On the bike, most screws can be operated with a small torque wrench. Here you can read the details and where it may be more torque.
Torque wrenches come in different sizes. From the size (more precisely: the length of the lever arm) of the torque wrench, one can directly infer the torque span. Therefore, one tends to distinguish between “small” and “large” torque wrenches (although there are also torque wrenches that fall in between), as they are used for completely different screws or equipment. Large torque wrenches are needed primarily for cars, for example; small torque wrenches, on the other hand, are very important, especially for bicycles. Since you usually have to deal with small parts on the bike, most screws on the bike can be safely adjusted with such a wrench.
Almost 80% of all parts on the bike can be tightened with relatively small torques. Therefore, you will find everything on the subject of “small torque wrench”, a test of the Topeak NanoTorq and Feedback Sports Range torque wrench. A table for torques on the wheel will help you finally assess which wrench is right for you.
Small Torque Wrench – Definition
In the product overview above you will find various torque wrenches of small size. But what do we actually mean by a “small torque wrench”? Can it be clearly defined?
Of course, the fact is that there is no fixed dividing line between small and large torque wrenches; there are also fewer small, less large, and medium torque wrenches. If you look at the range of any manufacturer of high-quality torque wrenches, you will find quite a few torque wrenches of different sizes.
But especially for bicycle use, the term “small torque wrench” can be narrowed down quite well:
- Shorter than 30cm lever arm.
- A torque that is between 2 and 25 Nm. The torque can also be somewhat smaller – between 3 and 15 Nm is also often sufficient. Ideally, you inform yourself before buying, which torques you need on your bike.
- Suitable for the majority of all work on the bike. But unfortunately only the majority of the screws on the bike can be securely screwed. The components on which torques of greater Nm orders are required include the sprocket set and bottom bracket. If in doubt, look again at the component or contact the manufacturer!
- Usually have a receptacle for 1/4-inch bit sets (must be purchased separately).
Mini Torque Wrench – Extra For The Bike
Manufacturers of bicycle-specific tools such as Topeak, Park Tool, Feedback Sports, Pedros, etc. have now also developed very special mini torque wrenches. For example, we had tested the Topeak Nano TorqBar. This is a cross between a mini tool and a torque wrench.
In addition, we have also received the Feedback Sports Range for testing. This we also present below.
Topeak – Nano Torqbar Dx
Topeak makes the beginning. This set comes with a small lever and three attachments. This makes it clear: this tool is designed for on the go. It may seem severely limited, but it also has a clear buyer base.
The torques are quite close to each other with 4-6Nm. A pity, actually. Because larger jumps like 4 – 6 – 8 or up to 10 or 12 Nm would be a much better range. With which you would also have a real option for your own home workshop. So the Nano TorqBar remains a mini tool, which can be used primarily on the road. The target audience of Topeak is thus apparently chosen: for on the road if you do not want to damage the saddle or handlebar with carbon post when adjusting. In the best case, you grab exactly one attachment and the bits that fit the wheel (4mm, 5mm, etc.) – but how practical is that really?
Conclusion: In our opinion, a much too specific target group. Whether many customers will be found for the product is questionable.
Feedback Sports Range – Perfect For The Home Workshop
The strength of this measuring instrument lies in its general design. Instead of a permanently tensioned spring, there is an additional lever. The tension behind it is always at zero. When a screw is tightened on this small lever, the acting torque is displayed. If you let go, it jumps back to zero. In addition, you can use the tool as a measuring instrument and a simple wrench in equal measure. And you don’t have to worry about the measurement becoming inaccurate. Super practical!
In this respect, this article is first full of praise for the product. And in fact, I am very positively taken. After all, I have already reported on small torque wrenches for the bike. But the Feedback Sports Range is actually exactly what there was not before. Either one had a super small torque wrench (eg in the above-linked post from Topeak) but only severely limited usability (because only fixed torque intervals are available). Or you bought a full-fledged torque wrench with 1/4″ or 3/8″ ratchet right away. That is also quickly overshot the mark for a small home workshop.
In this respect, I am actually very convinced of the torque wrench tested here as a solution. However, the price is set a bit high – unfortunately. If only this would be taken as a measurement criterion, then already a “large” torque wrench could also offer. Quite apart from the function and compactness. Therefore, here are the strengths and weaknesses that the range has in my opinion.
A real test in comparison with a “real” (calibrated) torque wrench you will find.
Torques In Direct Comparison
Fortunately, I have a few comparative instruments available. The Proxxon (20Nm-100Nm) and Wera (0Nm-25Nm) torque wrenches are both calibrated. And are therefore very well suited as a reference to check how accurately the Feedback Sports Range is set.
Result: The range has applied exactly the indicated torque. The large torque wrench comes to the same result. I could also measure the 8Nm with the Wera torque wrench. In this respect, the measurement tolerance will be somewhere around 5-10%, which should be absolutely sufficient for the application on the bike.
Scope Of Delivery And Data
Finally, the technical data. The torque measurement is between 2-10Nm, for a table of which components require which torque you can check this post on torque wrenches in general. Similar to a “ratchet”, the range can be used with left and right rotation functions.
The following bits are included in the scope of delivery including bag: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm Hex (hexagon) as well as T10, T20, T25, and T30 Torx, two extensions, a square adapter, and a cross bit.
Conclusion On The Feedback Sports Range
The Range will find its place in any bicycle workshop. Because it is perfect for most smaller torques. At the same time, it is robust and always ready for use, without having to worry about measurement inaccuracy. Also, he has shown in comparison that the knitted torque can be confirmed with other torque wrenches.
Therefore, from my side a clear buy recommendation, if you are just looking for exactly this part for your workshop.
Torque Wrenches Are A Measuring Instrument
Contrary to what is often wrongly assumed, the torque wrench is not a tool. It is true that they often have a high torque due to a long lever. But this is a fallacy. You must never use the torque wrench to loosen tightly seated screws! Because this overstresses the measuring mechanism and the torque can no longer be measured correctly.
A torque wrench is a measuring instrument. And should only be used to determine the torque when tightening a screw. You should not use more force than is needed to release it (the “click” when tightening).
