I should have added a comment to my original response before I hit "send." I *do* use a torque wrench, usually for fastening cranks to square tapers, where the torque wrench tells me to apply more force than I would by "feel" only. For all other parts (bars, stem bolt, pedals, etc.) I tighten by feel.
The only time this system has failed me in recent memory was an Italian bottom bracket that I installed myself. I apparently didn't tighten it enough, and it started unscrewing. A professional mechanic reinstalled it with a larger standard wrench (e.g., tighter than I could have done with my tools), and it's been fine ever since. --Eric campyonly...@me.com www.campyonly.com www.wheelsnorth.org On May 22, 2011, at 9:23 AM, Seth Vidal wrote: > On Sun, May 22, 2011 at 12:14 PM, Eric Norris <campyonly...@me.com> wrote: >> According to Sheldon Brown, "... Torque wrenches are never needed for >> bicycle work." >> Here's the full entry from http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_ta-o.html >> >> Torque Wrench >> >> A "torque wrench" is a type of wrench with a built-in spring-loaded >> indicator that gives a numerical readout of the amount of torque being >> applied through it. >> >> This is primarily an automotive tool, especially useful for applications >> involving crushable gaskets which must be tightened evenly. >> >> Torque wrenches are never needed for bicycle work, although they can be a >> useful training aid for inexperienced mechanics who haven't learned the feel >> of a properly-tightened fastener. >> >> [I find this generally to be true, but many bicycle components now are >> accompanied with spec sheets with lists of torque settings. There are two >> reasons for this: >> >> Consultants to attorneys measure torque values, leading to an excess of >> caution by the manufacturers >> Some components made of unusual materials (carbon fiber seatposts, aluminum >> bolts) require lower torque settings than for other parts of the same >> general type. >> >> This paragraph added by John Allen] >> > > > Two comments here: > > 1. torque wrenches are nice if you're worried about over-tightening - > esp when it comes to bottom brackets. The plastic thread-on cup in > most of the new shimano cartridge bottom brackets can crack if you > over tighten. > > 2. Anyone who has never built their own bike before is an > 'inexperienced mechanic'. While you might not have lots of someone > else's bikes to screw up and learn on you may still want to get things > right and safe on your own. > > I'm a bit surprised that the above comment is from sheldon. He always > seemed a helpful and humble individual. That comment sounds both > elitist and exclusive. > > I received a torque wrench for by birthday the year before last and it > has really helped me get cranks and bottom brackets properly torqued. > > -sv > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
