Have a look at your handlebars, your stem and your seatpost. Each will have a recommended torque number shown in Newton Meters (Nm). This is provided by the manufactures to prevent the overtightening of the parts, which can lead to permanent and irreplarable damage. This is particularly true of carbon components.
Similarly not applying enough torque can be just as damaging, not so much to the part itself, but to you the rider. Bottom brackets and chainring bolts are two examples of bolts that require a great degree of torque to secure them safely and guessing at this typically results in under tightening. Enter the torque wrench.
Designed to both tighten the bolt and do so to a specific level of tension, the best torque wrenches are found in all the best home mechanics tool kits as well as those wrench for a living. Removing the guess work they allow you to follow the maker’s recommended torque settings accurately.
There’s a huge range of options on the market and you’ll need to pick one to suit your needs. Occasional mechanics might be able to get away with a couple of preset wrenches designed around typical Nm recommendations for carbon bars, stems and seat posts. If you tinker with more frequency then an adjustable wrench is likely a better option, allowing you to adjust in small increments. Often mechanics will carry two wrenches, one for small bolts that require less torque and a larger wrench that has greater leverage and allows you to tighten to 50, 60 Nm and more.
For this guide we’re focusing on the home mechanic and have selected a range of options to help you find the best torque wrench for you. We’ve tested them all thoroughly over a period of time ensuring that those to make the cut are worthy of your attention.
If you’re looking to wrench on the go as well as home, why not check out our guides to best bike multi tools and best chain tools..
The quick list
The classic-looking Park Tool TW5.2 performs superbly and would make a worthwhile addition to any home workshop. It's easy to use, with simple-to-adjust torque settings in 0.4Nm increments. Just be aware that bits aren't included.
The Prestacycle TorqRatchet Pro may be the only torque tool you’ll need, both in and out of the workshop. At just 28grams and 13cm/5.2" long, it's ideal for a jersey pocket but packs enough grunt to do most jobs on a bike.
Supplied with a comprehensive set of bits and offering a torque range of 4-80Nm, the D-Torq Wrench DX will cover everything on a bike. The digital readout provides a clear display and is accompanied by audible beeps.
A minimalist option that is very bike-specific, the Adjustable Torque Driver only has a 4- 6Nm range and four bits, which are housed in the handle. For 90% of jobs, this is all you need.
Easy to carry on any adventure thanks to its neat case, the Lezyne Pocket Torque Drive covers all the options that you are likely to need out on a ride. It's not really intended for regular workshop use, though; there are better options for that.
I have found the most effective tools in my workshop are ones that work, need little setup and are always to hand. Prestacycle’s Pro TorqKeys ticks most of those and more.
Load the next three models
I found the Wera 7515 particularly impressive, with a simple design and innovative features like the thumb-operated selector and the over-torque stop mechanism set this apart. I never knew I needed a torque screwdriver, but I do now.
The Effetto Mariposa Torque Wrench has a premium weight and feel to it, comes with 15 bits, and I felt in testing that it was very easy to set even in tight spaces. As such, it is ideal for those awkward bolts, although it does come with a premium price.
The Silca T Torque kit is classic Silca, with an over-the-top finish that makes it stand out. It boasts the best carry case of any we have tested, making it ideal for a saddlebag or bikepacking bag and covers pretty much everything you need.
The best torque wrenches for bikes as reviewed by Cycling Weekly
Best torque wrench for bikes
If there’s such a thing as an iconic torque wrench among cyclists, then this is probably it. It’s been updated a few times but is essentially a true-and-tested design from one of the leading bike tool manufactures. So why is it used by so many home mechanics?
We found it to be comfortable to use, with a well-shaped grip that allows you to operate around the bike with confidence. Vitally, it’s also easy to use. To set the torque level you simply push and twist the selector that’s positioned at the bottom of the handle; this can be done in increments of 0.4Nm and between 2-14Nm, which allows for all the accuracy and power you need for most small bolts. The torque level is also displayed on the handle and is easy and clear to read at all times.
To accommodate both standard and reverser thread bolts, the ratchet can be switched to work in either direction. Again, like the setting, this is straightforward to do.
Unfortunately the TW5.2 doesn’t come with a set of bits, so you’ll need to factor this into your buying decision. That said, it does mean that you can just buy the bits you need for your bike or bikes. To release the bits you just use the thumb button.
In short, this is the ideal wrench for the home mechanic who wants to be able to fit and adjust carbon parts with confidence.
Best budget torque wrench
While the Park Tool wrench above is our favorite for those who are regular tinkerers, if you are more of the occasional mechanic then you probably don’t want to spend too much on a torquer wrench. Which makes the TorqWrench PRO from Prestacycle a great fit, both literally and figuratively.
At 5.25” long and weighing 68 grams it can fit inside even the smallest of tool boxes or pouches as well as a saddle bag or jersey pocket should you want to take it with you on a ride.
