Bicycle Mechanics - Torque Wrench?

Hi guys, I just bought a new threadless stem and I'm wondering if this is something I need a torque wrench to change it out. I didn't even think of it until I pulled my old one off and saw that it had torque specifications right on it.

Is it possible (reasonably) for me to damage an aluminum steerer tube? I mean, I'm not gonna get the cheater bar out or anything so I should be fine right?

IMHO, those little bolts on the stem does not need to be torqued with a torque wrench. A "Y" wrench and feel is plenty and accurate enought. However, it would be a good idea to tighten each bolt a little at a time until all are "tight" . This is esp true of the face plate.

You sould also be mindful not to over tighten the bolt for the top cap that preloads the headset.

What stem?

Chances are that you'll be fine without a torque wrench. I use a torque wrench when the torque specs are supplied. I love it when manufacturers put the torque specs on their parts, especially when it's lazer etched. What a nice touch! Start by just snugging the bolts and checking to see if the bar can twist or the stem can rotate on the steerer tube. If it does, just tighten it a tiny bit more and check it again. Continue until you are confident that the parts aren't going to slip while you are riding. As long as you get everything secure and don't ruin anything you'll be good. If something is still slipping ,and you strip a bolt or something the next time you turn it a touch, then there was a problem no matter if you used a torque wrench or not and the torque wrench wouldn't have solved it.

All right, thanks for the tips. I'm gonna give it a shot.

Pete, the old one is whatever specialized stem comes stock on an allez elite (I think they call it the "pro" model) and the new one is another specialized model that I pulled out of the bin at the lbs because I wanted to try a little bit different size.

All right, thanks for the tips. I'm gonna give it a shot.

Pete, the old one is whatever specialized stem comes stock on an allez elite (I think they call it the "pro" model) and the new one is another specialized model that I pulled out of the bin at the lbs because I wanted to try a little bit different size.

Juat go for it without a torque wrench. If it was a carbon or magnesium stem or some wild custom thing I'd use a torque wrench.

Oh you silly misguided posters you! Doncha know that torque specs are supplied just so guys like Toolboy can justify having two of them! He who dies with the most tools wins! :rolleyes: