench
This digital torque wrench lets you know your exact number of Nm’s (or three other optional units) while in use, viewable on the screen. You can also set an audible alert for you Nm of choice, so you know when you hit it, plus there’s a separate alert for when you’ve surpassed it.
How to Make a Torque Wrench Work Better For You
Now that you know all the basics, there are a few pro tips that can help you master using your torque wrench.
For one, not all bolts should be treated the same. “Some bolts on your bicycle require grease; some require a retaining compound like Loctite, and some others require nothing at all,” Harrison says. “Check the bicycle or component owner’s manual or, when in doubt, ask your local bike shop.” Understanding which parts need what will help you maintain your bike properly and avoid causing bigger issues.
Also, Harrison points out that most bolts and threaded parts on a bike are right-hand thread, which means they go by the “righty-tighty” rule (righty tighty, lefty loose-y). “In the case that a part is reverse thread, not all torque wrenches will work counterclockwise,” he says. Double check the owner’s manual or product description to check if your wrench is dual direction.
Also, knowing how to take care of your tools is just as important as knowing how to use them. “The preset wrenches usually don’t require anything to maintain them, but many adjustable wrenches need to be reset to zero when you’re not using them,” Harrison says. “It’s important to read the instructions that come with them because improper storage of the wrench can negate the usefulness of the tool.” Read up on the owner’s manual before storing the tool in your tool box to make sure your investment doesn’t go to waste.
