Park Tool TW-5 Torque Wrench

Product Information

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. There's an array of different alternative bolt sizes used in headsets and stems, particularly proprietary designs, while things like chainset bolts tend to be a different size again. Anything else I should look out for?

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. 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. Despite its appearance and cost, the handle parts feel like they don’t quite fit perfectly together with some wobble rather than an assured fit Bits included: 2, 2.5, 3, 4 (long), 5 (long) & 6mm hex, Torx 10, 15, 20, 25 (long) & 30, Phillips #2, 100mm extensionTorque is measured as a unit of force acting on a rotating lever of some set length. In the bike industry and elsewhere, the common unit used to measure torque is the Newton meter (abbreviated Nm). One Newton meter is a force of one Newton on a one meter long lever. Another unit sometimes seen is the Kilogram-centimeter (abbreviated kgf-cm), which is a kilogram of force acting on a lever one centimeter long. It is possible to convert between the various systems. Effetto’s Mariposa Giustaforza II 2-16 Pro Deluxe torque wrench is a high-quality option. David Rome / Immediate Media Not using a torque wrench puts you at risk of a bolt snapping, or indeed a delicate, carbon component giving way or being crushed under too much pressure. In the case of a handlebar, this can be dangerous; and if it’s proven that you’d overtightened a bolt and caused the fracture then your chances of a warranty claim could be voided. This tool offers everything we loved about the Park Tool PTD, but with further adjustment options. Accuracy is not quite as consistent as the preset options, but certainly close enough. Its American-made build quality is superb, but that does mean it’s heavy and priced relatively high.

A preset torque wrench looks much like a normal Allen key, with a handle. It will tighten the bolt to the ideal tension. These are light and easy to transport, as well as being highly accurate since they can’t be adjusted. Below is a table of torque equivalents and formulas for conversions follow the torque table. The table is also available as a PDF file. Some at-home-mechanics might skip the torque wrench, in favour of adjusting bolts ‘on feel’. When you’ve tightened a lot of bolts, you’ll have a good idea what 4Nm and 6Nm might feel like. 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.

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. Even with such praise, it’s priced at a premium and doesn’t offer a great deal over more generic Taiwanese options. It’s certainly one for those who appreciate both form and function. 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

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. To 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. On the other hand, you have to carefully read the beam in relation to a scale to know that you have achieved the correct torque. This can be difficult if the unit you are torquing to isn’t printed on the scale or if you are aiming for a decimal. You’ll also need a steady hand. Most beam-style torque wrenches for bicycles tend to be aimed at the entry point of the market and are often made of plastic or more flexible materials. Without the torque driver involved, the rest of the handle can be used to loosen off bolts – again in a range of configurations – saving the ratchet from damage. NOTE: Torque wrenches are measuring instruments and are not intended for use as a general-purpose ratcheting driver. Do not exceed 14 Nm when using the TW-5.2. Repair & ServiceA 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.