When we love something, we never want to see it get hurt or broken, ever. The same goes for our beloved bikes. A torque wrench is imperative to help you fix up and maintain your bike without having to see a professional each time.
In this article we’re going to give a little background for torque wrenches, why you need them, and the different types you can use. Then we’re going to provide the best selection so you can get your hands on your very own torque wrench.
Table of Contents
TLDR – Top Pick
The best bicycle torque wrench you can get today is the Pro Bike Tool ¼ Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench Set.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 00:31 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features You Need To Consider
So, what is a torque wrench exactly?
At its very core, a torque wrench is a tool that will tighten bolts until the exact level of tension it needs to be. The tightness, otherwise known as the torque, is measured in newton meters (Nm). If you don’t know how tight it needs to be, it might just snap, and you don’t want that. It is great that you have a tool to help you out, perfect for home repairs.
What Do You Need It For?
You need to understand, the torque wrench comes in different settings. It depends on what you’re tightening. Are you dealing with delicate bolts, or something that needs more effort to tighten? Maybe you want a portable torque wrench to fix your seat height, or your stem during the ride. Or, you want a versatile torque wrench with levels you can adjust because you’re doing full maintenance for your bike.
Once you understand your needs, then it will be easier to find the torque wrench that works for you.
Type of Wrench
Another thing to consider is the type. That’s right, there are different types of torque wrenches. Here they are.
Beam: This is the most basic type of torque wrench. You can use it to measure flex.
Electronic: This is the most advanced, you can have different settings and it can be pre-set to the desired level of tightness.
Preset: This type is pretty common. Many people choose this because of its simplicity and smaller size. It’s great if you simply need to tighten your saddle height on the go. It will get the job done and precisely tighten what you need. You can’t change the tightness setting. It looks like an Allen key with a handle.
Click: This is another common option people often choose. The click torque wrench can be adjusted and tighten different things while still maintaining accuracy, just like the preset type. You can set it to the level of tightness that you need, and it will click to let you know that you have reached it. The only downside is that it’s bigger, and that’s why it’s perfect for home bike maintenance.
Weight
Considering the different types of torque wrench out there, which one should you choose? Well, this has a lot to do with the weight of the tool. A heavier wrench might be able to do more and yet be a burden on your ride. A lighter wrench might be perfect to carry around and yet may not be able to perform the task you need.
That’s why it’s a good idea to have more than one.
Readability
It’s very important for the numbers on your torque wrench to be high contrast, not too small, and easy to read. A great torque wrench will have two units of measurements visible, that are both easy to read. You don’t need to convert units if your bike and your wrench are different.
The best ones are the digital displays, you won’t even have to look at all the tiny numbers, it’s bold, clear, and automatically precise.
Torque Wrench vs Torque Key
Great, you understand all about torque wrenches, here comes a new glossary, “Torque Key”. So what is a torque key? How is it different from a torque wrench? Do you need a torque key and not a torque wrench?
Well, a torque key is similar to a preset torque wrench. “Key” means that it’s in one setting and can only be used to tighten one thing precisely. So getting a torque key may be a little risky, especially if you’re not sure it will match whatever you need to tighten.
The Best Bicycle Torque Wrench Reviewed
We are all done discussing the basics of a torque wrench. It’s time to get to the good stuff. You already know that there are simply too many options to choose from. Check out these torque wrenches we’ve reviewed and find the one – or two – that’s right for you.
1. PRO BIKE TOOL 1/4 Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench Set
Key Features:
- 3 options available
- Material: stainless steel
- Smooth and precise
- Professional quality
- Passes testing for accuracy
The Pro Bike Tool ¼ Inc Drive Click Torque Wrench Set is a complete and professional Torque set for you to use. It is equipped with 2.0 to 20.0 newton meter torque range to make sure that your bike is tightened to its supposed torque. You can use it on stems, lever clamps, seat clamps, chain sets, headsets, and even rotors.
Make sure that you follow the instructions and don’t do things without following a guide if you are inexperienced. Over tightening or setting it too loose can cause extreme damage to your bike. This torque prides itself on accuracy, and therefore it will be easier for you to follow your bike manufacturer’s settings.
This is a click torque. What does it mean exactly? Well, when the level of torque you want is achieved it will click, which you will hear or feel, and that’s how you know you’re done. If you set it at 5 Nm or lower, the click will be more subtle. Remember to work in a serene environment to avoid missing the click.
Pros:
- Great quality metal
- Easy to use (if you know how to)
- Comes with instructions
- A complete tool set
Cons:
- Requires skill
- May break
- May break bolts
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 00:31 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. EPAuto 1/4-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
Key Features:
- Made of steel
- Easy storage
- Easy to read
- Compatible with cars, bikes, motorcycles, and trucks
- Torque range: 20-200 in.-lb
The EPAuto ¼ inch Drive Click Torque Wrench is durable and easy to store. The model is easy to read, and therefore easy to set. This is also a click torque, however the click is easy to miss so be aware of that. It comes in a plastic case and a non slip grip for easy use.
