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Whether for taking on a ride, travelling, or just as an affordable option for home, here are 16 portable torque wrench tools tested. mental inclinometer
A common trend in modern bicycles is that fasteners and threaded components aren’t getting any more resilient or cheaper. Today, a torque wrench is strongly recommended when installing or adjusting many bike components, especially those where lightweight materials such as carbon fibre are involved.
The problem is that so many cyclists do most of their fettling out on a ride. Perhaps that seatpost needs to come up two millimetres, the stem is out of line by a few degrees, or you can feel the dreaded loose headset. Whatever it may be, so often when you need a torque wrench most, you’re nowhere near it.
That’s where a portable torque wrench comes in. Some are designed for chucking in a bike travel case or keeping in a small portable tool kit. Others manage those tasks while also offering the function and competitive size of a multi-tool.
This edition of Threaded, over a year in the making, examines 16 of those tools, explaining what to look for, what to avoid, and why if I could only pick one (you monster!), it would probably be the PrestaCycle TorqRatchet GO (US$59). Although of course, there are always caveats to such a selection.
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In many ways, portable torque wrenches are miniaturised versions of the tools used in workshops, where the form factor and the torque ranges are smaller (3-12 Nm, at most). And while they’re typically not as fast or comfortable to use multiple times a day, that’s hardly an issue for more casual use.
Rather, what matters is that they’re light and compact. While not true for all, many also double as a regular multi-tool that can be used for general loosening and fastening requirements. And while they may be shrunk, it’s vital that they’re at least close to the mark in accuracy.
Such portable and pocket-sized torque tools come in various shapes, sizes, and styles. At a basic level, the variants can be split into two main categories: beam and clicker.
A beam-type torque wrench relies on a controlled flex or stretch of material, such as a spring or metal bar. A numbered scale (in Nm) is given on a fixed part of the tool, with the user inputting a load into the flexible section of the tool until the torque indicator lines up with the desired number.. When made correctly, they can be highly accurate, they don’t need to be manually set or calibrated, and the simple construction can have weight and size advantages, too. For taking on a ride, a beam-style torque wrench is likely better for resisting sweat and corrosion, too.
The downside is that beam-style torque wrenches are prone to human-induced error, where they’re only ever as precise and accurate as your ability to hit the intended number on the scale – something that can be difficult to do with a few of the options.
Meanwhile, as the name suggests, clicker-type torque wrenches make an audible and tactile “click” when the intended torque has been reached. Amongst the portable torque wrenches, some of these clicker tools are pre-set to a specified torque figure (such as 5 Nm), while others allow adjustment between a defined torque range (e.g. 2-10 Nm).
These clicker torque tools can be quicker to use in repetitive tasks, better for the sight-impaired (or when light or access to viewing is limited), and less prone to user error (assuming you set and hold them correctly). However, the “click” is produced by a small mechanical mechanism overcoming the force of a spring, and so they can experience wear from repeated use (often 5,000 cycles). Similarly, they can stiffen up from corrosion or a lack of use – whether new or if can’t remember the last time you used the thing, it’s recommended to click them a few times on a higher-torque fastener before use.
While many more workshop-oriented torque wrenches feature a square drive anvil, it’s a different story amongst these little wrenches. With the exception of the Birzman M-Torque 4, every tool on the test uses standard 1/4-in hex-type tool bits for easy matching to various fastener types and sizes. Better yet, many of the tools in this test feature a high tooth-count bit ratchet to speed up use. Most tools include a useful size range of bits, but do consider that your bike may require different (or fewer) sizes than what is provided.
It is worth noting that all of the tools in this test offer torque measurement in a clockwise direction only. Anti-clockwise torque measurement can be needed in a workshop setting, but it’s extremely rare to require it at these lower torque values.
Many of the tools tested double as general tools for loosening or tightening. However, and not unlike most workshop-type torque wrenches, a small handful here can only be used in a clockwise direction and up to the stated torque figure (ignoring this could greatly damage the tool’s calibration or even break it).
This category of tools spans those clearly made for stashing within a saddle (or hydration) bag up to those that are arguably just made for keeping in a portable toolkit. If you plan to ride with the tool, you should pick one that doubles as a regular multi-tool. Similarly, consider how easy it’ll be to set up and handle the tool when red-faced and dripping in sweat – a factor that was considered in the recommendations.
(The following table is best viewed on a desktop. If using a mobile device, view in landscape mode (sideways).
