Small torque wrench recommendation

[kgreene10]

I just got a Tarmac frameset and need a torque wrench that will fit into the small space allotted for tightening the seat post expander bolt. Neither my regular torque wrench nor the Ritchey or Bontrager torque keys will work. The wrench bodies are too large.

The bit is 4mm and the torque spec is 6.2nm but a preset remotely close will suffice.

What’s the least expensive solution? I’m sure the Silca system will fit but I’ve no interest in spending $100 for this one issue.

[charliedid]

I just got a Tarmac frameset and need a torque wrench that will fit into the small space allotted for tightening the seat post expander bolt. Neither my regular torque wrench nor the Ritchey or Bontrager torque keys will work. The wrench bodies are too large.

The bit is 4mm and the torque spec is 6.2nm but a preset remotely close will suffice.

What’s the least expensive solution? I’m sure the Silca system will fit but I’ve no interest in spending $100 for this one issue.

Can you get a longer bit to fit?

[eddief]

I finally figured out a DIY solution. I took one of my extra 4mm hex keys and ground off the short side. That left me with a straight 4mm hex thingy. That 4mm hex thingy fits just fine into the 4mm socket that came with my torque wrench. It was then long enough to reach into the headset cap on the Roubaix. You might need to wrap it with some tape to get it to stay in the socket while you are torquing.

Something like this looks like it will work but the ones from Harbor Freight, for instance, had a 4mm where the head was the right size but the shaft widens out and prevented the head from going into the slot on the Roubaix. Not sure about the spot on your Trek.

https://www.harborfreight.com/7-pc-38-in-drive-metric-long-reach-hex-bit-socket-set-67890.html

Via google, others in your situation face the same problem. Consensus is just use a normal allen key and estimate or maybe a torques wrench bit with a ball end could get good purchase on an angle.

[nublar]

This wrench is like 4" long:
https://www.amazon.com/Venzo-2-10NM-Bicycle-Portable-Torque/dp/B00V4CQEGW/ref=pd_sbs_468_t_2/140-5419699-0007055?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00V4CQEGW&pd_rd_r=fb495d93-c32d-45d2-b371-fd2b9633d067&pd_rd_w=ymlI1&pd_rd_wg=vGUkV&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=1A2QJK0D7HHEW8KGCG7R&psc=1&refRID=1A2QJK0D7HHEW8KGCG7R

[wildboar]

Would an IceToolz Ocarina fit?

[kppolich]

Park Tool TW5.2 works just fine on my 2019 tarmac.

[fmradio516]

Your best bet is one of the pre-set (6nm) ones that are about the size of (slightly smaller than) your palm. I have one that I dont use anymore but its 5nm.. sorry.

[mktng]

id look into a silca t-ratchet.
yes yes. expensive.
but its nice to have something you can trust.

i have an x tools torque wrench. ive gotten used to it. but i dont really trust it.
however. its still better than guessing.

[charliedid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191213/9de4b375650cdf9d592d582500321b1f.jpg


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[Dave]

The cheap solution is a standard short handle hex wrench. I've been wrenching on carbon fiber components for 25 years and never found the need for a tiny torque wrench.

With a short handle, you have to try really hard to exceed 6 Nm.

[mulp]

I'm not convinced small torque wrenches are that reliable. I had a beam style small torque wrench which are supposed to be really accurate and when i was tightening small screws, like for the rd hanger, it would oftentimes strip the screw. The tolerance window for small torque settings are so tight that even with a good torque wrench I was many times over tightening and needing to buy a new part. Just my 2c.

[Tickdoc]

Silca?

https://cdn.road.cc/sites/default/files/styles/main_width/public/silca-t-ratchet-kit-and-ti-torque-kit-detail-2.jpg?itok=cv4cNgl7

[kgreene10]

Thanks guys. I think I’ll go with carbon paste and a regular hex wrench to feel for now and try a hack to extend my existing torque wrenches after that.

[nicrump]

Thanks guys. I think I’ll go with carbon paste and a regular hex wrench to feel for now and try a hack to extend my existing torque wrenches after that.

Use your regular torque wrench on an equal bolt spec into similar thread depth and feel the result with your standard wrench. Do it a few times. Educate your hand to the correct feel.

It will feel about like the weight of 1 gallon of water resting on the end of a 6" allen key.

[kppolich]

Thanks guys. I think I’ll go with carbon paste and a regular hex wrench to feel for now and try a hack to extend my existing torque wrenches after that.

If you have the D-shaped seatpost it specially says don't use carbon paste on it.

[kgreene10]

If you have the D-shaped seatpost it specially says don't use carbon paste on it.

Oh crap, it does? I had better remove it then. Thanks.

