The torque specification provided with a bicycle or component
makes sure the forces applied to these parts are within the intended limits
. If the torque is too low, a component is likely to slip or fall off. Conversely, if the torque is too high, the component or fasteners may be over-stressed and fail.
Why is following a torque specification so important?
Following exact torque specifications matters for a number of reasons.
Too much torque can result in overtightening, which has significant consequences
. Overtightening can stretch the wheel studs, the bolts or posts the wheel attaches to.
What happens if you don’t torque to spec?
Insufficient torque
Alternatively, the engine’s vibrations can cause the bolt or nut to come undone, displacing the tensioner. This, in turn, will lead to
incorrect belt tension and, eventually, to belt and/or engine damage
.
Do you need a torque wrench to build a bike?
Unless you’re a master bike mechanic or intuitively know how to apply precise force measurements,
you should USE a torque wrench to tighten nuts and bolts to specific bicycle manufacture specifications
. Also, most bicycle manufacturer’s warranties can be voided unless a torque wrench was used.
How much torque can a bike chain handle?
A strong rider can put about 1,500 Newton propulsive force on a pedal which, depending on the gearing, can translate into a propulsive torque of
1,000 Newton-meter
. That’s a huge number, even compared to a lot of cars.
What is the best torque for bikes?
The most used wrench is going to be the middle range of somewhere around
4Nm up to around 20Nm
. That’s the range you need for all the small pieces on your bike and if you have a need to torque cleats.
Do you need to torque to spec?
People who drive race cars, including amateurs,
always tighten lug nuts by hand to torque specs
because the wheels get removed much more frequently and the parts get a lot hotter than in regular street driving, and so the likelihood of problems if lug nuts are overtightened is much higher.
Is it better to over torque or under torque?
The Importance of Proper Torque
Typically,
an under torqued bolt will deform and be unable to provide as much clamping force as needed
. An over torqued bolt will break.
Why is torque Tightening important?
Advantages of Torque Tightening
Torque tightening
allows you to control and evenly distribute torque to all bolts so that they’re stretched properly, can carry their load and aren’t over-tightened
.
Is torque wrench necessary?
If you plan to do any major work on your engine or on some major powertrain components, you absolutely need a torque wrench
. Overtightening cylinder-head bolts, for instance, can easily cause expensive damage and catastrophic coolant loss. Too-tight exhaust manifold bolts can cause the manifold to crack.
How do you guess torque without a torque wrench?
What is the torque setting for?
Working on your car means
you have to torque parts up when you fit them
. Using correct torque levels is very important. Bolts will be tensioned when torquing up.
Do you need torque wrench for pedals?
Yeah, pedals should be tighter than just “hand tight” and
you don’t need a torque wrench
.
What do you use a torque wrench for on a bike?
A torque wrench is a tool used
to tighten bolts to the correct level of tension
. Tightness – or torque – is measured in Newton Metres (Nm), and most bike components have the appropriate level of torque expressed somewhere near the bolt.
What bike components should you use a torque wrench for?
A torque wrench is needed mostly for
lightweight bike parts
, especially at the high end. There are several related causes: with lightweight parts the manufacturer has shaved off everything that is not absolutely essential. There is no spare strength to allow for overtightening.
How much force can a chain hold?
| Trade Size In Inches Working* Load Limit Lbs. Feet Per Drum | 1/4 3,500 800 | 5/16 5,100 500 | 3/8 7,100 500 | 1/2 12,000 300 |
|---|
How much horsepower can a bike chain handle?
Even so, road bike chains are strong enough for very strong riders, and even strong enough for mid drive e-Bike conversions (motor adds to the chain drive force) of 1,000 watts
(1.3 horsepower)
or more.
Why do bike chains break?
Chains break for a host of reasons, but
most common is wear
. For example, if a chain has been ridden for 2500 miles, it will actually stretch out. Correspondingly, a ridden chain will be longer from link to link than a new chain. Because the chain is stretched, the metal fatigues is more susceptible to failure.
What is the torque for a bike stem?
Before fully tightening the bolts, stand over the bike to set the bar roll to your preference. You will also want to make sure the bars are centered in the stem at this point. Fully tighten and torque the face plate bolts in an X pattern. A typical torque spec is
4–6Nm
.
What is torque nm in bike?
Torque of 100 Nm (
Newton-meter) means that at a 1 meter radius a force of 100 Newton can be applied
, which is the same as being able to apply a force of 73.7 pounds at a radius of 1 foot. Nm (Newton-meter) is the metric unit for Torque. lbf ft (often listed as ft-lb, foot-pounds) is the imperial unit.
Do you need torque screwdriver?
Torque Screwdrivers are used in many different industries to ensure that small screws, nuts, and bolts are properly tightened
. Even though we may think of torque “wrenches” as necessary only for people who work in heavy machinery or build engines, all threaded fasteners have a torque rating.
What happens if you have too much torque?
You see, more torque does not always make a car faster.
Once you exceed the traction capabilities of the tires they go up in smoke and the car doesn’t go anywhere
. This is why dragsters have slipper clutches, the slipper clutch reduces torque to the maximum amount the tire can handle.
Does a torque wrench prevent over tightening?
A torque wrench prevents but do not avoid over tightening
!
When the required torque is reached, the torque control system of the wrench will be “activated”, and the operator will hear a clear click sound.
What happens if you over torque?
Everyone who has ever worked with fasteners has accidentally messed one up at some point. One of the most damaging ways to do that is by over-tightening, or over torquing the fastener. This can result in
stripping screws, snapping screw heads and damaging pre-tapped threading
.
