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Buyer's Guide
The Best Bike Torque Wrenches For 2024
Choosing the right torque is important, so is
choosing the right torque wrench.
Updated: February 7, 2024 by Peter Watts
Tightening bolts on bicycles to the correct torque is essential for avoiding damage to
components and ensuring that no parts work loose during use. For this reason, a torque
wrench is an essential tool for home-mechanics and professionals alike that could save
you time and money (and potentially a trip to the ER) in the long run.
There is a dizzying array of torque wrenches on offer today, from premium brands
to cheap and generic. But which is best? Here we've compiled some of our favourites.
Adjustable Torque Wrenches
• $$$
- Best deals: Check Amazon
- Torque range: 2.5-25 Nm
- Head style: 1/4 inch square drive
- Bits included: None
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality
- Easy to read torque scale
- Solid click
- Ergonomic handle
- Price reductions
Cons:
- Extra cost for bits to be included
- Measures torque in a single direction
Wera is a tool manufacturer from Germany renowned for their quality products. They put a real focus on
innovation and questioning existing standards, even going so far as to name themselves 'Tool Rebels'.
This approach can certainly be felt in their A 5 torque wrench, which is our top pick for 2022.
With it's unique ergonomic handle and exceptional build quality, it feels great in the hand and is a
true pleasure to use. The stand out feature for us is the easy to read torque scale, with values given
in both lbf-ft and Nm, as well as a large display for incremental values. The mechanism for setting the
desired torque value is also easy and intuitive, while the click it provides when the required torque is
reached is solid and won't be easily missed (as can happen on some cheaper wrenches). With a torque
range of 2.5-25 Nm, this wrench will cover most bolts you'll find on a bike and makes it a great all-rounder.
The only downside we can find is that it's only designed to measure torque in a
single direction. According to Wera, theoretically, the wrench should work in both directions but they
don't guarantee this and recommend using a different wrench if you require this feature. This tool does
sit on the higher end of the price range but we've seen price reductions and discounts that make it a
must-have.
• $$$$
- Best deals: Check Amazon
- Torque range: 2-16 Nm
- Head style: 1/4 inch square drive
- Bits included: Hex: 2, 2.5, 3, 4 (long), 5 (long) & 6mm. Torx: T10, T15, T20,
T25 (long) & T30. Phillips #2. 100mm extension.
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality
- High accuracy
- Small and lightweight
- Easily readible torque settings
- Includes a variety of bits
- Loud click
Cons:
- Price
- Measures torque in a single direction
Made in Italy by the bicycle nerds at Effetto Mariposa, the Giutaforza is a
luxury tool that looks as good as it feels to use. The stylish, minimal design
and exceptional all-metal construction provide a satisfyingly simple user experience
that will have you looking forward to your next bolt check.
The wrench itself is
machined from aluminium and weighs less than 200g. It's also relatively compact,
making it great for carrying in a backpack or for tightening bolts in tight spaces.
The torque scale is smaller than the Wera but still easy to read, while torque
measurements are consistent and accurate. A strong click is produced when reaching
the desired torque and is easily felt even at low values.
The deluxe version of
the Giustaforza comes with a great variety of high quality bits and a wrap around
case; we would have expected a hard plastic case at this price, however the wrap
around helps to maintain the compact and transportable size when storing the wrench
and bits.
• $$$$
- Best deals: Check Amazon
- Torque range: 1-20 Nm or 4-80 Nm
- Head style: 3/8 inch square drive
- Bits included: Torx T25/T30/T40, #2 Phillips Screwdriver, Sockets 8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15 mm,
Hex 3/4/5/6/8/10 mm, 3/8" Square Drive Adapter
Pros:
- Excellent build quality
- Incredible accuracy & precision
- Measures torque in both directions
- Includes a broad variety of bits
- Very wide torque range
Cons:
- Price
- Requires battery to give torque readings
This is another high quality, and pricey, tool that was a contender for the overall top spot. If you
truly care about getting the bolts on your pride and joy torqued as precisely as possible, then this
torque wrench from Topeak is the one for you.
