Inexpensive Torque Wrenches

[Maden]

Anyone have recommendations for torque wrenches they've used? I'm looking for one to deal with bolts that assemble delicate carbon parts like seatpost clamp, stem bolts, and expander plug, so a range of 2-20 Nm would be ideal. I've reading a lot of reviews on various Chinese brands on Amazon and common complaints include the "click" not being noticeable or occurring at low ends of the torque range, torque setting being hard to adjust/read, etc.

I'm currently eyeing the product below but would appreciate any pointers for alternatives at a similar price point.
https://www.amazon.com/LEXIVON-Dual-Direction-17-7-230-1-Maintenance-LX-191/dp/B0BH57YJ8Z

[Tijoe]

I purchased this one 4 days ago on a "Choice sale" for $15.84

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805564934649.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.16.6f7d1802K65uR7&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

i don't have a clue if it is of any quality and/or even accurate.  Probably should be close to ones you purchase at Hobo Freight...

[PLA]

I got mine on sale from amazon, just added them to camelcamelcamel. I'm using a Wera A6 and C2. I had an Effetto Mariposa Giustaforza but it just wasn't up to the task in my little lab

[carbonazza]

I tried this one for when I'm travelling.
https://a.aliexpress.com/_ExQfVex
But comparing with my digital wrench: 4Nm was in fact 7Nm, 5 was 8 and 6 was 10.

This is what I use for all my builds: https://a.aliexpress.com/_Exa1nMn
The 2-60Nm
With two boxes of hex and torx 3/8" bit sockets that are unfortunately not available anymore on ali

[jonathanf2]

I have a dedicated 1-14nm adjustable torque wrench for home use. It was a higher quality wrench I bought off Amazon Warehouse at a significant discount. I also have a preset torque wrench that stops at 5nm which is handy for the stem/handle bars since you have to disassemble it for travel. Both are good to have.

[Maden]

Thanks for the recommendations everyone. I ended up buying a Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro 1/4" drive torque wrench for $12.99 during a local sale. It seems accurate so far, at least when compared to my friend's 5 Nm preset torque driver.

[TidyDinosaur]

If you have one of those hanging scales / luggage scales, you can test them yourself. Pretty easy...

[AzureEssence]

Anyone try the Libraton one? $33, has a ton of good reviews

[Maden]

Anyone try the Libraton one? $33, has a ton of good reviews

I found this video useful when deciding which one to purchase.

[genealogyxie]

Are digital torque wrenches useful? I think they might be more of an "idiot-proof" way to make sure you don't destroy your carbon bike lol

[carbonazza]

Are digital torque wrenches useful? I think they might be more of an "idiot-proof" way to make sure you don't destroy your carbon bike lol

I'm so happy of mine for this exact same reason.
However I'm not sure it should be re-calibrated, from time to time.
I just asked SHAHE about it.

[genealogyxie]

I'm so happy of mine for this exact same reason.
However I'm not sure it should be re-calibrated, from time to time.
I just asked SHAHE about it.

What brand was your digital torque wrench and how much did you pay for it? I see some good deals on Amazon (probably from more Chinese businessmen/factories), but of course, they are still more expensive than the regular torque wrenches

[carbonazza]

What brand was your digital torque wrench and how much did you pay for it? I see some good deals on Amazon (probably from more Chinese businessmen/factories), but of course, they are still more expensive than the regular torque wrenches

From the official SHAHE shop: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000221636729.html at $64
The AWM-60 covering from 1.8Nm to 60Nm which cover everything a bike needs.

[vknez]

I just received this one ordered 27.12.2023.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005965503438.html

Looks good, haven't tested it yet