I was dead wrong about using a torque wrench on bike bolts

For years I just tightened stuff by feel on my old hybrid. Hand tight plus a little extra was my method. Then I snapped a derailleur hanger bolt off inside the frame last spring in Chicago. Had to drill it out, what a pain. Friend at the shop loaned me a Park Tool torque wrench and showed me the specs for my new crankset. I honestly thought it was overkill for a home mechanic like me. But after using it for three months now, I get why people push them. Every bolt feels right and nothing creaks or loosens up after rides. Has anyone else had a bad experience from overtightening something simple?

2 comments

2 Comments

iris39412d ago

Honestly, your whole story about snapping that derailleur hanger bolt off in the frame gave me chills. I had a similar moment overtightening a stem bolt a couple years back and heard that awful crack sound. It made me realize I was just guessing at torque for way too long. Ngl, I used to think torque wrenches were just for fancy shop guys too, but now I won't touch a critical bolt without one. Glad you came around on them, it really does make a difference for peace of mind.

patriciamoore11d ago

You're right @iris394, that's a panic nobody forgets, even if it was a different part of the bike.