Best torque wrenches for bikes 2024: what to buy and how to use them

The best torque wrenches for bikes, and why you should be using one on your bike

Torque wrenches tested by Cycling Weekly
(Image credit: Jack Elton-Walters)

A torque wrench might seem a bit of overkill or too specialist for a home mechanic, but in fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Having one of the best torque wrenches in your toolbox will make your life easier, your bike safer and might well save you money in the long term. 

As modern bikes make more and more use of carbon for components like seat posts, handlebars and saddle rails, it is imperative that these are fastened at the correct torque; too little and they might move or spin, too much and the carbon can be damaged and weakened with potentially catastrophic results.

Luckily, most important bolts on a bike use either a 4mm or 5m hex key with a torque of 5 or 6Nm, so there is no need for a full raft of bits to go with a fancy torque wrench to maintain a bike safely. Indeed, the simplest of the wrenches reviewed offer a single hex set at a single torque value.

However, if your mechanical ambitions run deeper than an occasional seat post adjustment, it is well worth investing in a more versatile torque wrench that uses separate bits and various torque settings.

The quick list

The best torque wrenches for bikes

Best workshop quality adjustable torque wrench

Image shows: Park Tool TW5.2 Small Clicker Torque Wrench in its case

(Image credit: Jack Elton-Walters)

1. Park Tool TW5.2 Small Clicker Torque Wrench

Best adjustable torque wrench for workshop quality at home

Specifications

Bits included: None
Torque range: 2-14Nm

Reasons to buy

+
High-quality tool 
+
Very tactile handle 
+
Easily selected torque increments of 0.4Nm
+
Easy to use push-and-twist torque selector
+
Good weight to the tool 
+
Switch between left and right threaded bolts 

Reasons to avoid

-
It doesn't come with bits as standard

When you picture a torque wrench, the Park Tool TW5.2 Small Clicker may well be what you imagine. What’s more, as you’d expect from Park Tool, it looks and feels like a quality piece of kit too.

The lower handle is ergonomically shaped for a comfortable and confident grip, while the very bottom of the handle is where you set the torque level. This is done with an easy-to-use push-and-twist selector that moves in increments of 0.4Nm. The current torque level is displayed on a clear screen within the handle. 

Image shows: Park Tool TW5.2 Small Clicker Torque Wrench

(Image credit: Jack Elton-Walters)

The ratchet itself can be switched for standard and reverse threads, with the usual thumb button to release bits (when you’ve got them).

Bits aren't included, so search out the appropriate sizes and buy them at the same time to make this tool usable. That is unless, of course, you've got another set of bits available to you. Luckily for me and this review, I had the Topeak D-Torq Wrench DX in my toolbox and its bits are cross-compatible with the Park Tool TW5.2 Small Clicker Torque Wrench.

This allowed me to use the tool and find that it works as well as it looks like it should. To be clear: it works very well.

A good quality and ergonomically pleasing tool that carries the quality you would expect from Park Tool. Probably my favorite in this whole list.

Best adjustable torque wrench with digital precision

Image shows: Topeak D-Torq Wrench DX

(Image credit: Jack Elton-Walters)

2. Topeak D-Torq Wrench DX

Best adjustable torque wrench for wide range with digital precision

Specifications

Bits included: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15mm sockets; ½” drive adapter; bit adapter; crosshead screwdriver; T25, T30, T40 Torx; 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10mm hex
Torque range: 4-80Nm

Reasons to buy

+
High precision 
+
Digital screen for easy view and accuracy 
+
Wide torque range, 4-80Nm 
+
Good selection of bits and adapters 
+
Heavy duty, long handle makes it easy to use 
+
It beeps when you reach the set torque 
+
Great storage case 

Reasons to avoid

-
It doesn’t click off as decisively as other tools, so you are more reliant on reacting to the beep when you reach the desired torque
-
The beep is welcome for torque but very annoying when it beeps every time you press a button 
-
Requires batteries (included but will need replacing over time, obviously) 

This is a heavy duty tool for workshop use that goes way beyond the basic requirements of a torque tool. The range of sockets, hex, Torx and adapters means you could do pretty much any job on a bike – from cassette tightening to stem adjusting. 

The large handle and heavier weight of the tool as a whole mean that this wrench is robust and feels capable of any bicycle mechanic task.

The digital display – powered by two AAA batteries, supplied – allows for highly precise torquing. When you reach your desired level it gives a loud beep to alert you. However, it doesn’t click off as decisively as other tools so you are reliant on reacting to the beep rather than the tool clicking off like many other torque tools.