[mcteague]

This may not be small enough but I like it. Not too expensive and seems to work well. Just remember to work the mechanism once in a while. If not, the first time, after sitting for a long time, it can allow you to put way too much torque in. I just set it to a low setting, connect it to a socket wrench with a matching size and attempt to "tighten". Once I get that click I feel comfortable using it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00811WQT8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Tim
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71OZN1JyQ-L._SL1500_.jpg

[htwoopup]

Or just go to KC Tools (or another online shop) and get a bit for your current sized torque wrench that is long (there are plenty. I am a fan of the Wiha ones)


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[kgreene10]

Oh crap, it does? I had better remove it then. Thanks.

Rechecked the manual that came with the SL6 frameset and it specifically indicates carbon paste for the post.

Thanks for all the torque wrench ideas. Winners are just go by feel and/or get a long but for my current wrench.

[kppolich]

Park Tool TW5.2 with Park tool Allen head works.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49215405943_cf32542dc7_b.jpghttps://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49215889621_9bdd0fffce_b.jpg

[Mikej]

Go with a beam type

[kgreene10]

Had my first short ride on it today. I have some tinkering on fit but first impressions are excellent.

[fmradio516]

Park Tool TW5.2 with Park tool Allen head works.


That looks.... really nice.

[R3awak3n]

Effeto mariposa... sure its expensive but man, is it SO SO good.

I also have the silca, great for travelling.

[charliedid]

Anybody use one of these? Price is right for something that will get so little use.

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-TRQ21101-4-Inch-Dual-Direction-1-1-16-9/dp/B01M12284X/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2WBX80OSM4451&dchild=1&keywords=tekton+torque+wrench+1%2F4&qid=1590668235&sprefix=Tekton+torque%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-3

I landed a great deal on a 2018 Emonda SL6 Pro and it of course has a seat mast. 16nm for the head/rails torque. The CDI tools one I have goes to 8.

I think up to 20Nm is fine since my other bikes are steel and I don't need a torque wrench for BSA BB in my world.

Thoughts?

[fmradio516]

Anybody use one of these? Price is right for something that will get so little use.

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-TRQ21101-4-Inch-Dual-Direction-1-1-16-9/dp/B01M12284X/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2WBX80OSM4451&dchild=1&keywords=tekton+torque+wrench+1%2F4&qid=1590668235&sprefix=Tekton+torque%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-3

I landed a great deal on a 2018 Emonda SL6 Pro and it of course has a seat mast. 16nm for the head/rails torque. The CDI tools one I have goes to 8.

I think up to 20Nm is fine since my other bikes are steel and I don't need a torque wrench for BSA BB in my world.

Thoughts?

Yes I have a similar Tekton. Works as advertised!

[djg21]

https://www.effettomariposa.eu/en/products/giustaforza-ii-2-16-pro/

[charliedid]

Yes I have a similar Tekton. Works as advertised!

Yep thought so thanks

https://www.effettomariposa.eu/en/products/giustaforza-ii-2-16-pro/

Too much the money for my uses but it sure looks nice.

[MikeD]

This may not be small enough but I like it. Not too expensive and seems to work well. Just remember to work the mechanism once in a while. If not, the first time, after sitting for a long time, it can allow you to put way too much torque in. I just set it to a low setting, connect it to a socket wrench with a matching size and attempt to "tighten". Once I get that click I feel comfortable using it.



https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00811WQT8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1



Tim

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71OZN1JyQ-L._SL1500_.jpg


I've got one of these too. Seems OK. Good range as well.

With all these torque wrenches, who knows how accurate they are since they're not calibrated traceable to national standards?

[fmradio516]

Probably the best thing ive added to my tool box in a while. I got the larger version too, to work on automotive stuff. Its so nice not to have to guess and be paranoid anymore..

[charliedid]

Well we'll see, I bought a $25 similar one that comes with no bits because I have them and it has 1400 4.5 star rating so it must be awesome!

Thanks all.

[parris]

I just ordered one of the Fix-it-Sticks sets. The configuration and scale should be a little nicer for my firearms work as well as a good amount of bicycle uses.

[Latestart]

Their selection seems nice:

https://store.fixitsticks.com/collections/all-shooting

[charliedid]

I just ordered one of the Fix-it-Sticks sets. The configuration and scale should be a little nicer for my firearms work as well as a good amount of bicycle uses.

Their selection seems nice:

https://store.fixitsticks.com/collections/all-shooting

Nice products I own a few but the torque is not high enough for my current application

[benb]

I think you're just looking for a set like this:

https://www.craftsman.com/products/42-pc-hex-torx-bit-socket-set

I don't have a 42-piece crazy set like that but I have a set of 6 allen keys + another 6 in Torx and they mount onto either of my two torque wrenches or my Dewalt driver and they seem to be able to get into just about any space on a bike I need.

Once you have a set like that you can use standard straight extensions as well... but for use with a torque wrench you shouldn't use universal joint extensions, etc..