
This is a review of the Lifeline Professional Torque wrench.
Why do I need one
When assembling stuff manufacturers may often quote the maximum tightening torque that should be applied to a bolt
Here is an example from the Shimano Dura Ace FC-9000 manual It says between 12.0 to 14.0 Nm (or 105 - 122 in lbs in old, fuddy duddy Imperial)
Old Skool thoughts
Marcus was always taught the value of knowing /the feel/ of tightening a bolt and nut. The basic idea is that over time you develop a feeling in your hands of the torque you are using and don't overtighten. Because:
- For Steel, you can make it so tight that it's almost impossible to loosen. Classic example: wheelnuts on a car
- For Aluminium: you can just sheer the bolt off (note in my defence not what happened here!)
Developing this feel is best done in 2015 with the assistance of a torque wrench! I had to deal with an oops and hard stare or worse, back in the day.
How it Works
- You read your manual and find the tightening torque
- You pull the spring loaded bottom dial out and turn it until the display shows the required torque (fiddly)
- You attach the correctly sized hex drive
- Set the ratchet to tighten or loosen (normally ratchet on loosen so it holds when you tighten)
- You tighten bolt and when at the head, it clicks, and gives it means stop tightening you reached the desired torque.
Notes on Lifeline professional
Actually a friend expressed an interest in a Torque wrench. I already had the Lifeline Essential cheaper version. What a perfect opportunity to gift them my Essential and upgrade the home toolkit to Professional! ... So to compare the two
Nice sturdy plastic box but no better than the one of the Essential
Reasonable bit selection. Torque display is on body (underneath 5th socket from left in pic)
Showing ratchet selection and no eject button
Professional (vs Essential)
+ Slimmer Body better to hold
+ Slimmer body better for tight spaces
- Very fiddly toque adjustment setting
- No push eject bit button (have to pull socket off manually. Essential has it)
The very fiddly nature of the torque setting means that I would more recommend the Essential product, and it's cheaper too!
Summary
I'd recommend a torque wrench for tightening fragile bicycle or other components to avoid damage. Get one!
Links
Lifeline Torque wrench from Wiggle
Lifeline Essential Wrench