Torque

[Slowbee]

Hi Guys

 

Is it worth spending the money to buy a torque wrench to tinker around with on the bike ?

 

I want to be able to dismantle things (re-mantle is another story).

 

Or should I just take it to the bike shop?

 

 

[Lukep]

Torque wrench is a great tool! If you want to just check that everything is tight once a month so it doesnt bite you wjile out on the trail you need it.

I have a full susser and I check the torque settings of all the bolts etc once a month.

[AndreZA]

yes. get the R599 BBB one from CWC.

[Tankman]

 

I want to be able to dismantle things (re-mantle is another story).

 

 

Then why do you need a torque wrench?

Or am I missing something - torques are used for tightening?

[David Marshall]

Small torque wrench a great help for me. Use it all the time esp. on things like brake cable clamps, stems and the like. Some mechanics claim to be able to estimate torque but I'm a sceptic. 6nm seems to be the most common torque for most clamped components so a 4mm and a 5mm Torque key of this strength would suffice (if you can find one).

[jmaccelari]

I keep my torque wrench in my race bag and use it every time I put the saddle or handle bars on (which is quite often wit ha tandem).

 

I never use a normal allen key unless I'm on the road or trail...

[Tankman]

I keep my torque wrench in my race bag and use it every time I put the saddle or handle bars on (which is quite often wit ha tandem).

 

I never use a normal allen key unless I'm on the road or trail...

 

If you use allen keys on the road and on the trail, where do you use your torque wrench, at the bike park?

[Weight Weenie]

I also need to get one, specially with lighter parts like the KCNC stuff I have, torque is NB !

Otherwise stuff will creak like my stem bolts that were not correctly tightened the other day and its dangerous and might void a warranty if its too tight

[Cassie]

Slowbee...just got a nice BBB set from Johan B via the post.

R600 odd rands and it sure looks like a lekka sturdy set!!

 

Haven't yet been able to use it - maybe thsi weeknd.

 

My advice - get yourself this set and you can screw / unscrew just about anything on your bike....

[Nobody]

Where do you guys get your torque values?

I have looked at ritchey and they say half the torque as others eg the stem. Ritchey say 5Nm others say 10 - 11.3Nm

[Clinton - theCOW]

Slowbee...just got a nice BBB set from Johan B via the post.

R600 odd rands and it sure looks like a lekka sturdy set!!

 

Haven't yet been able to use it - maybe thsi weeknd.

 

My advice - get yourself this set and you can screw / unscrew just about anything on your bike....

 

Cassie - what did the kit have (wrench, heads etc?), Lowest and highest Torque value?

 

If you have carbon components, i believe a must, i've cracked a seatpost on my roadbike not knowing it. I use mine often, had it for 5 odd years already and other boys i ride with loan it. I don't want my steerer tube to crack when descending at 80km/h cos i overtightened the Stem - FAIL!!!

 

Only thing i don't check is my cassette, that's flippen tight in general!

[Slowbee]

@ tankman - re-mantling ... thats why I need the wrench.

 

 

Cassie .. post a pic pls

[Guest Big H]

Then why do you need a torque wrench?

Or am I missing something - torques are used for tightening?

 

Yes you are missing something but I am sure you have picked up what it is by now!!!!!!!

Edited October 29, 2010 by Big H

[Guest Big H]

I bought a BBB Torque wrench a while ago and use it regularly. A while ago after returning form Angola I used it to assemble the MTB Tandem. We were staying with my Son and I used the bicycle carrier as a work stand. When I finished the job I put the wrench in the box and left it on the rear bumper.

 

We left to do shopping and and a car was behind me hooting as we approcahed the Hendrik Schoeman N14 intersection at the Sasol garage. You do not stop for anybody there. We were over the intersection when my daughter in law said the man had that "black box thingamajictjie of Pa in his hand". It then hit me like a thunderclap. We turned around and as we approached the intersecetion form the other side another man tried to stop me and by this time all I thought was HIJACK!!!!!! When we crossed the intersection we saw the orginal guy on the other side of the road, We turned around and there he was with my BBB Torque wrench in the box in his hand. I gave him R150-00 and thanked him profusely!!!!!!!

 

The box now has scuff marks on it but boy ..... can it tell a story.

 

It is amazing that in this world full of crooks and skelms you still find real honest people that restores your faith in mankind!!!!!!!

 

BTW he was a middle aged black man!!!!!!!! (did not need to say this but it does help)

[David Marshall]

Where do you guys get your torque values?

I have looked at ritchey and they say half the torque as others eg the stem. Ritchey say 5Nm others say 10 - 11.3Nm

 

 

Park Big Blue Book of bicycle repair has an appendix with the recommended torque values for most of the common brands of components. The variations for stems may be because of the materials (carbon often lower that ali) but I also think some manufacturers opt for higher torque values so that you think their components are stronger! Many stems, seatposts etc will have the torque specs printed on them but in general the range is from 5 to 8 nm. I torque carbon components to 6nm and aliminium to 8. All brake bolts and clamps I do to 6nm, as well as derailers execpt for the rear hanger bolt for which go to 10.

[Tankman]

Yes you are missing something but I am sure you have picked up what it is by now!!!!!!!

 

Nope, I am still missing something... I can understand wanting to use a torque to put stuff back together but if you want to take it apart, just take it apart... screw the bolt out until it is out. Use Allan Key/Screw driver/spanner or you hand, no torque needed.

 

I want to be able to dismantle things (re-mantle is another story)