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How a stripped crank bolt forced me to change my tightening habit | Bicycle Mechanics - Chatter Central

How a stripped crank bolt forced me to change my tightening habit

I used to just hand-tighten bolts on bikes, thinking my feel was good enough. That bit me hard when I stripped the threads on a customer's crank bolt during a basic tune-up. Ended up needing a new crank arm, which was pricey and kinda embarrassing. Now, I always break out the torque wrench, even for small stuff like bottle cage bolts. I got a cheap model and make sure to calibrate it every few months. Since doing this, zero stripped bolts and everything stays put way better. Customers have said their rides feel more secure, and I'm way less stressed about my work. Tbh, it's a simple switch that's saved me a ton of headache.

3 comments

3 Comments

sarahl686mo ago

My old habit was using my trusty 5mm hex key for stem bolts by feel. I snapped a bolt clean off on a carbon steerer tube two years ago, scared me straight. Now I set my little torque wrench to 5 Newton meters for that exact job, every single time. It feels slow at first but I haven't had a single failure since, and nothing comes loose on the trail. That click from the wrench is the sound of not ruining someone's weekend.

maxt956mo ago

Seriously? I've cranked stem bolts by feel for years without any problems. @sarahl68, that snap sounds like a fluke, not the rule. Who wants to drag a torque wrench around for every little adjustment?

elliot_taylor6mo ago

Ever watch a buddy crank down on a carbon bar without a torque wrench? My friend Mike did that last season. He put all his weight into a 4mm hex, stripping the bolt head clean off. Had to drill it out, ruined a brand-new handlebar. @sarahl68 is right, that click really does save your gear. Now he won't touch a stem without his little wrench.