The D-Torq is a digital torque wrench, so is able to provide incredibly accurate, precise, and consistent
feedback, which it does in the form of a digital display and audible beeps. The desired torque is set
using arrow buttons next to the display and can be set in Nm, in lb, ft lb, or kg cm. This wrench is
able to measure torque in both directions and is able to do so across a range of either 1-20 Nm or 4-80
Nm, depending on the size you choose. Included is an impressive array of bits that even includes sockets
and an adapter for the 3/8 inch drive.
This is a fantastic tool and while we are slightly uncomfortable with the idea that a battery is
required for this torque wrench to give torque readings, in reality it is unlikely to pose much of an
issue, especially if you keep a spare to hand.
• $
- Best deals: Check Amazon
- Torque range: 2-24 Nm
- Head style: 1/4 inch square drive
- Bits included: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 mm hex, 5 mm long hex, Torx T20, T25, T30
Pros:
- Great value
- Great variety of bits
- Hard carry case
- Lockring prevents accidental torque adjustments
Cons:
- Hard to read torque scale
- Difficult to set precise torque values
- Possible to accidentally change torque during tightening on the standard version
This torque wrench from Venzo is a fantastic tool for those on a budget. Made in Taiwan, the design
is a generic one that you will see being sold under various different brands, including the Lifeline
brand from Wiggle / Chain Reaction Cycles.
This wrench offers great bang for your buck, covering a range of 2-24 Nm and including bits that cover
the majority of bolts/screws that you will encounter. The torque is set by twisting the black part of
the handle, which can pose an issue where the handle can twist during use and lead to accidental
changes in torque. To avoid this there is a slightly more expensive option with a lockable handle, which
also includes an additional 4 mm longer hex bit. Our only other complaint is that the torque scale is hard
to read which makes it difficult to set precise torque values. Regardless, this is a great value bit of kit.
Preset Torque Wrenches
• $
- Best deals: Check Amazon
- Preset torque options: 4 or 5 Nm
- Head style: 1/4 inch hex socket
- Bits included: 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm hex; T20, T25 Torx; 1 Phillips # 1
Pros:
- Price
- Great range of bits
- Easy to use
The Torque Key from Ritchey is great value preset option. It's light, yet sturdy, and the handle makes
tightening easy using a thumb and finger. It even comes with 6 different bits and a convenient holder,
making it a versatile tool that would be a great addition to any toolbox. The choice of preset torque
values
is somewhat limited, with 4 or 5 Nm the only options, but these would still suit a large number of bolts
such as those on handlebars and seatposts.
• $
- Best deals: Check Amazon
- Preset torque options: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12 Nm
- Head style: 1/4 inch hex socket
- Bits included: None
Pros:
- Price
- Great range of torque options
- Ok to use for loosening bolts
Another great value preset option is the Torqkey from Prestacycle. The handle fits nicely in the palm of
the hand but as a lower profile than the Park Tool ATD, making it slightly better for reaching bolts in
tight spaces. This is also one of the few preset options that the manufacturer says is ok to use for
loosening bolts, as well as tightening. The Torqkey comes in a great range of torque options (4, 5, 6,
7, 8, 10, and 12 Nm) but doesn't include any bits.
Compact Torque Wrenches
• $$
- Best deals: Check Amazon
- Preset torque options: 4, 5, 6 Nm
- Head style: 1/4 inch hex socket
- Bits included: 3, 4, 5 mm hex, T20, T25
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact
- Clever design
- Doesn't allow tightening beyond specified torque
For tightening bolts on the go you need a wrench that is small and compact, and this cleverly designed
tool from Topeak is exactly that. It's very lightweight and comes with 3 preset 'TorqBits' in 4, 5, & 6
Nm , that can be swapped out to adjust the desired torque value. The TorqBits function much like a
regular preset driver and provide feedback through clicking, however this can be subtle. It also
includes a few different tool bits so you should be covered for any on the fly adjustments. A plastic
case is provided to house all the bits, or alternatively you can really cut down on size by storing a
couple of your favourite bits within the bar itself and a TorqBit fitted to the end.
• $$$
- Best deals: Check Amazon
- Torque range: 2-10 Nm
- Head style: 1/4 inch hex socket
- Bits included: #2 Phillips, T10, T20, T25, T30 Torx, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm Hex,
Extended 5mm Hex, Extended T25 Torx
Pros:
- Good value
- Lightweight and compact
- Great range of bits
Cons:
- Doesn't provide click feedback
- Case could be smaller
This is a great little compact tool from Feedback Sports - they've managed to combine a ratchet and
torque wrench into a tiny package, with the wrench itself weighing only 75g. For tightening/loosening
bolts you hold the red handle, which will allow you to utilise the ratchet without measuring torque.
Then when the bolt is mostly tightened, you tighten while holding the black, rounded end of the handle
and read the torque from the scale. The range of torque measured is 2-10 Nm which should easily cover
any bolts that would need adjusting while on the go.
It's worth noting that there is no click with this wrench and you instead have to rely on reading the
scale, which can be difficult when using on bolts in awkward places. The range of bits included is
fantastic and the whole thing comes stored in a well made and compact carry case, though this could be
smaller considering the size of the wrench. Overall, this wrench is very capable and is at home on the
trails as it is in the workshop.
Things to Consider
Price
Price is possibly the biggest influencer on people's decision of which torque wrench to buy,
and often the first thing they look at. There are a lot of cheap, generic wrenches out there
that may catch your eye. However, you get what you pay for and these will typically be heavier,
less accurate, harder to use, and come with lower quality bits. While for most people it may
not be necessary to buy the most expensive wrenches on this list, it's our opinion that it's
better to spend slightly more upfront to get a higher quality product that will last and do a
better job.
Adjustable or Preset
Torque wrenches are either able to measure range of torque values, which may require the
user setting a desired torque value or reading a torque value from a guage, or a single
preset torque value. Adjustable torque wrenches are the most common type and suit most
peoples needs as they provide the greatest flexibility. However, if you only want a torque
wrench to tighten a single bolt, or a few bolts with the same recommended torque value, then
a preset wrench may be the way to go. Some mechanics who are frequently tightening bolts
like to have a few preset wrenches covering a range of torques so that they can just grab
the wrench and start tightening without having to worry about setting it to the correct torque.
Torque Range
When selecting an adjustable torque wrench it is important to pay attention to the range
of torque values that the wrench can measure. The right range for you is largely dependant
on the bolts that you will be tightening and their recommended torque settings. Wider
torque ranges allow for greater flexibility and a wider range of bolts to be tightened.
However, a torque wrench is most accurate through the middle of its range, so a torque
wrench with a very wide torque range will be less accurate for bolts requiring low and high
torque. This is less of an issue with digital torque wrenches.
Torque Guage
The guage you use to either read or set torque values is also an important consideration.
If the guage is vague or hard to read, then this will lead to less accurate torque measurements.
Are the numbers hard to read? Does it clearly and accurately show the torque value that's
being set? Would you be able to read it in a dimly lit garage or workshop? For wrenches that
require reading the torque value, rather than setting it, it's also important to consider the
position of the guage and whether it will be easy to read during tightening.
Size & Weight
If you are travelling with your torque wrench, or looking to take it out on rides with you,
then you may want to go for a wrench that is lightweight and compact so it easy to pack
away and transport. Size is also an important consideration if you have hard to reach bolts
on your bike that you regularly tighten. Smaller torque wrenches are able to squeeze through
tighter gaps and reach bolts that others can't.