how much torque is 5nm?

[vqdriver]

i just picked up a ritchey torque key which is preset at 5nm.
tried it on my stem when i got home and was surprised at how hard it had to turn it to 'click.' going by the key, i've been chronically undertorquing all my screws cuz there's no way i go that hard on bike stuff (except maybe the UT crank)

[malcolm]

3.69 lb/ft which isn't much

[54ny77]

i'd venture a guess that there's not a lot of leverage with the torque key, that's why it might seem harder than it otherwise is with a different style torque wrench.

(i have one, by the way, and love it.)

[vqdriver]

the two faceplate screws i tried it on turned almost a full turn before the click.
i felt i had tightened em pretty good with my standard t handle allen wrench. certainly more than enough to hold without issue.

[Mike748]

I've experienced the same with the torque key. I have an adjustable torque screwdriver... it seems like my calibrated hand likes to torque to around 3-4nm.

[csm]

when I read that I read Newton Meters it immediately makes me hear Elton John saying "James Newton Howard" on one of his live albums....

[vqdriver]

I've experienced the same with the torque key. I have an adjustable torque screwdriver... it seems like my calibrated hand likes to torque to around 3-4nm.

yeah, i gotta be about there too.
guess i don't need to really worry about overtorquing with my wimpiness