The best bike torque wrenches for cyclists

Jun 17, 2023

Torque wrenches explained

This competition is now closed

By Oscar Huckle, David Rome, Warren Rossiter

Published: August 3, 2022 at 7:00 pm

If you’re adjusting any of the bolts on your bike, a torque wrench is a particularly useful investment, to ensure that you don’t under-tighten or over-tighten them. There’s a reason you see the tool recommended in many manuals and maintenance articles.

As frame materials have evolved, tolerances have grown ever finer, and this is particularly true of carbon fibre frames and components. If a bolt is overtightened, the carbon can fracture and, ultimately, fail.

Equally, a bolt that is undertightened may result in a component slipping or becoming loose while riding.

Either way, it is important to make sure the bolts on your bike are securely tightened, and a torque wrench will help you do just that.

Here, we will take you through what to look for in a torque wrench, the different types, how to effectively use the tool and the best torque wrenches we have tested to date.

A torque wrench is an incredibly useful tool that measures how much force you are tightening a bolt up to, known as torque.

If you look at your bike, you’ll generally see there’ll be a small number next to a bolt, which is generally written in ‘Nm’ (newton metres) or sometimes ‘in-lb’ (inch-pounds). This is the unit of torque the bolts require.

Check to see if it says ‘max’ torque. If it is ‘max’, that really is the max and you should torque it 10 per cent lower. Sometimes, such as on Shimano crank pinch bolts, you’ll be given a range and you should aim for the middle of that range.

While there are plenty of hardened-skin naysayers for such a tool, happy to work on ‘feel’, the truth of the matter is that if you’re working with delicate components, the use of a torque wrench makes it far less likely for things to go wrong, especially when your warranty (and teeth) are involved.

Most bolts on a bicycle require quite a low torque (generally under 10Nm).

This is why bicycle-specific torque wrenches exist, though you could use a more general torque wrench for bolts that require a higher torque, such as the cassette, disc rotor lockrings and crank bolts. The most you’d ever need to torque something on a bicycle is 60Nm.

Ultimately, the best torque wrench for your needs depends on how frequently you intend to use it and what parts of the bike you intend to use it for. It is always worth investing in a quality option for the greater accuracy and user-friendly benefits.

Generally, there are four types of torque wrench: preset, adjustable, modular bit-based systems and beam-style torque wrenches.

If you only intend on using a torque wrench for items such as the stem and seatpost bolts, you could save some money and buy a preset design, based on the torques required on your specific bike.

Preset torque wrenches are also ideal if you’re regularly working on a range of bikes, to save time setting up an adjustable one.

You can often buy preset 4, 5 or 6Nm torque wrenches, with some designs also offering preset adjustability within that range.

As preset options can often be quite stubby in design, if you are running an integrated seat clamp or wedge system, which often require a low-profile head, you’ll want to check there’s enough clearance for the tool to fit.

This option is also typically lighter, so would be a good option to carry if you’re going on holiday.

The best and most common type of torque wrench is the adjustable, click-type torque wrench.

That does, regrettably, mean they are the most expensive type and will cost you anywhere from £30 up to £200.

That’s quite a range in price, so what do you get for your money when you spend more?

Greater accuracy is the biggest difference and, ultimately, a torque wrench is only useful if it is accurate.

Other differences as you spend more include better-quality bits and a dial indicator that’s easier to read and set, ensuring less margin for error.

A less prominent type of torque wrench – but one that’s growing in popularity – is a portable bit-style ratchet with a torque feature.

These typically consist of a handle and bits with a torque bar. The torque bar usually features a set of numbers, denoting the torque and an arrow underneath. Once you’ve assembled the tool, you tighten the bolt while carefully monitoring the arrow until you reach your desired torque.

Some manufacturers, such as Silca, offer modular T- and L-handle bit-based systems for fitting into tricky spaces.

This can be a great option for cycling holidays or as an option to carry on the bike because it doubles-up as a multi-tool, only a better-quality option.

A final option is a beam-style torque wrench. These were commonplace before affordable adjustable, click-type options existed. Some brands, such as Canyon, include a beam-style wrench when shipping bikes.

A beam-style wrench can be affordable, less prone to damage and easy to calibrate — simply check the needle is at zero before use and if it’s not, bend the needle.

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.

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.

We’ve split our recommendations into two categories:

This model from Park Tool offers metal mechanical components to give a highly positive and durable wrench. Accuracy is superb and the cam-over mechanism means there’s zero chance of over-tightening.