They offer 4 types of torque to choose from ranging in its Drive and Torque Range. EPAuto offers a lifetime insurance for household usage and a 1 year warranty for commercial use. You don’t need to worry about any issues you might face, you can easily contact the manufacturer and get help. Once you know how to properly operate it, this torque works great to improve your rides.
EPAuto Torque wrenches are manufactured and tested in Taiwan. This model is perfect to use on your bike. But be sure to check out the other models if you need a different drive and torque range.
Pros:
- Accurate if you know how to set it
- Easy to store
- Works well with delicate plastic
- Supplier is responsive
Cons:
- Issues setting the torque
- Setting may be inaccurate
- Click is easy to miss
Last update on 2024-04-24 at 19:20 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. TEKTON 1/4 Inch Drive Dual-Direction Click Torque Wrench
Key Features:
- Torque: 150 inch pounds
- Weights: 0.8 pounds
- Includes a product manual and conversion chart
- Easy to read scale
- Reversible switch
The Tekton ¼ inch Drive Dual-Direction Click Torque Wrench comes with an easy-to-read scale and a product manual. You can trust it to accurately tighten parts according to a manufacturer’s torque specification without worrying about any possible damages.
This is a click torque wrench. And you can hear and feel the click even at lower torque settings. If you miss the click, well, that’s the source of all your problems.
Missing the click may cause you to break bolts, your ride, or even the torque wrench itself. If used properly, it is pre-calibrated to an accuracy of around 4% (clockwise) and 6% (counterclockwise).
The scale is high contrast and therefore easy to read. There is a ft.-lb scale and a Nm scale. You don’t need to worry about improper conversions. This torque wrench is simple and reliable. If you know the basics of how to operate a torque wrench, then this one should be easy enough for you. But if you don’t, remember to read the instructions manual or check out online guides.
Pros:
- Easy to read torque setting
- Easy to adjust torque setting
- Clicked at a lower torque
- Precise
Cons:
- You may miss the click
- The torque may break from improper use
- May break bolts
Last update on 2024-04-24 at 19:20 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Park Tool Ratcheting Click Type Torque Wrench
Key Features:
- Weighs: 0.79 pounds
- Torque range: 2 – 14 Nm
- Torque range: 18 – 124 inch pounds
- Accurate within 4%
- Protective case for storage
The park Tool Ratcheting Click Type Torque Wrench is a high end torque wrench that’s worth your attention. This is yet another click type torque wrench that will help you get the job done. It supports a torque range of 2 to 14 Nm, that’s 18 to 124 in inch pounds. It is adjustable at 0.4 Nm. It works well with low torque applications that you can find on carbon fiber components, stems, seat posts, and handlebars.
It comes with a protective case to securely store your torque. It is recommended that you dial to the minimum torque setting during storage. It will take care of all the mechanisms in the torque.
Torque has become more popular because of the increase of lightweight bike components. It is a definite must for mechanics. Many at-home bike enthusiasts are also learning and excited to have their own torque at home to properly maintain their bike.
Park Tool offers different torque ranges for your needs, but this one is perfect for maintaining your bikes.
Pros:
- Comes with instruction manual
- Simple and compatible with bike parts
- Sturdy exterior build
- Great value for price
Cons:
- Clicking mechanism can break
- Torque can be inconsistent
- Improper use will cause your bike to break
Last update on 2024-04-24 at 19:20 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Venzo 1/4 Inch Driver Beam Torque Wrench Set
Key Features:
- Beam torque wrench
- Accurate, pre calibrated
- Compact
- Includes various hex allen keys
- Portable
The Venzo ¼ Inch Driver Beam Torque Wrench Set is a compact and accurate torque wrench, perfect for cyclists. This tool is easy to use and essential for home workshops. It will help you tighten bolts correctly in order to keep your rides safe and performing optimally. The torque is able to tighten accurately and is safe to use on your expensive carbon parts. It’s pre-calibrated in the factory, and you can definitely trust it.
This model stands out from all the rest because of its smaller size. It’s compact not just for storage, you can even carry it with you during your rides. The torque ranges from 2Nm up to 10 Nm. It’s a ¼ inch torque fix set and it can tighten different parts on your bike, such as handlebar stems, brake brackets, and even seat posts.
If you purchase this torque wrench, it also comes with a variety of Allen keys.
Pros:
- Very compact
- More accurate when compared to click torques
- Perfect for cyclist
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Torque can break
- Difficult to find online support
- Not durable
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 00:31 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Top Pick
After going over the candidates for best bicycle torque wrench, we’ve found that the Pro Bike Tool ¼ Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench Set wins this one. This torque wrench is durable, professional, precise, and comes in a complete set. It’s easy to use, and you can follow along the instruction manual to avoid breaking anything. The only thing you need to be careful about is listening to the click noise, because other than that, this torque wrench has no flaw.
Then again, adjust your choice with your needs. You might need something more compact, or maybe you prefer another brand. The most important thing is to follow the instructions and still be careful not to break anything. Take care of your bike!
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 00:31 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
