Took me 5 years to admit that torque wrench was worth the money

I always thought torque wrenches were overkill for bike work, just another tool to sell. Then I snapped a carbon steerer clamp bolt on a customer's bike last month because I was guessing by feel. Had to pay $180 out of pocket to replace the fork. Now I use a CDI torque wrench on every carbon part and it takes 10 extra seconds. Anyone else have a moment where being cheap cost you real cash?

2 comments

2 Comments

robert24828d ago

Snap a $180 fork over one bolt and suddenly you're a torque wrench believer (I get it, I really do). But honestly, how many carbon parts have you guys actually wrecked by feel? I've been guessing on aluminum stems and seatposts for years and never had a problem. For me it's like, yeah it's a nice tool to have if you're working on high-end stuff every day, but for the average home mechanic it's one more thing to lose in the bottom of the toolbox.

logan26328d ago

Remember that CDI torque wrenches are the same company that makes Snap-On's wrenches, just with a different sticker and way less cash. You're not wrong about aluminum parts being more forgiving, but the real money saver is not having to guess on carbon rail saddles or carbon bar clamp bolts either. Do you think most frame warranty claims happen because people are guessing by feel or a different reason?