Image shows: Topeak D-Torq Wrench DX in closed case

(Image credit: Jack Elton-Walters)

The beep is good when you reach the preset torque level, but is highly irritating when it beeps every single time you press a button – there are a lot of increments, each with a beep when coming down from 80Nm to 4! If I was keeping the tool long-term I’d look into whether this could be turned off. Fingers crossed.

A decent tool overall, at home in the shed or workshop of anyone looking to take their home-based bicycle mechanics to the next level.

Best adjustable torque wrench on a budget

Image shows: Lifeline Essential Torque Set

(Image credit: Jack Elton-Walters)

3. LifeLine Essential Torque Wrench Set

Best adjustable torque wrench on a budget

Specifications

Bits included: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10mm hex, plus 5mm L (long); T20, T25, T30 Torx
Torque range: 2-24Nm

Reasons to buy

+
Good value
+
Very tactile and satisfying to hold 
+
Simple to set and adjust level of torque 
+
Well presented in carry case 
+
Good range of bits 

Reasons to avoid

-
Torque setting dial only shows even numbers, so odds – especially 5Nm – are a bit of an estimate 
-
Plastic case feels a bit flimsy 

The LifeLine Essential Torque Wrench set is a simple, yet effective, and very tactile torque tool that will do most (small) tasks that the average home bicycle mechanic is likely to take on. 

There aren’t any sockets, so you won’t be adjusting any cassettes or bottom brackets with this kit, but it will see you right for jobs such as realigning disc brakes and correctly tightening stems – the two tasks I immediately put this set to work on.

The LifeLine’s box looks the part but I would wonder if the slightly cheap feeling plastic will survive the usual travails of being piled in with a load of other tools in a shed or workshop as the outer feels a bit flimsy.

Even so, the kit looks the part when you open it up and the main body of the tool is very satisfying to hold. Its tactile nature had me testing the torque of multiple bolts on my bike just to be able to use it again.

The torque setting is set by twisting the bottom of the handle and watching the little red indicator move to the desired number. Those numbers are only even, so there’s an element of estimation for odd numbers – and many bolts require 5Nm.

With a very reasonable price, this is a worthwhile investment for any budding bicycle mechanic looking to avoid stripping the thread on any more bolts.

Joint-best preset torque wrench for multi-applications

Image shows: Ritchey Torque Key Set, 4Nm and 5Nm

(Image credit: Jack Elton-Walters)
Joint-best preset torque wrench for multi-applications

Specifications

Bits supplied: 3, 4, 5mm hex; T20, T25 Torx; crosshead screwdriver
Torque range: 4Nm or 5Nm (one per tool)

Reasons to buy

+
Simple 
+
Small enough to take along with you 
+
Sleek storage of bits 
+
Feels robust 

Reasons to avoid

-
Only has a single setting (4Nm or 5Nm)
-
Not the easiest to hold due to its size and shape
-
Bits can be difficult to extract 

The Ritchey Torque Key Set – tested here in both 4Nm and 5Nm preset versions – is a compact tool for workshop use that could also go in a handlebar bag to take along on longer trips, if you think it might be needed.

The six bits are housed around the central barrel of the tool, where one at a time is inserted for use. The tool is held between your thumb and forefinger when tightening bolts, a grip that isn’t as easy to wield as some of the longer-handled options seen elsewhere in this guide.

When reaching the torque level (4Nm or 5Nm depending on the tool, but only one torque setting per tool) the click is obvious and you know you’ve reached the limit. 

This is a tool that does what it needs to without frills or fanfare, that will fit into a bar bag just as well as it’ll slot into a toolbox.

Best adjustable wrench for compactness

Image shows: Park Tool Adjustable Torque Driver ATD 1.2

(Image credit: Jack Elton-Walters)

5. Park Tool Adjustable Torque Driver (ATD) 1.2

Best adjustable wrench for compactness

Specifications

Bits included: 3, 4, 5mm hex; T25 Torx
Torque range: 4-6Nm

Reasons to buy

+
Clever in-handle storage of spare bits 
+
Easy to adjust torque settings 
+
Very satisfying clunk when you reach the desired torque level 
+
Feels very robust 

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited number of bits 
-
A bit bulky to fit in the fiddliest bolts  

The Park Tool Adjustable Torque Driver (ATD) 1.2 is a basic, robust and easy-to-use torque wrench that will do what you need it to for most jobs such as torquing up stems and tightening seat post bolts.

Its T-shape is easy to hold and wield, while the storage of the spare bits in one end of the horizontal part of the handle is a clever touch.

The best part of this torque tool is, arguably, the very satisfying clunk it gives when you reach the desired level of Newton Metres. Setting that level, across a range of 4 to 6Nm, at 0.5 increments, is done with the turn of a dial on the opposite end of the horizontal handle.

