Bicycle Mechanics - Torque Wrench

I have been looking for a torque wrench that reads out in inch pounds vice foot pounds. I want one that will attach to both hex keys and sockets.

I don't want to spend a fortune, but for the right wrench. As a gauge, when I bought cable cutters, I went with the top of the line Shimano model for $50 US.\

Anyone have any suggestions?

The best deal is at Harbor Freight Tools. You can probably get one for under $20. I know this is on the cheap side, but I and several people I know have one ane they all are accurate.

keep an eye on sears. I picked one up for $65 and it works well. if you need one that will work with hex and torx. you can pick those up in socket form as well. you cant beat the lifetime warranty of sears tools.

I agree that Craftsman (Sears) is the way to go for most hand tools. They are inexpensive and last forever (and if they don't, just take them into Sears and swap them for a new one).

I got a 3/8" Microtorx Wrench as a gift and it is very cool. It has in-lbs and Nm (Newton-meters) settings. However, it does not have the "Lifetime Warranty". It seems only the basic hand tools come with the guarantee. (Like I said, it was also a gift so this may not be price-conscious alternative that you might be looking for).

The other thing is to settle for an inexpensive beam-type wrench with ft-lbs and divide by 12 to convert from in-lbs to ft-lbs. Many wrenches also have metric markings so you can also multiply in-lbs by .113 to get Nm.

It may not feel as exact, but most applications will allow for this level of precision.

Of course, Park has exactly what you want. I like Park, but you can invest the money you save elsewhere to get the sockets and bits since your wrench will be useless without them (well, not completely useless, you can use it to ward off chasing dogs).

Hope this helps.

- Jeff

The only gripe I have with the Craftsman torque wrenches is the plastic they use. It has been noted that the plastic rings break althought not frequently. I consider getting one but found I could get all 3 torque wrenches, 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive from Harbor Freight for the cost off one from Sears. How do the Harbor Freights hold up? Many members off the automotive boards I frequent use them and are very happy as well as I.