Cyclingnews Awards: Torque Wrenches | Cyclingnews

Before joining the Cyclingnews tech team I ran a repair workshop for five years and had worked in bike shops prior to this. This means, all things considered, I’ve spent a decent chunk of time with a torque wrench in my hand. Working on bikes these days at home or in a shop, means you’re going to need to use a torque wrench to torque the various bolts and fasteners on them to the manufacturer’s specifications. 

Having picked up a torque wrench most days for the last few years I was well placed to overhaul of our best bike torque wrenches buyers guide this year. The project also allowed me to explore the topic of torque a little more, and comparing best torque practices between mechanics from other industries threw up some interesting ideas and comparisons, as did getting some questions on torque answered by some of the industry’s biggest manufacturers themselves.  

Yes, as long as a torque wrench functions and adheres to the relevant accuracy standards etc. it will work just fine, but using the nicest or best quality tools you can on your own or your customers’ bikes may just pay off in the long run. Plus, who doesn’t like flash tools? I tested a range of torque wrenches on my own and friends’ bikes, and carried out a range of different service jobs and checks as If I was servicing a bike or carrying a torque wrench to use on the road. During testing, I have considered factors like price, accuracy, design, ease of recalibration, useability and in-hand feel when testing to help me arrive at my conclusions. All of this work has hopefully left me in a decent position to tell you about our winners and explain my picks.