Simple, robust and simple: a good addition to anyone’s tool kit.

Best for taking with you on rides

Image shows: Lezyne Pocket Torque Drive

(Image credit: Jack Elton-Walters)

6. Lezyne Pocket Torque Drive

Best for taking with you on rides

Specifications

Bits included: 2.5, 3, 4, 5mm hex; T20, T25 Torx
Torque range: 2-6Nm

Reasons to buy

+
Compact carry case will fit in your pocket or attach to your bike like a saddle bag 
+
Great for on-the-fly adjustments out on the bike 
+
A range of bits to cover likely tasks done on the roadside
+
Feels high quality 

Reasons to avoid

-
Slightly fiddly setup to facilitate it packing down small 
-
Not the best option for home mechanics

A compact tool in a small carry case that will fit in a jersey pocket or even attach to the bike in much the same way as a saddle bag, the Lezyne Pocket Torque Drive will be in my toolkit on my next touring trip.

Its strength could also be its weakness, where its set up is a bit fiddly as the handle and torque adjuster detach in order to fit in the case, but for on-the-fly adjustments this is fine.

You may look elsewhere if wanting to add to your home mechanic set up, but that’s not this tool’s target market anyway.

Image shows: Lezyne Pocket Torque Drive

(Image credit: Jack Elton-Walters)

Like everything Lezyne, it looks and feels well-made and robust. A good addition to a handlebar bag for when you need to get those adjustments just right while riding a long way from home.

Best adjustable torque wrench for awkward bolts

Image shows: Effetto Mariposa Giustaforza Torque Wrench

(Image credit: Jack Elton-Walters)

7. Effetto Mariposa GiustaForza Torque Wrench

Best adjustable torque wrench for hard-to-get-to bolts

Specifications

Bits included: None with test sample but ‘deluxe’ version comes with: 10x25mm – 2, 2.5, 3, 6mm hex, T10, T15, T20, T30 Torx -3/16, +PH1; 3x100mm – 4, 5mm hex, T25
Torque range: 2-16Nm

Reasons to buy

+
Workshop grade with a hard-anodized finish
+
Easy to set with a small head for tight spaces
+
Fifteen bits supplied for magnetic head
+
Simple, accurate winder to select torque level 
+
Good gripper on bottomof the handle 

Reasons to avoid

-
Bits not included as standard
-
Pricey

This is a high-quality, high-price torque wrench. The weight and feel hint towards its premium build, while the torque-selecting winder is a simple and accurate way to set the level of torque required.

The review sample came as the £160 version, that is to say: without bits. The lower half of the handle has a rough gripper so your hand won’t slip when in use – I learned this thanks to the Topeak D-Torq Wrench DX as the bits were cross-compatible.

For its size, the Effetto Mariposa Giustaforza Torque Wrench is a weighty torque wrench – and I highlight that as a positive, as it feels sturdy when in use and hints at longevity.

If you’re in the market for a high-quality torque wrench and you’ve got the budget, spend the extra and get the bit set – unless you've got another compatible set to hand already.

Best preset wrench for portability

Image shows: Topeak Nano Torqbar DX

(Image credit: Jack Elton-Walters)

8. Topeak Nano TorqBar DX

Best preset wrench for portability

Specifications

Bits supplied: 3, 4, 5mm hex; T20, T25 Torx
Torque range: 4, 5 and 6Nm – dictated by which fitting is used

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight
+
Aesthetically pleasing 
+
Tactile 
+
Feels well made 
+
Clever system for changing between the three torque levels – 4, 5, 6Nm
+
Nifty little case to hold the bits and torque adapters 

Reasons to avoid

-
A lot of plastic in the packaging 
-
It’s a bit difficult to extract the bits from the case 
-
Handle and bit box cannot be attached to each other so could get separated 

This is a small and handy torque tool that looks good and is satisfying to hold. There are three adapters included to give either 4, 5 or 6Nm of torque. Into the chosen one of these adapters, you add the required hex or Torx fitting to tighten the desired bolt.

The hex and Torx bits can also fit directly into the handle – this is to loosen bolts. As with most torque wrenches, it is only designed to measure torque in one direction and should not be used to loosen bolts. 

The instructions that come with the Topeak Nano Torqbar DX very clearly state that using one of the ‘TorqBits’ for loosening will damage the tool (and void the warranty).

Image shows: Topeak Nano Torqbar

(Image credit: Jack Elton-Walters)

The handle is well designed and the small carry case for the bits is sleek, however, the two parts do not attach to each other and so could easily get separated in a toolbox, shed or bikepacking bag. This can be remedied to a certain extent by storing the two most-used bits inside the handle.

