Unpopular opinion: Torque wrenches are way overused in bike shops

Saw a guy at a shop in Portland snap a Ti bolt last month because he trusted his torque wrench too much. I've never used one for seatpost clamps or stem bolts. Just use a good feel and check twice. Anyone else skip the torque wrench on most stuff?

2 comments

2 Comments

jason52428d ago

Has anybody noticed how torque wrenches make people forget the basics, @skyler_adams?

skyler_adams28d ago

Portland guy trusted his torque wrench so much he forgot the basic rule of "Ti bolts are basically expensive butter." I've seen more bolts ruined by overconfidence in a clicky tool than by a careful wrist and a little common sense. Your mileage may vary, but that's why I keep my torque wrench in the drawer for engine cases and not seatpost clamps.