Switched from a torque wrench to a preset tool for carbon seatposts

I was setting up a customer's carbon frame in Denver last month and kept reaching for my 5Nm torque wrench for the seatpost clamp. After a coworker showed me his preset Ritchey TorqKey, I tried it and the click felt way more solid for that one job. Has anyone else moved to preset tools for specific parts like this?

2 comments

2 Comments

elizabeth_williams1mo ago

My buddy Jake in Boulder had the same thing happen with his stem bolts. He said the preset tool gave him way more confidence than his old adjustable wrench. Now he keeps one in his jersey pocket for roadside fixes.

sam_rivera1mo ago

That's a solid tip from your buddy Jake, elizabeth_williams. I finally got a preset torque key last season after I way over-tightened my own stem and put a tiny crack in the steerer tube. I mean, I felt like a total genius for that one. It's one of those things you don't think you need until you've already messed something up pretty good. Now I just keep the key with my flat kit, and it definitely stops me from second-guessing my own strength on the side of the road.