Using standard 1/4in bits that magnetically snap in place, the tool also houses three spare bits in the handle. This is a top pick for a preset torque wrench, although to buy a set of three (4, 5 and 6Nm versions) is certainly expensive.

Now updated to the ATD-1.2, this is the adjustable version of Park’s PTD wrenches, and can be switched between 4 and 6Nm in 0.5nm increments. To change the torque (silver dial), you use a 6mm hex key, although the key update with the ATD-1.2 is that it can be adjusted by hand. The opposite end hides three spare bits.

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.

Although we were initially sceptical of the design, the torque tester proved the Ocarina to be the real deal. At just 88g, it’s perfect for travel purposes.

It works like a beam-type torque wrench and so you stop tightening once the needle hits the desired number.

The struggle here is it can be hard to read the raised numbers, especially if you’re wrenching in a poorly lit hotel room, or adjusting a saddle bolt upside down. It’s comfortable to use, but the hollow plastic construction certainly feels cheap and can lead to clearance issues in rare cases.

CDI, part of the Snap-On corporation, is a torque specialist, and this is the cheapest tool it offers. Accuracy is acceptable, and it too is impossible to over-tighten with a cam-over design.

The grip is perfectly comfortable, although only a 4mm hex bit is included, so you’ll need to supply any others needed.

Ritchey was undoubtedly the first to the cycling market with preset torque wrenches. Since then, this tool has been seen with other brand names plastered on it.

The Torqkey continues to be a reliable option, and is still the lightest/smallest available, but it’s no longer the benchmark.

Made in Italy, the Pro version from Effetto Mariposa is positioned as the premium cycling-specific torque wrench. Testing showed reliable accuracy and ease of use.

The ‘Deluxe’ tool wrap and bits are great quality and it even includes a free calibration service (in Italy…). All wrapped up, it’s compact and doesn’t waste space in the toolbox.

The ratcheting head makes tightening quicker, but does remove some of the clearance the original non-ratcheting version the brand became famous for.

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.

This is from Wiggle’s in-house tool brand and it’s hard to fault for the money. It’s effectively the same wrench sourced from Taiwan that many others have put their brand name on – and that’s because it just works.

The torque range offered is ideal for bicycles, adjustments are simple and the ratcheting head is compact enough for most situations.

Made in Italy, the Giustaforza 1-8 Deluxe oozes quality and has a very well defined click when you hit your desired torque.

Its compact and minimal head makes this an easy option to use in tight spaces.

The numerous bits, drivers and extensions all come in a neat Velcro-secured bundle. It has a 1-8Nm range, comes with a comprehensive – 5,000-cycle – guarantee and you can send it back to be serviced and recalibrated.

Park Tool’s TW-5.2 uses a 3/8in drive rather than the smaller ¼in 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.

Its 23cm length helps when making small adjustments at higher torque settings because you don’t have to heave on the tool. But its stellar price tag doesn’t include sockets, and Park’s SBS-1.2 socket and bit set, while comprehensive, costs £59.99.

This is the only digital torque wrench on test, and also the most accurate. Without mechanical clicking parts, it proved immune to torque reading inconsistencies. Though without such a click, it’ll require a little patience as you gently build up to your desired torque, watch the screen and listen for the beep.

While battery life is decent, you’ll only realise it needs a fresh AAA cell when you go to use it, which is just a pain when other torque wrenches will happily click away.

Syncros’ wide-range torque wrench looks like a high-quality item with its polished chrome-vanadium head and shaft securely fixed into an anodised handle.

The sprung collar is a cinch to adjust and set, and its compact 1/4in drive head makes it easy to get into tight spaces, the supplied 75mm extension bar helping further.

It comes with six hex and three Torx bits, its 22cm length is a good size for making precise adjustments and it works both clockwise and anti-clockwise.

The Syncros is a great-value tool and if you take care of it, this should serve you well for years.

This shiny 3-15Nm torque wrench does everything it needs to. Pulling down on the central collar and turning the handle adjusts the torque setting. Without doing this, the torque is locked and there’s little risk in accidently changing it.

It’s more fiddly than others, but it’s less generic than many on the market. A full-metal construction provides a quality feel, but just beware that the click at torque is subtle and it’s easy to push past it if you’re not paying attention.

It comes in a foam-lined hard plastic case, something we found tough to actually get the tool out of. However, it does keep it safe and all the bits together.

“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.

The included bits will see you through most repairs, and the case keeps it all together. However, it’s penalised for its price given that some online retailers sell effectively the same thing under a different name for less money.

The M-Part is a sturdy wrench with a solid feel and an oversized head. Its decent quality with easy adjustment and a locking handle to set the torque, and comes with a T25 and hex bits.

