How about this for a tool.

[Andrew G]

Has anybody got any experience of using a Ritchey Torque Key?

It's handy looking [url=http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?Cat=cycle&ProdID=5360030884&N=Ritchey%20Torque%20Key]tool[/url], which Wiggle issues aside, could prove rather, well handy.

I do most of my own mechanics, but the one area I'm a bit nervous of is tightening the bolts on carbon seatposts and carbon steerers. Tighten most stuff like that (bars etc) 'til I hit the natural stop, and then give it a little pinch off.

I'm scared of carbon, or more specifically over tightening and causing some damage, possibly unseen, and I don't want a Hincapie "look no hands" moment. For £12 this looks like it would work a treat and I can't imagine it'll only work on Ritchey stuff, all standard allen key bolt sizes after all.

Cheers,

Andrew (in full rambling mode today, sorry ).

[Robh]

I think your being a bit paranoid regarding tighening carbon steerers and carbon seat posts.

It's common sense really and you must be a right fool if your overtightening the bolts even Dauphin didn't use a torque wrench recently when they undid/retightened my carbon bars on the carbon fork steerer.

I've done it enough times using feel with no issues.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

It says it's preset to 5nm and my seat bolt clamp states not to exceed 16nm, so I guess they're all different, hence the reference to Ritchey.

[quote]How about this for a tool?

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

[quote]I've done it enough times using feel with no issues.

[Grahame]

Back on topic.

There are so many variables involved in bolt tightening to make a torque wrench of limited use.

Variable factors include:
Metals used (Ti on Ti binds, steel on Al "runs" pretty smoothly)
Smoothness of component finish
Precision of thread cuts
Lubrication (fnarr, fnarr) - seriously, if you have a torque wrench, see how far you can tighten a bolt "dry", then undo it, put some grease on the thread and tighten it again - it will usually tighten between an extra 1/4 and 1/2 a turn for the same torque!

I'll continue to trust to feel.

shouldn't it be more like...

[quote="mrpvt"][quote]I've done it enough times using feel with no tissues.

[Andrew G]

Thanks for the info, thoughts, and laughs. My it's a long time since I've seen a picture of good old Finbar.

Maybe I was being a bit of a Terry

I'm sure the black plastic is not as fragile as I seem to think it is so I'll continue to go by feel.