This is a good little tool but with a couple of points which could be improved.

Best adjustable torque wrench for occasional use

Image shows: Topeak Combotorq Wrench and Bit Set

(Image credit: Jack Elton-Walters)

9. Topeak Combotorq Wrench and Bit Set

Best adjustable torque wrench for occasional use

Specifications

Bits included: 3, 4, 5, 6mm hex; T25 Torx
Torque range: 3-12Nm

Reasons to buy

+
All in one with bits stored in handle 
+
Simple to use 
+
You can see what torque a bolt is on rather than just the binary yes/no of whether it’s at the set level 
+
Easy to hold and therefore easy to use 

Reasons to avoid

-
May not be as accurate as more high-tech options 
-
Limited number of bits 

The best part of this tool – and it’s pretty good overall – is the storage of the bits in the handle, keeping the whole thing as one (so long as you return the bits to their berths once finished).

The needle pointing at a written torque range is fairly basic compared to some other tools reviewed here, including one from the same brand, but this also offers the chance to see what torque any given bolt is on rather than the binary measure of whether it’s on a specifically set torque level or not.

The handle, which stores the bits, is easy to hold and therefore straightforward to use. This is a basic but effective way to torque up your bolts to the right level and avoid any overtightening.

Best adjustable torque wrench for portability

Image shows: Silca T Ratchet + Ti Toque Kit

(Image credit: Jack Elton-Walters)
Best adjustable torque wrench for portability

Specifications

Bits included: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6mm hex; T10, T20, T25 Torx; crosshead screwdriver
Torque range: In ranges: 0-3-5Nm, 0-2-6NM, 0-4-8Nm

Reasons to buy

+
Fantastic carry case 
+
Highly portable 
+
Changeable handle to suit tight and fiddly bolt positions 
+
Dynamic torque measurements rather than preset clicks 

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricey
-
Despite its appearance and cost, the handle parts feel like they don’t quite fit perfectly together with some wobble rather than an assured fit 

The first thing to note about the Silca T Ratchet + Ti Torque Kit is its carry case. It’s a miniature tool pouch that easily fits in a jersey pocket, handlebar bag or pannier. It satisfyingly folds around itself and closes with two little magnetic poppers.

The main handle and torque part of the tool can be put together in several configurations which means it can get into tight spots where other tools may not be able to reach awkwardly positioned bolts.

Without the torque driver involved, the rest of the handle can be used to loosen off bolts – again in a range of configurations – saving the ratchet from damage.

For all its good looks, high-quality appearance and premium price tag, I was slightly disappointed with the wobbly feel when using the tool.

With the parts slotted together, you can feel the join between them, given away by a movement that I feel wouldn’t be there if each part was more precisely sized to slot together more snuggly.

In the end, it might not affect the way the tool does its job, but it certainly gave a slightly cheap feel to the whole thing.

You can read a previous full review of the Silca T Ratchet + Ti Torque Kit here.

Joint-best preset torque wrench for multi-use

Image shows: Upgrade Torque Driver 5Nm

(Image credit: Jack Elton-Walters)

11. Upgrade Torque Driver 5Nm

Joint-best preset torque wrench for multi-applications

Specifications

Bits included: 3, 4, 5mm hex; T25 Torx; flathead screwdriver; crosshead screwdriver
Torque range: Static: 5Nm

Reasons to buy

+
Simple 
+
Small enough to take along with you 
+
Sleek storage of bits 
+
Feels robust 

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the easiest to hold due to its size and shape 
-
Bits can be difficult to extract 

Barring a couple of different bit choices, this is the The Ritchey Torque Key Set with a different logo printed on it – or the other way round, I can’t confirm which was manufactured first. 

It works the same and comes with the same pros and cons. Choose this one, choose the Ritchey one: you won’t know the difference with your eyes closed and both work well enough for most riders’ home mechanic needs.

Buyer's guide to torque wrenches for bikes

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.

How we test

Luckily, at Cycling Weekly, tinkering with bikes is part of the job description so there is no shortage of opportunities to test tools. Despite all these torque wrenches doing the same basic job, they go about it in different ways and offer unique pros and cons. Aspects such as portability, ease of use, construction and versatility have been considered when it came to assessing each tool.

Jack Elton-Walters hails from the Isle of Wight, and would be quick to tell anyone that it's his favourite place to ride. He has covered a varied range of topics for Cycling Weekly, producing articles focusing on tech, professional racing and cycling culture. He moved on to work for Cyclist Magazine in 2017 where he stayed for four years until going freelance. He now returns to Cycling Weekly from time-to-time to cover racing, review cycling gear and write longer features for print and online.