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Torque wrenches: Why you need one and how to use them

  • Alberto Contador's personal mechanic, Faustino Munoz, uses his torque wrench on virtually every bolt on the 2009 Tour de France champion's rig - including on the brake pad holder as seen here. However, torque specialists would contend that he should be holding the wrench at the handle for a more accurate reading.

    Alberto Contador's personal mechanic, Faustino Munoz, uses his torque wrench on virtually every bolt on the 2009 Tour de France champion's rig - including on the brake pad holder as seen here. However, torque specialists would contend that he should be holding the wrench at the handle for a more accurate reading.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Over or under torquing a part can lead to a minor inconvenience at best or a very expensive mistake as seen in this cracked integrated seatpost collar on a BMC Pro Machine SLC01. At worst, it can also lead to a catastrophic component failure during a ride.

    Over or under torquing a part can lead to a minor inconvenience at best or a very expensive mistake as seen in this cracked integrated seatpost collar on a BMC Pro Machine SLC01. At worst, it can also lead to a catastrophic component failure during a ride.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • J.H. Williams Tool Group/CDI Torque Products' torque measuring apparatus readily demonstrates how much variance there can be in 'mechanic's feel' when it comes to torque.

    J.H. Williams Tool Group/CDI Torque Products' torque measuring apparatus readily demonstrates how much variance there can be in 'mechanic's feel' when it comes to torque.

    Photo credit © J.H. Williams Tool Group/CDI Torque Products

  • The Computorq3, on the other hand, uses a solid-state force transducer with no parts to wear out.

    The Computorq3, on the other hand, uses a solid-state force transducer with no parts to wear out.

    Photo credit © J.H. Williams Tool Group/CDI Torque Products

  • Fixed-value torque wrenches like Ritchey's compact Torqkey can be handy for repeated-use applications like stem faceplates.

    Fixed-value torque wrenches like Ritchey's compact Torqkey can be handy for repeated-use applications like stem faceplates.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Pedro's new Demi Torque wrench is a click-type unit that includes a certificate of calibration that guarantees its +/-5 percent accuracy.

    Pedro's new Demi Torque wrench is a click-type unit that includes a certificate of calibration that guarantees its +/-5 percent accuracy.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Mechanical torque wrenches often have their adjustments printed in a single scale - be sure to convert correctly for different units.

    Mechanical torque wrenches often have their adjustments printed in a single scale - be sure to convert correctly for different units.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Park Tool offers beam-type wrenches in addition to clickers for mechanics on a tighter budget.

    Park Tool offers beam-type wrenches in addition to clickers for mechanics on a tighter budget.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Friction compounds are a good idea for carbon fiber and lightweight aluminum parts as it increases the clamping force without requiring more bolt torque.

    Friction compounds are a good idea for carbon fiber and lightweight aluminum parts as it increases the clamping force without requiring more bolt torque.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Click-type wrenches are most accurate between 30-80 percent of their indicated range. Store them with the adjustment backed all the way off to maintain calibration.

    Click-type wrenches are most accurate between 30-80 percent of their indicated range. Store them with the adjustment backed all the way off to maintain calibration.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Effetto Mariposa's Giustaforza torque wrench is small, compact, and easy to use.

    Effetto Mariposa's Giustaforza torque wrench is small, compact, and easy to use.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • This used to be a very nice Easton EC90 carbon fiber post but it's been rendered useless by a seatpost clamp that was overtightened.

    This used to be a very nice Easton EC90 carbon fiber post but it's been rendered useless by a seatpost clamp that was overtightened.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Most high-end parts have recommended torque values printed or etched right on them - heed the advice lest it bite you later.

    Most high-end parts have recommended torque values printed or etched right on them - heed the advice lest it bite you later.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The red LED on the Computorq3 signals that too much torque has been applied.

    The red LED on the Computorq3 signals that too much torque has been applied.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The pivoting head eases tool access in tight spots.

    The pivoting head eases tool access in tight spots.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A green light (and an audible tone) on the Computorq3 indicates that the preset torque has been reached.

    A green light (and an audible tone) on the Computorq3 indicates that the preset torque has been reached.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • CDI's high-zoot Computorq3 torque wrench is expensive and cumbersome but extremely accurate and coaches its user on proper technique.

    CDI's high-zoot Computorq3 torque wrench is expensive and cumbersome but extremely accurate and coaches its user on proper technique.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The LCD display on digital wrenches is easy to read and nearly impossible to misinterpret.

    The LCD display on digital wrenches is easy to read and nearly impossible to misinterpret.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Clicker-type torque wrenches are the most common type available but their mechanical internals mean the calibration can drift over time.

    Clicker-type torque wrenches are the most common type available but their mechanical internals mean the calibration can drift over time.

    Photo credit © J.H. Williams Tool Group/CDI Torque Products