Maintenance made easy - Topeak Torq Stick Review feat. Compact + 5 Bits Holder + 2-10 Nm Range

A torque wrench is essential even if you only do basic maintenance on your bike like adjusting your seatpost or changing out your saddle. Using the correct torque value on your components ensures they are properly tightened without damaging parts or having it come loose mid-ride. Bike specific torque wrenches are calibrated to work at the lower torque ranges typically found on bicycle components. In this review, we’ll be looking at the Topeak Torq Stick which is Topeak’s latest ultra compact torque wrench. The Torq Stick is a click-style torque wrench with reversible ratcheting head design that makes maintenance quick and easy. Designed to operate between torque values of 2-10 Nm, the Torq Stick also includes an attached bit holder with 5-bits included (3/4/5 Allen and T20/T25 Torx bits). The torque wrench itself has an impressively small size of 15 x 2.5 x 2.15 cm / 5.8” x 1” x 0.85” which means you can even tuck it away in your pocket.
With a semi-gloss black finish, the Torq Stick has an upscale look and feel that matches the premium retail price. At a measured 128g for the torque wrench (the tool bit attachment adds another 42g), it has a nice solid feel that is still easy to carry and work with. High-contrast white graphics make it easy to see what torque value the Torq Stick is set at while the fingerprint graphics are a clever visual aid to indicate the optimal placement of your hands when operating the torque wrench. As with many Topeak products, the build quality is quite impressive with details like the knurled adjustment knob and textured ratchet head providing both visual and functional details.
Torque wrenches with wider ranges are less accurate at the low/high values so it is important to use the right torque wrench for the job. What makes the Torq Stick ideal for bicycle use, is the calibrated 2-10Nm torque range. The Torq Stick is a standard click style torque wrench, but has a very satisfying click when you reach the desired torque value. Unlike other smaller torque wrenches like the Pro Bike Tool Torque Wrench set we’ve used, the Torq Stick provided strong feedback even at very low torque values. Adjusting the torque value requires pulling the knurled handle and rotating it clockwise/counter clockwise to increase or decrease the value. One drawback compared to other torque wrenches is that this one only takes whole number inputs...
... Read the full review @ thesweetcyclists.com/topeak-t...
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00:00 Intro
00:09 Unboxing + Specs
02:07 Fit + Finish
06:15 Comparison (PRO Bike Tool Torque Wrench Set)
08:14 The Final Score
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Topeak - www.topeak.com/us/en/products...
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[@einervonvielen8334]

To be fair, the loose head of the torque wrench from Pro Bike Tool's at 7:18 is NOT a result of a construction that is "not quite as nice" and has generally "a lot more play here". A couple of seconds later it gets apparent that the head is loose because the spring inside the tool is without any tension at all. If the quality of both tools should be compared like that at all it should happen when both tools are set to the same torque.

[@HockeyGuy_in_STL]

Great review! Just what I was needing, thanks!

[@TheSweetCyclists]

Glad it was helpful for you!

[@mathieudumez253]

my Topeak stick adjusts by half Nm and the bits are magnetic hold in place but easy to remove like with any magnetic bit holder so i see no problems

[@practicalguy973]

That is nice if you need one on the bike. Park Tool TW5.2 is cheaper with more range which means more accuracy in the middle torque ranges as it's spring ages but it is a little bigger so likely not traveling with it on the bike!

[@TheSweetCyclists]

Good point. You're definitely paying a premium for the compact size of the Topeak. We've also reviewed some Pro Bike Tool torque wrenches which are a much better value but larger.

[@patrickfarrugia6848]

I like but for the price there is something missing no protective pocket.

[@metamorphicorder]

I guess to each their own, i use torque measuring instruments for a living, and if you cant immobilize the work piece a torque wrench is just a more expensive wrench because you arent getting accurate reading. If you have it clamped in a stand, i guess thats sufficient, but on the road side or in the driveway on a free standing bike just held up by hand, its just tightening them with a more expensive wrench. I guess it gets you close, but i think its better to learn how to use tools reasonably and correctly. Good review though as always. Its also a nice tool.

[@TheSweetCyclists]

Great points. I've always been curious how accurate these torque wrenches are over time since you typically re-certify industrial torque wrenches.

[@metamorphicorder]

@@TheSweetCyclists yep. At least where i work you check your hand guages every day and for the high tech stuff engineering checks that on a schedule. If you get caught pencil whipping the logs they will walk you out the door. Of course i work on transmissions so if say the torque on a parking pawl isnt right and that happens 100 times, you have maybe 100 cars out there that might not go into park or come out park on a hill and roll over a stroller or something so its a big deal. With this its still a big deal, but its probably good enough. Its probably better than good enough. But if someone is gonna invest in torque devices, they should get a stand and learn to immobilize their bike when working on it. Especially on the stem.

[@JayMerchantPhD]

So, which torque wrench do you recommend?

[@kimkishi5211]

It does adjust in 1/2 nm increments. It has a .5 lockable position at a 90 degree turn.

[@TheSweetCyclists]

Thanks for the clarification, the manual and specs all seem to only indicate 1 Nm increments.

[@kimkishi5211]

@@TheSweetCyclists I was ready to return mine before I discovered the 1/2 nm increment setting. Now I think it's perfect!

[@TheSweetCyclists]

@@kimkishi5211 It only took about 2 years for someone to point it out! You may want to also checkout the Topeak Torq Stick Pro, it has a very similar torque wrench but more bits and a very useful mini-ratchet.

[@junikorkor]

It doesnt come with the extender. Oftentimes, there is little room or there is risk of scratching the bicycle so an extender is always handy. Ive always used my effeto mariposa with the extender. Nevertheless it is a great product and build quality is very decent. +1 for topeak.

[@TheSweetCyclists]

Good point. There is a cost to the compact size, I don't think Topeak could have fit an extender in the bit holder without making it larger.

[@pierrelabbe3173]

Merci Canada M.T.L Québec wow