*The measured tool length includes the provided pouch when applicable. **PrestaCycle TorqRatchet Wallet is now discontinued. ***Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX is not available in the USA. ****Listed weight is for a single pre-set TorqBit
All tools tested use standard 1/4-in interchangeable tool bits, with exception to the Birzman M-Torque 4 which is a folding multi-tool with a clicker-type button. The quoted package weight includes the provided bits, case, and any other extra items. Meanwhile the bare torque tool weight is just for the torque component of the tool with no case, bits, or extras – a figure I think some will find interesting if looking to piece together a minimalist kit.
It’s also worth noting that PrestaCycle has recently condensed its previously overwhelming product range. I tested four similar-looking versions of PrestaCycle’s TorqRatchet to then learn the company was in the process of reducing the range to focus on two TorqRatchets: the Pro and the Go. Now discontinued, the cheaper and original PrestaCycle TorqRatchet tested well but was more susceptible to human error due to the tightly spaced scale.
Meanwhile, PrestaCycle is in the process of discontinuing the TorqRatchet Elite, which shared a design with Feedback Sports’ also-discontinued Range torque tool (different to the Range Click). I tested three samples of this more premium version (one branded as Feedback Sports and two branded as PrestaCycle), two of which showed a worrying lack of accuracy, while the third one was within 5% tolerance – just keep this in mind if considering the new Topeak Torq Rocket Mini EX (not tested) which is effectively the identical tool.
The competition was certainly close, but the quick use, low weight, small size, and wide torque range offered by the new PrestaCycle TorqRatchet GO (US$59) made it my top pick as something I’d take on a ride. The tool works just like a regular bit-ratchet and has all the tight-clearance benefits of it, all while adding a thumb-operated beam-type torque wrench into the mix.
Use the tool as a regular bit ratchet for loosening or initial tightening, then move your fingers to push on the black beam at the end of the tool – once the white gauge needle appears inline with the desired number on the scale, you’re done. The precision and accuracy of this tool are good, but also entirely dependent on the user paying close attention to lining up the scale – PrestaCycle has thankfully improved the size of its gauge scale for easier use, and the tool will undoubtedly get you far closer to the right torque than going by feel.
PrestaCycle has long offered tools that look like this, but the new PrestaCycle TorqRatchet GO changes the torque range from 2-10 Nm to 3-12 Nm, all while dropping 9 mm from the tool length. Currently, PrestaCycle only sells this version as a standalone tool with nine tool bits in a plastic holder (I stashed them together with an elastic band); there is no case or wallet to store them (although this can be bought separately).
Close runner-ups are the extremely similar PrestaCycle TorqRatchet Pro Wallet (US$49) and Granite Designs Rocknroll TQ Mini Torque Ratchet (US$60) – both of which offer a tool that is marginally longer and with a 2-10 Nm torque range.
Topeak’s Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+ is a nice tool set that includes a bit-ratchet and a chain breaker. It’s a shame that the 2-6 Nm “TorqBox” (also sold separately) lacked precision, as it’s the most easy to read of the beam-style wrenches. There are clear graduations that don’t require perfect eyesight to use.
Speaking of Topeak, the older Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX set gets its torque capability from the preset Nano TorqBit bits that are extremely good. These older clicker-style bits can be used with any 1/4-in hex-type bit ratchet, and so they’re well worth considering as an addition to any current bit-based tool you may have. In some markets you may only find Topeak’s newer TorqBits which work the same way, but are instead turned via a 5 mm hex key – another strong option.
Finally, and using the same torque technology as Topeak’s TorqBits, the Feedback Sports Reflex Fixed Torque Ratchet Kit is a nice little option if you just want a 5 Nm torque wrench. It comes in a quality storage case and like the suggestion above, the ratchet works wonderfully as a general multi-tool. There are others that I could have included in this list, but bulky packaging, fiddly design, or limited tool sizes (my issue with that clever Birzman M-Torque 4) has prevented doing so.
Perhaps telling of how functional many of these tools are, all of the suggestions related to “best for taking on a ride” also apply to tools I’d happily travel with, stash in a car, or recommend for casual home users. Considering the price and functionality, it’s once again hard to look past the PrestaCycle TorqRatchet GO (currently BYO case or pouch).
With size less of a concern and in the event you’re feeling a little fancier, then the Silca T-Ratchet + Ti-Torque Kit 2nd Generation (US$125) is a well-proven kit that I’ve typically taken with when travelling. The newly updated Ti-Torque tube is easier to read than before and less susceptible to human error; combined with the ratchet, it’s efficient to use. With a bit more weight, plus a nicer case, it’s just feels nicer and closer to something you’d want to be gifted. Just be warned, I’ve found the extended shaping of the ratchet driver (which can be setup as a ratcheting T-handle) to cause occasional interference in tight clearance situations found with certain seatpost and seatpost clamp designs.