However, its compact size belies its power and durability. It’s rated for 60Nm of total force and is good for 5,000 cycles before recalibration. It applies force via a torque beam mechanism inside the handle, with a thumb-wheel head and black handle at opposing ends.
We found that setting the wrench up was simple enough. The bits were inserted with no issues and stayed in place. To remove them they just need a firm tug with the fingers. For reverse threads the flick of a small switch is all that’s needed and here it’s good for up to 60Nm, which is great when removing stubborn pedals!
The knob-like handle is a bit more fiddly but it’s a small gripe in what otherwise is an excellent tool. Throughout use we’ve found it to be accurate from 2-10Nm. The extensive and well-machined collection of bits are stored neatly in black case, completely what’s an impressive and affordable package.
Best digital torque wrench
If you’re looking for a torque wrench that can do it all, the D-Torq DX should be right up your alley. It offers a torque range of 4-80Nm, meaning that it can handle any bolt or fixing on your bike, including chainring bolts and bottom brackets. To further its impressive versatility it comes with a slew of sockets, hex and torq bits and adapters.
The first thing you’ll notice when using the D-Torq is that it’s a solid piece of kit. The large handle offers increased leverage, while the overall weight of the tool suggests that it will be plenty durable. Certainly, during our testing we had no complaints on this front.
Having a digital display makes it easy to use, allowing you to be precise in your work. Running on two AAA batteries, the display alerts you with a beep when you have reached your required setting. Manual display wrenches do this with a discernible click and we did find that this isn’t so much the case here, so you’ll need to be happy operating with an audible alert. Also it’s worth noting that this beep occurs with each incremental step too, rather than just at the end. We found it a little annoying after a while, but it’s unlikely to be a dealbreaker for most.
All-in-all this is a good option for those who want one, durable wrench for an array of jobs and prefer a digital display.
Best compact torque wrench
If all you require is a single torque wrench to adjust your carbon stem or seatpost - or any of those other bolts in the 4-6Nm range - then the ATD-1.2 from Park Tools won’t let you down.
We found that it was easy to adjust via a dial that works in 0.5 increments, while the T-shape design makes it both comfortable to hold and effective in use. It’s also where the spare bits are stored, making it a really neat and compact design all round. Perhaps best of all though is the hefty click felt when you reach your number. There’s no way of missing it, which makes it really reliable.
Simple, robust and simple: a good addition to anyone’s tool kit.
Most Portable
While many torque wrenches are designed for home use, if your bike is dripping in carbon parts then it makes sense that you might require a more portable option. And the Lezyne Pocket wrench is certainly that.
Measuring just 87mm/3.5" it comes in a compact carry case that fits easily in a bikepacking bag, saddle bag or even a jersey pocket. While this portability means it’s not ideally suited for heavy use at home - it’s a bit fiddly to set up because in order for it to fit in the case both the handle and torque adjuster are detachable - it does come into its own for bikepackers and tourers.
We are generally fans of Lezyne products, whether its the brand’s pumps, multi-tools or lights, and we had no quibbles here with the quality. For occasional use while out riding it’s a great option.
Best preset torque wrench
Preset wrenches are the easiest to use in the sense that require no adjusting. Simply add the required bit and tighten until you hear the click - or in the case of the preset Pro from Prestacycle, a very solid clunk!
Aside from the great feedback that allows you to tighten even the most expensive carbon bits with confidence, the tool is also comfortable in the hand, compact enough to cover those fiddly jobs, and has a magnetic shaft to ensure that the bits stay in place. You can even use it counterclockwise.
We tested the 4Nm wrench but there are also 5Nm, 6Nm, 7Nm, 8Nm, 10Nm, 12Nm options all good for 5000 cycles and with colour-coded handles should you buy a few and need to distinguish between the torque values quickly.
Best torque screwdriver
Ok, so not a wrench, but a torque screwdriver is a really useful addition for mechanics needing to get to those hard-to-reach bolts. And the 7515 from Wera left us suitably impressed.
There’s no ratchet here, but otherwise it proved to be really functional when a traditional wrench wasn’t, well, the best tool for the job. It offers five settings from 2-6Nm, which means it can handle bars, stems, seat posts and more. To select your number all you do is slide the scale, with the desired number shown in a small window.
We found the Wera 7515 particularly impressive because the mechanism boasts a slip-over torque function, which means it’s impossible to tighten a bolt beyond the selected value. It also works in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, which is rare.
It doesn’t come with any bits included but Wera makes some of the most durable around so we’r recommended buying a set to match this very handy tool.
Best adjustable torque wrench for awkward bolts
For our money, the Effetto Mariposa Giustaforza Torque Wrench is the best looking option around. It’s elegant to look at and feels great in the hand, with the handle featured a knurled gripper to ensure you don't lose your grip. Its slimline figure also means that it can reach those tucked away bolts.
Despite its slender appearance, this is a high-quality and durable tool. It’s surprisingly weighty, which we like in a tool as it suggests that it's up for the job - and we had no complaints throughout our testing. You set the torque - between 2-16Nm - with a winding mechanism at the end of the handle. We found it easy to use and accurate, too.
