nightfly

Splurged and bought myself a Thomson stem. Installed tons of stem, never used a torque wrench (don't own one). The Thomson instructions tell you to use one, can you safely get away with not using one?

Spoonrobot 

Probably.

What's the worst that could happen?

yummygooey

Scrodzilla

pvn.23

I installed my Elite X2 recently without the use of a torque wrench. Still holding my Deda Elementi Pistas pretty damn tight.

Just tighten it enough to get a feel that nothing will go loose on your ride as your hit bumps and such. Remember to grease the stem bolts too before you install it.

yummygooey

But no, I do not use a torque wrench.

pvn.23

Damn, to be honest, that looks like someone SUPER OVER tightened it... holy crap.

Scrodzilla

A lot of people overtighten everything. Which is why Thomson recommends using a torque wrench.

Spoonrobot 

This thread really delivered!

BigglyPuff

Was gonna post "waiting for cracked face plates and stems pics".

Leave it to BF, third post.

I use a torque wrench for mine. It's all personal preference. If you feel safe without using proper torque, go for it. Me, I wouldn't feel safe doing that until I've installed a Thomson many, maaaany times. Also, why would I drop the cash on a Thomson, especially new (which should last for a long, long time) and not invest in a tool to make sure it's installed right?

I wasn't gonna write this much, but I had a similar question about installing cranksets. My logic (which I picked up from BF) is if the tool costs the same (or even more/less) than the bike shop fees for the job, buy the tool.

gigantor

It shocks me to know that there are many, many, many people out there who don't use a torque wrench while working on their bikes. This is why I usually don't buy used parts.

3CDesign

Can someone add a poll to this thread? In general how many members use a torque wrench period! Very interesting.

Tristanh666

My faceplate is cracking from over tightening, I try not to think about it but its not so bad. velo orange is replacing it which is really awesome.
I asked this guy at the co op I go to about this and he had no idea what I was talking about.
he was like "you mean that power tool to put on the bolts on car wheels?" and then began to make the sound effect...
Is it really such a big no-no?

..Now I cant stop thinking about why my cranks creak when I go from backpedaling hard to continuing to pedal forward..Thanks bfssfg

hamfoh

I haven't used my torque key since the first month I bought it and I couldn't now anyway because of you ham-fisting mfers making Thomson replace their screws with small 3mm bolts now.

you can add bike shops to that list

nightfly

Damn this Thomson keeps getting more expensive. Tempted to return it and go back to my cheap stems that didn't need special care and feeding. Should have known when it came in that precious bag that it would be high maintenance in a non fat soy latte, salad dressing on the side sort of way.

Is there a cheap-ish torque wrench suitable for this type of thing and hopefully other bike maintenance?

renton20

https://www.protorquetools.com/cat-17...or_cycling.htm

dookie

Everything has a torque spec, whether it's published or not. I use a 'click' style wrench for nearly everything I do...certainly when a spec is available, often by general guidelines when not and always where the cost of failure is high (eg: stem faceplate).

I think being in the ballpark but *consistent* is far more important than being on the exact 0.1Nm, which is good as all but the best wrenches are pretty inaccurate (and may themselves require special care to maintain accuracy!).

Scrodzilla

That's a guy you definitely want working on your bikes...

ianjk

Using a torque wrench doesn't mean a damn if the user doesn't know how to properly use it. Personally, I've never used one on my bikes, but do use them when working on motorcycle engines (guessing that I am more accurate by feel than a cheap Harbor Freight torque wrench anyway ) Say your faceplate is set to x pounds of torque... If you set your wrench to x pounds and just crank one bolt at a time to spec, you will likely ruin something.

hamfoh

god lol. how did I miss that quote

whirrr whirrr

Retro Grouch 

If you didn't use a torque wrench on a Thompson stem you probably overtightened it. I don't remember what the spec is but, at the time, I remember thinking it was next to nothing.

hamfoh

I got this on amazon back when it was a prime item (I realize Thomson recommends 5.5 for the stem screws)
https://www.amazon.com/Ritchey-TorqKe...4072305&sr=8-1

of course like I mentioned earlier, Thomson uses smaller screws/bolts now, so even this thing is worthless for Thomson stems unless you replace the screws

Scrodzilla

Jaytron

cruiserhead

Just a note on this;
Torque specs are set as DRY spec unless specified as lubed torque spec.
If you lube the threads, you will not get a proper torque on the fastener if you follow the dry spec specified by the manufacturer.

I always install dry and clean dirty threads with wd40 and wipe dry.
I also use anti-sieze on some bolts but the stem is one where I always set dry threads.

Often times overtightening happens when people "re-check" the tightness of the bolts and adding that extra quarter or eighth turn to the bolts.
It adds up and eventually pulls the threads out, breaks the part or stretches the threads so that the original torque spec no longer works.

Alloy threads are pretty soft so you have to pay particular attention. I don't think a torque wrench is mandatory but helpful to those with lead filled elbows.
You also have to take care of your torque wrench by loosening the tension every time and have it properly calibrated at recommended intervals- so there's that.