If you just need to tighten things to a single consistent number (say 5 Nm), then the PrestaCycle Mini Torqkey is a fantastic option for using alongside a more general tool set. And I can say similar things of Feedback Sports’ Reflex Fixed Torque Ratchet Kit (5 Nm) or tools based on Topeak’s TorqBits (you may also find other brands using these torque bits, such as SuperB and FixItSticks).
At US$18 with six bits, the Prestacycle Mini Torqkey represents stellar value. Also sold by the likes of Ritchey and Giant, the small Torqkey is the classic pre-set torque tool with proven accuracy. Clicking when the set torque is reached, it’s about as foolproof as it gets. Better yet (and unlike most torque tools), the Torqkey-labelled tools can be used to undo fasteners.
So what’s the downside? Well, the T-handle shape can be problematic for fitting in the fasteners of certain seat posts or stems where accessories may be in the way. Similarly, I find the “Mini” version uncomfortable with repeated use in a workshop setting, something the bigger handle of the Prestacycle’s Pro Torqkey solves for tools up to about 6 Nm (PrestaCycle offers this tool from 4 to 12 Nm, with the 5 Nm version also offered by brands such as Bontrager, Birzman, and more).
Somewhat a tangent to this article, but such pre-set torque tools are something I love to use in a workshop setting where they can be vastly more efficient than setting up a more traditional torque wrench and can save those more expensive tools from repeated wear.
This category is effectively a way of politely stating these tools are decent but not one I’d take with me on a ride, and perhaps not when baggage weight is of concern, either.
The Topeak Torq Stick and Feedback Sports Range Click are effectively more compact versions of workshop torque wrenches, although not much smaller than, say, an Effetto Mariposa wrench. These are decent options for the home mechanic or perhaps travelling pro. Both can only be used for tightening in a clockwise direction, and neither are as comfortable to use as marginally larger workshop-centric torque tools. Also, beware that the Feedback Sports offers a tiny handle (the knurled silver bit) and a hard-to-read gauge. Still, if found on sale, they’re both decent options with some portability advantages. I prefer the functionality of the Topeak, but the Feedback Sports has the better range of bits.
Torque tools for the workshop are not the focus of this test, rather it’s a topic I covered previously by comparing budget torque wrenches from Amazon, AliExpress, and Harbor Freight.
While many are deserving of ownership, none of the tools tested are wholly perfect. Still, there are a few that are just downright terrible and worth avoiding.
A cheap torque wrench is a false economy if it causes broken bike parts, and that’s how I feel about the Toopree Preset Torque Key TL-10 I purchased from AliExpress. This mostly plastic beam-type torque tool has no ratcheting function; it can’t undo bolts, and I found the sight-based gauge rather difficult to use.
The PRO Bike Gear Mini Torque Wrench uses the same style pre-set torque bits as Feedback Sports’ Reflex Fixed and Topeak’s TorqBits, which are actually quite great. Unfortunately, the plastic handle to drive those torque bits feels like an afterthought, and the internal bit storage is impressively effective at dropping its contents on the ground. Buy this for the torque bits and chuck the rest.
Then we come to the promising and well-presented Lezyne Pocket Torque Drive. This tool features an adjustable click-type torque wrench with a cam-over function (meaning it’ll keep clicking once the desired torque is met). Unfortunately, it proved to be the slowest to assemble and with the most pieces to lose. It also can’t be used for loosening, requires the provided plastic tool for setting the torque (it’s otherwise hard on the hands), and the T-handle shaping can cause interference where clearance is limited. Perhaps it’s not worth burning, but it’s not worth owning, either.
And given that two of three samples were wildly inaccurate, I’m dubious of the dial-based beam-style torque tool that was previously sold as the Feedback Sports Range (not to be confused with the newer Range Click) and PrestaCycle TorqRatchet Elite, now under Topeak branding as the Torq Rocket Mini EX. It’s a shame, as this design would be rivalling the top spot if I was confident in its precision.
So there you have it, a tool category that has been on my mind for well over a year that I’m sure I’ll continue to think about everytime I reach for a torque wrench outside of the workshop.
After all this, I typically ride with a regular (bit-based) multi-tool without torque functionality. This is because I’m somewhat a minimalist with what I carry on rides and over a decade of testing and benchmarking torque wrenches has given me a good sense for what torque feels like.
Still, I’ll carry a tool with torque capability if testing/setting up something new that’s more expensive than my car. Similarly, I continue to be a fan of portable torque tools when travelling with a bike and as something to keep in the car. And for casual tinkerers, these small torque tools are the perfect solution if you only seek a single torque tool in your life.
This has been another edition of Threaded. Happy wrenching!
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