Why does nobody talk about using a torque wrench on every single bolt?

I used to think a good feel for tightness was enough, especially on cheaper bikes... but after a customer brought in a cracked carbon seatpost clamp from over-tightening, I changed my tune. Now I grab my Topeak D-Torq wrench for every bolt, even on basic builds. It adds maybe 5 minutes to a job, but I haven't had a single call-back for a stripped thread or loose component since I started this habit last spring. Anyone else think we should make this the standard, or is it overkill for alloy parts on commuter bikes?

2 comments

2 Comments

noran2126d ago

Honestly, that Topeak wrench is a good tool, but calling for a torque wrench on every single bolt might be a bit much. Like, the bolt on a cheap plastic water bottle cage? Probably overkill. The real win is knowing which bolts actually matter. Seatpost clamps, stem bolts, and anything on carbon are non-negotiable. But for a lot of the little stuff on an alloy frame, a calibrated hand and some thread grease will get you 95% of the way there without adding extra steps.

lily_schmidt5326d ago

Yeah, the "calibrated hand" thing is real. I've seen too many rounded bolts from people just cranking down. Getting a feel for it takes time, but you're right that grease is a huge help for that.