Where to get torque hex key wrench?

I'm guessing the problem stems from people accustomed to a heavy handed technique on steel and/or aluminum frames and using the same "torque guesstimate" on carbon fiber.  I'd buy a Sears torque wrench and use a socket that has an allen key built into it.  Sears sells those too.  I'm sure you can find similar at Home Depot, Lowes, etc.

Nashbar has one on sale that I just ordered.  I have a new carbon fiber bike that I do not want to damage (or mrs. gearboy will cut off my gear supply if I ruin a new $3k bike!).

Also I've seen a Ritchey Torqkey, that is preset to 5 Nm, which is what bolts on a carbon bike tolerate and need.  It looks like a handy thing to use on extended rides.

I got my torque wrenches from Harbor Freight.  They are pretty cheap (around $20).  You probably need an inch/lb wrench for things like your seat post, you might want a larger ft/lb torque wrench for other stuff.

I don't use them for my aluminum bike, but they come in handy for other stuff; motorcycle, tractor, car, etc.

Can't resist a tool thread . . .

As you collect tools for whatever hobby you take up, eventually you will need a torque wrench.  Except for true specialty tool that are typically available only from a proprietary source, your torque wrench should the most expensive single tool you buy.  I have three, two I paid about $50 for and one cheapie I picked up because it was small and cheap ($7 or so)

The torque wrench is going to be your insurance against cracking an expensive frame, but it will last a lifetime with proper care.  See what torque ranges you need, get wrenches in those ranges. 

The cheapest I would go is Craftsman, but if you can, Mac, SK or Snap-On is better.

I have a garage full of hobbies that says otherwise (backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, diving, horseback riding, stained glass, photography; not to mention cooking, quilting, and knitting). 

 Just saying.  Not all hobbies are mechanically based.

Bripod - 2008-09-04 11:55 AM

gearboy - 2008-09-04 10:53 AM

bwingate - 2008-09-04 9:28 AM

Can't resist a tool thread . . .

As you collect tools for whatever hobby you take up, eventually you will need a torque wrench. ...

I have a garage full of hobbies that says otherwise (backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, diving, horseback riding, stained glass, photography; not to mention cooking, quilting, and knitting). 

 Just saying.  Not all hobbies are mechanically based.

I think the functional word there is "eventually". Even with all your non-mechanical hobbies, you still have a torque wrench

True - but then I use a very broad definition of the word "need" as well (much to mrs. gearboy's dismay, as in "I need a new carbon fiber bike with Ultegra components", "I need a new dive mask with the air integrated heads up display", "I need new steel high pressure tanks", or "I need a new repair stand with a cool self draining tray for degreasing parts"

Fortunately for me, mrs gearboy is quite forgiving (or I would need a new wife...)

I just got my bike, and didn't want to risk damaging it.

At first, I bought the sears one, and it just didn't work. I read that with the amount of adapters to make it work for a bike, the reading could be of. Also it was not the "click" kind but rather the one where you have to read it.

I ended up returning that one, and got the one from nashbar.com. Best thing I've gotten from them so far. It works great, comes with almost everything for your bike (3mm,4mm,5mm, etc. etc.) and is the click kind. The price came out to be cheaper than the one I got from sears.