TOPEAK D-TORQ WRENCH DX
£264.99
SPECIFICATION
Weight: 430g • Socket sizes: 8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15mm, Hex keys: 2/2.5/3/4/5/6mm • Contact: extrauk.co.uk
When I tested Topeak’s Torq Stick earlier this year I said it was the perfect torque wrench for the first-timer, because it was so easy to use and also reasonable value at just over £100. Topeak D-torq is the workshop equivalent of that tool, so is much bigger, has a wider adjustment range and, as you can see, costs quite a bit more.
However, you do get quite a few tools for your money – eight metric sockets, six Hex bits, 25 Torx bits and a Phillips screwdriver. The 3/8in square drive also means you can access commercially available bits and adapters to pretty much run anything you want.
The D-torq can be set to Nm/cm, in/lbs or ft/lbs and is also programmable, so you can type in any value you want and it beeps when you reach that setting.
It’s powered by two AAA batteries
(included), has a large LCD display, an auto-off function, and also comes in a padded carry case.
The obvious question is, do you really need a workshop-quality torque wrench, especially one costing upwards of £200?
I think the answer is that it is nice to have, but it’s not essential. There are a couple of reasons for that – the first is it’s a bit unwieldy, especially trying to check the small 3mm bolts on the front of a stem. It’s great for crank bolts and pedals, but the torque setting for those is not as critical as your steering components. The torque range is also a massive at 4-80Nm, and while that covers every single bolt on your bike, the most you’ll need is about
20Nm. You also have a bit more leeway with higher torque values, in that there’s less risk of an overtightened crank bolt or pedal causing damage.
The £200 price point is the going rate for a digital torque wrench of this size and complexity, and it does come with a ton of bits and feels solid in the hand.
You could also use it for other jobs, but if you’re looking for a starter wench, I’d still recommend the
Torq Stick.