Hey, that looks just like the LifeLine Professional or the Pedro’s Demi,” I hear you say. Yep, there’s a good reason for that – it’s the same. Sourced from Taiwan, this Shimano/PRO item is a rebadged tool, but there’s a good reason so many brands put their label on it – it does exactly what it should. This is the most important thing you need to do after you finish using your torque wrench. Torque wrenches are extremely sensitive and leaving a load on the torque wrench for an extended amount of time will throw off the calibration.

A torque key for bikes will usually be designed to be highly portable too, so it's easy to stash in one of the best bike saddle bags. Take a look at all the jobs you need a torque wrench for and all the recommended torque specs, and then match those numbers up with the torque wrench you’re looking at. If you need a wide range of torque specs, there’s a good chance a single torque wrench won’t be able to handle it all. The struggle here is it can be hard to read the raised numbers, especially if you’re wrenching in a poorly lit hotel room, or adjusting a saddle bolt upside down. It’s comfortable to use, but the hollow plastic construction certainly feels cheap and can lead to clearance issues in rare cases.

Do saddles and seatposts represent your most pressing need for a torque wrench?

If you do use the handle that comes with the system it comfortable in hand and gives good control. (Image credit: Josh Ross)

Sometimes you need a torque wrench for a really big job. If that sounds like you, then you should consider this ¾” drive Neiko Pro torque wrench. With a ¾” drive and a minimum 100 ft/lb setting it’s not for smaller jobs, but you’re also not going to find another torque wrench on our list that can come anywhere near 700 ft/lbs. First is the maximum torque value. At 80 ft/lbs it’s high enough for most DIY jobs, but there’s certainly a chance you’ll come across a job calling for higher torque specs. Second, it’s not the most durable option.

Nearly every bolt or fastener on a bike will have a torque rating specified by the manufacturer. Torque is the measurement of rotational force that is applied to an object. When we tighten down a bolt we stretch the threads creating friction, which prevents the bolt from coming undone. Too loose and the bolt or screw may work free, but too tight and we may damage the bolt or whatever it's attached to. If you are tightening bolts where there are two or more in the same location, such as on the stem, make sure you tighten each bolt evenly rather than fully torque one and then the other. While nobody wants to spend a whole bunch for anything, this is one of those cases where the old saying “you get what you pay for” holds true. It’s not that the lower-cost tools won’t properly torque things down because they will, it’s that they won’t last quite as long.

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 When it comes to torque wrenches, few options make more sense than a sturdy ½” drive option. That’s because ½” drive torque wrenches come with tons of adjustability, making them outstanding choices for both low and high torque specs. Although we were initially sceptical of the design, the torque tester proved the Ocarina to be the real deal. At just 88g, it’s perfect for travel purposes. 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.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. On the other hand, you have to carefully read the beam in relation to a scale to know that you have achieved the correct torque. This can be difficult if the unit you are torquing to isn’t printed on the scale or if you are aiming for a decimal. You’ll also need a steady hand. Most beam-style torque wrenches for bicycles tend to be aimed at the entry point of the market and are often made of plastic or more flexible materials. Torque wrenches allow you to measure and limit the amount of force applied to a fixing. Every nut and bolt in your car will have a torque value. It’s particularly important that you have a torque wrench to hand if you’re working on the engine, gearbox or any crucial components in the drivetrain or suspension system.

Even better, since it’s a 3/8” torque wrench you don’t have to spend nearly as much compared to some of the other options on our list. But even for a typical 3/8” drive torque wrench this one by EPAuto is available for a great price, and that’s a big part of the reason it’s our top 3/8” drive option. Finally, if you’re torquing down a series of bolts to a higher torque spec, it’s almost always better to start a lower torque spec and work your way around. For instance, if you’re torquing down tire bolts to 100 ft/lbs, we recommend this.For bikes that means torque ranges that make sense for the bolts on a bike and it means scales rated in Newton metres. Purchasing something designed for another industry might be cheaper but could require constant conversions. Torque is torque though; as long as you find something that works it doesn't matter too much what it's marketed for. How do you use a torque wrench? And it’s also why it takes quite a bit to earn our nod as the best ½” drive torque wrench. This ACDelco ARM601 torque wrench is an outstanding mix of price and quality. While it’s far from the most affordable option on our list, it’s a great value considering it should last a lifetime.