Bicycle Mechanics - >Torque...nuts...and bolts<

Hello everyone...I have a question maybe some of you advanced bike mechanics might know. I know how important it is to torque a nut or bolt on a vehicle to a specified rating (in/pounds, ft/pounds...and so on) but I am wondering how important it is on a bicycle. Im 14 and I dont own a torque wrench...but I was considering getting one for other jobs. They run for over 100 $ and it seems like one would be handy...if anyone knows about it...please post...it would be a great help...thanks :beer:

Hello everyone...I have a question maybe some of you advanced bike mechanics might know. I know how important it is to torque a nut or bolt on a vehicle to a specified rating (in/pounds, ft/pounds...and so on) but I am wondering how important it is on a bicycle. Im 14 and I dont own a torque wrench...but I was considering getting one for other jobs. They run for over 100 $ and it seems like one would be handy...if anyone knows about it...please post...it would be a great help...thanks :beer:

There are torque specs for many bicycle applications, and they can be pretty important. I always use a torque wrench to install bottom brackets and crank bolts, for instance. Most other bicycle parts can be installed "by feel" without too much risk. I'd say that you should buy a torque wrench when you need one. I saw a decent beam style torque wrench on sale at Sears recently for $25.00 US. I bought a "click" type wrench for myself at an auto parts store for under $50.00.

Check out Barnett's manual for torque specs for most bike repair and maintenance jobs. Click here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=38747).

I have a Park torque wrench, I believe it was around 35$ from bike tools etc. As long as you have a 3/8 drive socket set, perfectly servicable. The only thing I ever use it for is fastening on the crank bolts, though.

JAY, most mechanics only torque crankarm and bottom bracket bolts.

Your best option for torque wrenches is
harborfreight. I use them on my car and they work fine. All three sizes, 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive cost me around $75....combined....in US dollars.

www.harborfreight.com

Buy the ones made by Pittsburgh.....the only drawback is they dont come with cases.

Hi Jay I'm and aircraft mechanic. Torques is important especially when you are developing a feel for what is correct. Over tightening or not enough could have the same out come in the end. The part will fall off or brake off which both can be dangerous on critical part. Example headsets, wheels you get the idea. I suggest getting a Beam type of torque wrench over a cheap click type. Look in a Sears catalog. The cheap click ware out quickly and if you forget to release the tension on the wrench it becomes inaccurate quickly. Most people don't have a way to check the calibration of the wrench. A beam type can be check by looking a needle to see if it is on the zero position. So develop your feel by using a torque wrench and always torque critical parts. You don't want to damage you frame that would out weigh the cost of the torque wrench.

I use snap-on torque meters, the dial type, in the shop, I torque most everthing on aluminum, Ti and carbon frames and all the important stuff on steel. I find they are most usefull for setting bearing preload on threadless headsets and the new shimano cranksets. If you didn't need to use proper torque, manufacturers wouldn't give a recommended torque spec.

Hello everyone...I have a question maybe some of you advanced bike mechanics might know. I know how important it is to torque a nut or bolt on a vehicle to a specified rating (in/pounds, ft/pounds...and so on) but I am wondering how important it is on a bicycle. Im 14 and I dont own a torque wrench...but I was considering getting one for other jobs. They run for over 100 $ and it seems like one would be handy...if anyone knows about it...please post...it would be a great help...thanks :beer:

You might wish to consider that your first torque wrench should be a 3/8 drive that is calibrated by in/lbs. Sears Craftsman has a really nice one for around $50. The maximum torque setting is generally around 24-26 ft/lbs or around 280 in/lbs. If your mechanical adventures don't include auto work or farm tractors, the 3/8 drive in/lbs wrench is a really good choice. An when you do start your tractor repair business, it will still be invaluable.

The right amount of tension is imporant in all fasteners. See http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/thread.shtml
and
http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/torque.shtml

JAY, most mechanics only torque crankarm and bottom bracket bolts.

A word of warning on the "click"/ratched type torque wrenches. The one I bought only "clicks" when tightening (clockwise). You can't accurately torque anything reverse-threaded (one of the cranks, one pedal, etc.)! :(

Hey everyone, thanks so much for all the advice! :D ...I am now thinking about getting a torque wrench with a meter just to be safe. They are a bit more expensive, but worth it in the end, thanks. Hey talking about the tractor buisness...that is cool...(modifying tractors is going to be my thing is a few months...for sure!) ;) ....over and out :beer: