Had to choose between a torque wrench and a cheap beam style for my bottom bracket

I was rebuilding my old Fuji last month and needed a torque wrench for the bottom bracket. The click style was 60 bucks at the shop, but the beam type was only 15 at Harbor Freight. I went cheap and now I'm second guessing if I'm actually getting the right torque on my cranks has anyone used those beam wrenches long term without issues?

3 comments

3 Comments

torres.elizabeth1mo ago

Oh jeez, I used to be all about saving money on tools but that beam wrench is driving me nuts. Trying to read that little needle while my hands are greasy and sideways under the bike is just not happening. My Shimano cranks are probably at random torque values now and I hate it.

beth_ward801mo agoTop Commenter

Oh man, that's such a familiar pain. I've definitely been there, squinting at a beam wrench and just hoping I'm close enough. It's the worst when you're cranking on a tight spot and can't even see the scale, let alone trust it.

nora5425d ago

I mean, honestly I think you're overthinking it. I've been using a beam style from Harbor Freight for like five years now and my bikes are fine. Your hand gives you a pretty good feel for what's tight enough once you've done it a few times, and that little gauge is accurate enough for bottom brackets and cranks. @beth_ward80 says she can't see the scale, but I just look at the needle before I start or mark the spot with a piece of tape. If you're not building a space shuttle, that fifteen bucks is better spent on other parts.

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