Guide · Tools
Pocket torque tools for bikes: preset drivers vs adjustable wrenches
A torque tool helps you hit the figure a part's maker prints. What Park Tool and Topeak say about range, accuracy, bits and recalibration; we give no torque values.
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Short answer
A torque tool lets you tighten a bolt to the figure the part's maker prints. Always use that component maker's number, never a generic one; we give none. Choose a tool whose range covers your parts' figures, with the bits your bolts need, and recalibrate it as its maker says.
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Why use a torque tool at all
Small parts on a bike often have small bolts, and too much force can damage them. Wahoo says its out-front mount for the BOLT 3 and ROAM 3 is for 31.8 mm round bars, and warns that over-torquing can strip its threads.[1] Wahoo's article says only minimal torque is needed given the computer's low weight; it gives no number in the text we read.
A torque driver takes the guesswork out of "tight enough" once you know the figure. It does not tell you the figure.
Where the number comes from
The torque figure for a stem, seatpost clamp, mount or accessory comes from that part's maker: printed on the part, in its instructions, or on its support page. We do not publish torque values for any component. If you cannot find the figure, ask the maker or a bike shop before you tighten.
Park Tool ATD-1.2: preset steps
Park Tool's ATD-1.2 Adjustable Torque Driver has 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5 and 6 Nm settings, is calibrated to within plus or minus 4 percent, and includes 3, 4 and 5 mm hex and T25 bits.[2] Park Tool aims it at carbon components and low torque specs, and says it clicks and stops at the set value. Park Tool does not supply torque values for any component.
Its settings are steps, so it suits parts whose printed figure is one of those five values.
Topeak Torq Stick Pro 2-10 Nm: wider range
Topeak lists the Torq Stick Pro 2-10 Nm with plus or minus 4 percent accuracy, which Topeak says holds for 5,000 cycles, and recommends recalibration after 5,000 cycles.[3] Topeak lists bits of 2.5-6 mm hex and T15, T20, T25 and T30, and a weight of 390 g. Its page makes no carbon-specific claim.
The wider range covers more figures, at more weight than a pocket multitool.
Side by side
| Tool | Range (maker) | Accuracy (maker) | Bits included (maker) | Recalibration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Tool ATD-1.2 | 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6 Nm settings | Within ±4 percent | 3, 4, 5 mm hex; T25 | Not stated on the page we read |
| Topeak Torq Stick Pro 2-10 Nm | 2-10 Nm | ±4 percent for 5,000 cycles | 2.5-6 mm hex; T15, T20, T25, T30 | After 5,000 cycles |
Accuracy figures are the makers' own statements.
How to choose
- List the printed torque figures for the parts you adjust most.
- Check the tool's range covers every figure on that list.
- Check its bits match your bolts: hex sizes and Torx sizes.
- Note the recalibration advice and stick to it.
If a figure is outside a tool's range, do not guess with a different tool or by feel. Use a tool that covers it, or ask a bike shop.
For carry tools with bits and chain tools, see multitools, chain tools and tire levers.
Next
Questions
Do I need a torque wrench for my bike?
If you tighten bolts on parts whose makers print a torque figure, a torque tool lets you match it. Wahoo, for example, warns that over-torquing can strip the threads of its BOLT 3 and ROAM 3 out-front mount.[1]
What torque should I use for my stem or mount?
The figure your component's maker prints on the part or in its instructions. We give no torque values for any component; if you cannot find the figure, ask the maker or a bike shop.