Anyone know of any 50 NM Torque wrench that is suitable for tightening cranks ? Looking for the cheapest one. I have a torque wrench but frustratingly it only goes up to 24 NM which means I have to buy another one. When I started this 'project' I never knew just how many tools I'd need, now starting to regret it.
This is the one I use for higher torque jobs.
Currently £36 on Prime.
"Sealey Style 3/8-inch Drive 7-112nm/ 5-83lb.ft Torque Wrench Micrometer"
Can't give direct url as the Amazon app kicks in when I click on the link..... Bah!
There isn't much on a bike that needs 50Nm; cassette lock ring and freehub bolt around 40Nm, some external BB cups 35-50Nm, and some crankset bolts.
You can cut that short list down because one BB cup is usually a left-hand thread and many torque wrenches will only measure a right-hand load.
I've got 50Nm torque wrench (that only does RH threads) so rarely use it. Borrow one (your local mechanic?). I tend to use a standard socket set handle, which is about 10", and lean on it a bit. Don't stand on it...too much 🙂
I use one of these on Hope cranks.
I’ve got one of these and it works fine for crank bolts and cassette lock rings. I use it for car and motorbike stuff too and it seems as accurate as my v. expensive 3/8” drive Britool one!
Silverline 633567 Torque Wrench 1/2 inch Drive 28-210 Nm https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000LFTSG6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hhv7Ab69F1EXZ
I have a Clarke 24-210NM one that I use for that. I got it for car work, but it's cheap, seems reasonably accurate (cross-checked by measuring stud stretch versus expected torque settings for big ends, head studs etc and comparing with other wrenches). Certainly good enough for bike cranks, I would reckon.
Pretty cheap from Machine Mart : https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/cht141-1-2in-drive-torque-wrench/ and they have equivalent 1.4-11.something and 5-24 wrenches - all reversible and between 20 and 30 quid.
EDIT - Looks just like that Screwfix one, but more expensive - still, been a while since I bought it 🙂
From a proper tool Maker
Thanks for the suggestions. They don't stock the Screwfix one anywhere (why do they list it on the website when it's out of stock I don't know) so went for the amazon one in the end.
The problem is all my hex sockets are for my smaller 24 NM torque wrench which has a 1/4 drive, when I get the new big torque wrench it has a 1/2 drive, so I need to order another set of hex sockets again as well to fit the bigger torque wrench ?
No, just get a cheap pack of 4 adapters for the wrench so that every combo is catered for. Think I got that from Amazon too. The adapter set worth its weight in gold. Use them for other stuff as well as the torque wrench. 👍
I'm usually obsessive about torquing stuff properly but don't bother with the bb (partly because I have the shimano hand tool) but just basically tighten the bb tight. Not sure if something is rated at 50nm is that critical.
I really rate my norbar torque wrench for smaller jobs (unto 25nm)
I am the only one who just thinks 50nm is “pretty damn tight” and that there must be a decent margin for error there, so just give it a decent heave on the Allen key or whatever? I use my Norbar torque wrench for lighter stuff where margins are tighter and there’s a risk of stripping, but for the high torque bits I’ve not worried too much and never had a problem.
I wouldn’t want to drive a 1/4” hex socket up to 50Nm. You’ll probably break the adapter.
Get some proper sockets, they aren’t that expensive and also a decent set of torx & Allen bits are worth their weight in gold when trying to undo a fastener made of cheese (like a lot of bike parts!).
Sealey AK219 - TRX-Star/Spline/Hex Bit Set 42pc 3/8” & 1/2”Sq Drive https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000O5X26A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RxU7AbN6FY4QB
I have the above and it’s lasted well being used for both bike, car and motorbike usage over the years.
Draper 1/2” sockets down to 10mm
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F142506244885
You could use the 25Nm wrench twice. That would make 50.