We spoke to professional mechanics in other automotive, aviation and the bike industry to get their take on working with torque wrenches and torque specs. And see how we could put it to use in the bike industry. Torque is certainly not specific to the bike industry, there is a whole range of torque wrenches on the market, what you should look for is a quality wrench that has been calibrated to the relevant ISO standard so you know it is accurate. The ‘Deluxe’ tool wrap and bits are great quality and it even includes a free calibration service (in Italy…). All wrapped up, it’s compact and doesn’t waste space in the toolbox. This tool offers everything we loved about the Park Tool PTD, but with further adjustment options. Accuracy is not quite as consistent as the preset options, but certainly close enough. Its American-made build quality is superb, but that does mean it’s heavy and priced relatively high.

Firstly, make sure you are holding the tool properly. If you are holding the tool by the head or in the middle, you are putting more torque through the bolt than you are intending. You should hold the torque wrench by the grip. The stakes are high with a torque wrench, which is why you don’t want to just trust any torque wrench and hope it’s doing the job correctly. That’s why we took the time to highlight ten of the best torque wrenches on the market today. For smaller jobs on your bike, you may be fine with a preset torque key rather than needing an adjustable torque wrench. Many small bike bolts specify a torque spec of around 5Nm, so a torque key preset to this value will really help you out. Some torque keys come with multiple fixed-value torque heads, so you'll be covered for other values too. If you do use the handle that comes with the system it comfortable in hand and gives good control. (Image credit: Josh Ross)

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Most manufacturers recommend calibrating a torque wrench yearly. This is not particularly expensive to get done and will ensure your wench is still operating in the correct range of torque. With so much carbon and lightweight alloy kit on the scene, it has never been so important to tighten things to the correct torque. If the bolts on your components specify a torque value, they must be done up to that value. Not more, not less but that exact tightness. This means investing in a torque wrench and the Pro Torque Wrench from Shimano is a quality tool that you can wager your carbon frame on for its accuracy. Effetto’s Mariposa Giustaforza II 2-16 Pro Deluxe torque wrench is a high-quality option. David Rome / Immediate Media But if you store them properly the amount of time they’ll last really comes down to how much you use them. If you’re only occasionally using the torque wrench for a DIY project, you don’t have to worry as much. Even better, it can handle non-stop use, which is great for mechanics technicians that use a torque wrench as a part of their job.

It's worth noting that not all pre-set torque wrenches can be recalibrated and do have a shelf or cycle life. So if you have been using the same unit for years it's probably good practice to replace it with a fresh one. Otherwise, you may be unknowingly over or under-tightening bolts. Where's the best place to buy a torque wrench? Why? Because if you fail to adequately torque a bolt, it could work its way loose. Or, if you tighten it too much, you could cause costly damage. About torque wrenches from HalfordsIt's worth spending as much as you can afford on a torque wrench from a manufacturer that provides calibration documents or lists the calibration standard adhered to.This means you should end up with an accurate tool. It’s not that we think the extension will affect the final torque spec, it’s just that all it takes is for you to get a little off-center to get an errant reading. If you use it properly there shouldn’t be a problem though. Dial Torque Wrench: Dial Torque Wrenches utilize a dial or gauge with a calibrated scale and rotating needle to display the applied torque and indicate the torque value applied. Torquing a bolt is a simple process with the bits slotting in nicely to the bolt heads. The bits seem to be well made and I can't see any wear on the S2 steel bits. The most controversial topic surrounding torque wrenches is whether or not extensions affect the torque specs of a bolt. While we tend to agree that if you use an extension correctly, it shouldn’t affect the torque spec of a bolt, we still try to play it safe whenever possible and avoid extensions unless we absolutely need them.