The matt-finish chrome-vanadium tool bits have kept corrosion at bay even after being out in all weathers for a couple of weeks.

The 22cm arm is a useful length and the head works in both directions, but there was a tiny bit of play between the head and shaft, and handle and shaft, too.

Lezyne’s minimalist 2-10Nm wrench comes with six hex and three Torx bits and a couple of screwdriver heads, and its finish quality is up to Lezyne’s usual high standards.

The design uses an internal precision-machined torsion bar, with the torque shown by indices printed on the shaft and a pointer on the head.

It proved very accurate in use throughout its narrowish 2-10Nm range, but the design does make it a clockwise-only tool.

Its quality, accuracy, compact 160mm-long case and 145mm length make this a great travel torque wrench, but there are better options for heavy-duty workshop use.

Knowing how to use a torque wrench is key, because it is still possible to under- or over-tighten bolts with one if you are not careful.

Firstly, make sure you are holding the tool properly. If you are holding the tool by the head or in the middle, you are putting more torque through the bolt than you are intending. You should hold the torque wrench by the grip.

Make sure you take care of your torque wrench and whenever you’re not using it, reset it to zero or its minimum setting.

If you leave it set at a torque, the spring will lose its tension over time and the torque won’t be calibrated accurately. If you suspect your torque wrench has lost its calibration, most quality manufacturers offer a service where you can send it back to them and, often for a fee, they will recalibrate it for you.

If this is important to you, it’s another reason why you may want to spend the money on a better-quality option, to be backed up by an after-care option.

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.

This will ensure even tension in the system. If there are four, you will want to tighten the bolts in an X pattern for the same reason.

It’s also important that you prepare the relevant component you’re fitting. It’s always worth adding a lower-strength threadlock or an anti-seize to prevent a bolt from loosening over time, but it also allows you to tighten the bolt up to a lower torque. You should always have suitable threadlock or anti-seize on any bolts – never have them dry.

Similarly, if you’re fitting a carbon fibre part such as a seatpost or handlebar, it’s always worth adding some carbon fibre grip. This contains small particles to create friction and reduce any slippage.

Finally, it’s important to have mechanical sympathy. If you’re tightening or torquing a bolt and it doesn’t feel right, stop and assess the situation before going past the point of no return.

Technical writer

Oscar Huckle is a technical writer at BikeRadar. He has been an avid cyclist since his teenage years, initially catching the road cycling bug and riding for a local club. He’s since been indoctrinated into gravel riding and more recently has taken to the dark art of mountain biking. His favourite rides are epic road or gravel routes, and he has also caught the bikepacking bug hard after completing the King Alfred’s Way and West Kernow Way. Oscar has a BA degree in English Literature and Film Studies and has close to a decade of cycling industry experience, initially working in a variety of roles at Evans Cycles before joining Carbon Bike Repair. He is particularly fond of workshop tool exotica and is a proponent of Campagnolo groupsets. Oscar prefers lightweight road and gravel frames with simple tube shapes, rather than the latest trend for aerodynamics and full integration. He is obsessed with keeping up to date with all the latest tech, is fixated with the smallest details and is known for his unique opinions.

Senior technical editor

Warren Rossiter is BikeRadar and Cycling Plus magazine’s senior technical editor for road and gravel. Having been testing bikes for more than 20 years, Warren has an encyclopedic knowledge of road cycling and has been the mastermind behind our Road Bike of the Year test for more than a decade. He’s also a regular presenter on the BikeRadar Podcast and on BikeRadar’s YouTube channel. In his time as a cycling journalist, Warren has written for Mountain Biking UK, What Mountain Bike, Urban Cyclist, Procycling, Cyclingnews, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike and T3. Over the years, Warren has written about thousands of bikes and tested more than 2,500 – from budget road bikes to five-figure superbikes. He has covered all the major innovations in cycling this century, and reported from launches, trade shows and industry events in Europe, Asia, Australia, North American and Africa. While Warren loves fast road bikes and the latest gravel bikes, he also believes electric bikes are the future of transport. You’ll regularly find him commuting on an ebike and he longs for the day when everyone else follows suit. You will find snaps of Warren’s daily rides on the Instagram account of our sister publication, Cycling Plus (@cyclingplus).

Subscribe to Cycling Plus magazine and get a Lezyne Super Pro GPS (worth £135!) as your welcome gift! Plus, save 16% off the subscription price.

Subscribe to MBUK and get a Scott Supra Plus Helmet as your welcome reward! Plus, save 35% off the shop price!