It’s offered with or without a set of bits. We’d suggest that if you’re spending this amount of money on a torque wrench you might as well go all in. We don't think you’ll be disappointed.
Most comprehensive portable option
While the Lezyne Pocket wrench is our favoured tool to put in your saddle bag it is pretty basic in its offerings. If you require the same level of portability but want some added functionality, then the Silca T Ratchet + Ti Torque Kit could be for you.
It comes with a neat carry case, with the tool itself comprising handle and torque, which can be configured in a number of ways depending on the location of the bolt. In practice it works, and is a really nice feature of this tool, although there is a noticeable wobble when in use because you’ve slotted the two parts together. We would have loved a snugger fit.
How we test the best torque wrenches
At Cycling Weekly we have ample opportunities to test tools as most of our reviewers also are testing bikes and components that require assembly and adjustments. This means these wrench were put through their paces in a real-world environment.
We assessed them for portability, ease of use, construction and versatility as well as testing their accuracy against other wrenches for comparison. We also looked at how they feel in the hand, how positive the click is, how easy it is to set the number and read the scale, and other such details.
For more information on how the Cycling Weekly team tests the best bike tools and cycling gear, visit our How We Test page.
Meet the testers
While Simon always likes to give fixing his bike a go, it doesn't always work out, which makes him the perfect candidate to test the best torque wrenches for bikes. Simon relies heavily on the trust torque wrench to ensure no incidents occur when maintaining his fleet of high-end road and gravel bikes.
Jack is a one-man tourist board for his beloved Isle of Wight, where he believes the best way to see the island is by bike. In between literally riding in circles around an island with less than 500miles of road, Jack likes to get stuck into bicycle tech. Jack has been one of Cycling Weekly's most frequent freelance contributors in recent years.
FAQs
What is a torque wrench?
A torque wrench is a tool used to tighten bolts to the correct level of tension. Tightness – or torque – is measured in Newton Metres (Nm), and most bike components have the appropriate level of torque expressed somewhere near the bolt. If not, they can often be found in installation and maintenance instructions on component and bike brands' sites.
Do I have to use a torque wrench?
It’s a good idea.
Not using a torque wrench puts you at risk of a bolt snapping, or indeed a delicate, carbon component giving way or being crushed under too much pressure. In the case of a handlebar or seastpost this can be dangerous, and if it’s proven that you’d overtightened a bolt and caused the fracture then your chances of a warranty claim could be voided.
Some at-home-mechanics might skip the torque wrench, in favor of adjusting bolts ‘on feel’. When you’ve tightened a lot of bolts, you’ll have a good idea of what 4Nm and 6Nm might feel like.
However, estimating torque can be a risky business and if it goes wrong, you’ve not got much hope of a warranty swap.
What types of torque wrench sets are available?
There are many different torque wrench styles – the basic option being a ‘beam torque wrench’ which measures flex in materials, and the top end choice being the electronic torque wrench which can be pre-set to a desired level and provides a downloadable history (handy evidence of due care).
The two most common styles used on bikes are 'click torque wrenches' and 'preset torque wrenches'.
A preset torque wrench looks much like a normal Allen key, with a handle. It will tighten the bolt to the ideal tension. These are light and easy to transport, as well as being highly accurate since they can’t be adjusted.
A click torque wrench often comes as part of a ratchet and socket set. These come with assorted bit ends, and the user selects the correct size piece and then sets the required torque level (often using a dial on the handle). The unit will make a ‘click’ noise when the correct torque is reached.
Having preset torque wrenches in 4-6Nm (the common tensions used on bikes) is a good idea. However, you’d be hard-pressed to have one for every ideal torque in the correct size, and they usually stop at around 10Nm – hence why you might need a click torque wrench if you’re doing more than just adjusting your saddle height.
What sizes of bits are most useful?
Obviously you want enough heads for all the bolts you might want to tackle. Many small bolts on bikes are 4mm hex, but T25 Torq bolts are increasingly popular as a replacement.
There's an array of different alternative bolt sizes used in headsets and stems, particularly proprietary designs, while things like chainset bolts tend to be a different size again.
Anything else I should look out for?
It's worth checking if the torque wrench you're looking at can be adjusted to provide the required torque in an anti-clockwise as well as the usual clockwise direction. Anything with a left-handed thread (pedals, bottom brackets) will require this and it's not necessarily standard in all industries.
In fact, using many torque wrenches 'the wrong way' can damage their mechanism and stop them from accurately gauging the level of torque. If the tool you've got does not do reverse thread, don't try and use it for reverse thread (or for loosening bolts).
Also, check that there's enough range for the jobs you expect to do. Most bike bolts need fairly low torque values, often around 5Nm and usually less than 10Nm, whereas if you're planning to tackle threaded bottom brackets, pedals and power meters you will probably need around 40Nm, which can be beyond the range of many torque wrenches intended for more delicate jobs. You probably don't want to have to buy two adjustable wrenches.