Where can I get a set of Allen keys that also allow me to tighten a hex nut to a specified amount of torque?

I see that you can buy specific Allen keys that can only tighten up to a certain amount of torque - such as 4 N/m - but I'd prefer something more adjustable so I don't have to get every single combination under the sun - i.e. a 4 mm 4 N/m and whatever mm allen key with whatever torque setting that's needed. Because I know on my bike I need at least 4 different allen keys for the various parts. The seatpost clam and the stem require two different allen keys (and two different torques).

I just use allen head sockets on my torque wrench. What do you need the above for?

Simple-

What are these called? A hex bit set?

Yes and any hardware store, Home Center or tool dealer has them in SAE and Metric sets. You can also get just the Allen bits with a 1/4" hex shank and drive them with any 1/4" square drive tool and a 1/4" socket.

3/8 drive allen sockets.
Add metric if you prefer that type.

As far as I know, the pocket sized torque wrenches are all pre-set to one specific torque value. Some of them have replaceable bits. If you want to test for different torques, then you need a full sized torque wrench, like you can find in hardware or auto supply stores.

Thank you! Looks like I'm going to Harbor Freight soon .

You really want to have 1/4" bits with a 1/4" torque wrench. You don't want to put any extension, size converter or unnecessary anything between the head of the torque wrench and the fastener as it can contribute to inaccuracy of the tool if you aren't careful to hold it perfectly in line with the axis of the threads.

A 3/8" torque wrench is too big for most jobs on a bicycle. You want a 1/4". Harbor Freight makes a perfectly serviceable torque wrench for about $20 -often less on sale. If you take care of it and always put it back to the lowest setting before you put it back in the included box it will give you years of service. They are accurate and dependable enough for the purposes of working on bikes. You are not building a rocket or jet engine.

Unfortunately there are not many companies that are making 1/4" drive allen socket bits. You'll have to make do with 1/4" hex-drive bits and a square/hex adapter. You can buy a decent set with every allen, torx, phillips, and you name it bit with an adapter for about $9.99 at Harbor Freight or any big-box home store that sells tools.

That all said, most fasteners on a bike are perfectly happy at 5Nm torque. A simple Ritchey 5Nm torque key for $17 on Amazon is really all you need for the vast majority of M4 and M5 fasteners found on a bike. Having a 1/4" torque wrench and a set of 1/4" bits is great too. But if nothing else a cyclist who want to wrench on his own bike should get the torque key -especially if they have a carbon bike or a carbon stem. It's a necessity then.

5Nm is about 44 inch-lbs. Look on Park Tool's blog on torque values to see just how many fasteners that is appropriate for:

Utica (and others, Mountz comes to mind) make adjustable torque limiting drivers which would be suitable but they are pricey; I managed to score a KT-130 kit at a garage sale or they would have been out of my budget. https://www.apexpowertools.com/catalo.../SP-301_EN.pdf See pages 5-7 They work great but are overkill for general use.

There is no problem with using adapters provided they keep the bit or socket in line with the axis of the driving end of the tool; straight extensions and drive size/sex adapters are fine. The torque calibrator at work has a 3/8" drive receptacle and we adapt it to 1/4" square and hex drive tools all the time, no issue.

I like the 1/4" drive 1/4" hex socket I got from SnapOn , but other brands make them too .. its got a Magnet in it to retain the hex bit.

I can use the power drill bits in my screwdriver handle with a 1/4" drive too/..

Something like this:
Nashbar Torque Wrench
Will give you what you need

About a million years ago, I bought a Craftsman hex socket w/bit, 1/4 drive, and then bought individual bits to fit in the socket. I still have them, and they work great on a 1/4 drive torque wrench. Don't know if they still have them. I paid about $4 for the first one, and about $1 for each individual bit.

Sometimes it's worth spending money on a cheap set like this, just for the options they offer https://www.harborfreight.com/100-Pc-...ase-68457.html - if it saves you one time, it's the best $10 you ever spent.

Those 1/4" drive units are a tad wimpy for BB's & crank bolts!

Indeed. But for most bike tasks 1/4" is what is needed.

These are nice. It works well with one of these too.

True. I use a 1/2" drive beam torque wrench for bottom brackets and crank bolts (3/8" drive also OK), and a 1/4" drive beam torque wrench for anything else on bikes. I use both on certain car parts too.

+1 Another advantage of a cheap set like that is you won't hesitate to grind, weld to or otherwise alter the tools to suit a special job, since they ARE so cheap. The ability to make your own tools is liberating.

Also available in 1/4" square drive and, for really big stuff, 1/2"-square drive. I found most of the sizes I use (3, 4, 5 and 6 mm) are usually in 1/4" square drive format. The only 3/8" square drive bits I have are 8 and 10 mm.

A bit small too for securing a freehub lockring.

I ran across something like this recently at my local co-op. Not quite as fancy as it was only a single wrench but it is quite ingenuous. It's smaller than even the smallest torque wrench so it fits in tight places.

get yourself a torque driver

CDI TorqControl Adjustable T Handle Torque Wrench 2 - 8 Nm

Her's a "manly" 3/4" drive.


I also have 1/2", 3/8" and 1/4" drive clicker torque wrenches.

Tools are an investment and can last a lifetime if you take care of them and don't lend them out.

They are usually called hex sockets.