I thought a cheap torque wrench was fine, but it cost me a carbon seatpost

Bought a $25 torque wrench online last fall because I figured 'close enough' for home shop stuff. Used it on a customer's carbon frame last week, and the seatpost clamp cracked at the marked 5 Nm. The wrench was reading almost 8 when I checked it against my shop's good one. Now I'm out $180 for the post and a very unhappy customer. Anyone have a go-to brand for a solid but not crazy expensive 5-20 Nm wrench?

2 comments

2 Comments

jake6381d ago

My 'close enough' torque wrench once turned a simple stem swap into a very expensive lesson on aluminum fatigue (and customer apologies). It was a real 'measure twice, buy a decent tool once' moment. I've been using a Pro Bike Tool wrench for a few years now without any surprises, which is all you can really ask for. Their 2-20 Nm model has been solid for carbon bits.

cameronn621d agoMost Upvoted

Ever strip a carbon seatpost clamp because your old clicker was lying? Happened to a buddy, cost him a post and a frame warranty claim. Now I check my wrench against a digital gauge once a year, especially after it's been dropped. That peace of mind is worth the five minutes it takes.