Park Tool TW-5 Torque Wrench

Product Information

The TW-1.2 has a range of 0–14 Nm (0–140 inch-pounds). The TW-2.2 has a range of 0–60 Nm (0–50 foot-pounds).

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. 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. 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. Given the number of affordable designs available elsewhere, there isn’t much to argue in favour of the beam-style torque wrench. That said, it’s certainly better to use a beam-style torque wrench than not to use anything. Best torque wrenches for cyclists, as rated by our expert testers The TW-5.2 has a range of 2–14 Nm (18–124 inch-pounds). The TW-6.2 has a range of 10–60 Nm (88–530 inch-pounds).A pre-set torque wrench is pretty easy if the value matches the bolt you’re attempting to tighten. You twist the tool until it breaks free, you’ll know this when you feel it. Don’t be tempted to give it another quarter because you can still over tighten bolts using a torque wrench because most don’t full give up the ghost if you push past the release point. 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. Park Tool’s TW-5.2 uses a 3/8in drive rather than the smaller 1/4in head, which means it isn’t as easy to wield in smaller spaces. Yet it feels much better quality, with less play and movement at the head than other options, especially under higher torque loads. The main reason to tighten a bot to the correct torque is for safety. If you over tighten a bolt, it can break or damage the part it’s attached to. Conversely if it’s not tight enough, it can work loose, which can accelerate wear or cause a failure. A loose bolt on a saddle clamp will only cause it to creak or move when you sit on it but there are situations where it can cause damage to the bolt. One of the most common bolts to come loose is the one holding your crank in place and if you keep on riding this can mangle the interface and mean costly replacement. The Lifeline’s box looks the part but I would wonder if the slightly cheap feeling plastic will survive the usual travails of being piled in with a load of other tools in a shed or workshop; the outer feeling a bit flimsy.

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.

Press

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. 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. Bits included: 2, 2.5, 3, 4 (long), 5 (long) & 6mm hex, Torx 10, 15, 20, 25 (long) & 30, Phillips #2, 100mm extension 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. 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.