Switched from clamp-on to torque wrench after snapping a carbon seatpost

Used to just tighten everything by feel on my builds, figured a clamp-on was good enough. Last month I overtorqued a seatpost on a customer's Cannondale SuperSix and cracked it right at the collar. Now I use my Park Tool TW-5 set to exactly 5.4 Nm every time on carbon parts. Any of you have a tool you wish you'd started using way sooner?

4 comments

4 Comments

sean_barnes2418d ago

Wait, you used to just go by feel too? I was honestly the same way until I borrowed my buddy's torque wrench after I creaked my post on a climb. It was a cheap beam type but it made me realize how much I was just guessing. Now I get nervous even putting a stem on without clicking it in. That Cannondale story stings but at least it turned you around.

wesleyflores18d ago

Haha man that beam type wrench really humbles you quick. I had a similar wake-up call last year when I overtightened a seatpost binder on a friend's bike and it actually snapped a chunk off. Now I'm that guy who triple checks every bolt and still second guesses myself.

eva_moore18d ago

You just going by feel too, huh? lol I'm convinced my 'feel' was just me crossing my fingers and hoping the carbon didn't crack. That beam type wrench is a game changer though, makes you realize how much we were basically arm wrestling our bikes. I still get nervous tightening a water bottle cage now, feels like I'm defusing a bomb.

lewis.brian18d ago

Never been nervous about it, a click type wrench just adds another part to lose in my truck.

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