Granite Design – makers of inventive Stash instruments & easy Strap options – have a brand new RocknRoll TQ torque wrench device equipment. It’s a compact however not tiny ratchet driver for 1/4″ bits, with the additional benefit of a beam-style torque wrench constructed into the tip. Roll all of it up in a helpful carrying case and it’s sufficiently small to tuck into your pack for rides, strap on to a motorcycle, or toss within the automobile for trailhead changes. It’s a pleasant answer, however not excellent. And in addition, it’s probably not all that new. We’ve seen variations of this wrench for greater than 5 years now.
In case you are on the lookout for a exact torque wrench – cease studying now and go browse our web site for one thing extra appropriate. This ratcheting mini-tool features a torque operate. However with a hard-to-gauge torque ‘window’ and a claimed accuracy of simply +/-15%, it’s extra of a device to provide you a ballpark thought of how a lot torque you might be placing right into a bolt.
It’s additionally probably not a brand new product. We already wrote about this identical device a number of years again when PrestaCycle first launched it in 2018, then up to date it to this precise model in 2021. This one is open-mold, however Granite does loads of different distinctive instruments.
However there’s nonetheless worth in that. In a compact measurement that you may really tackle a experience, it’ll assist forestall considerably over-tightening a bolt in your fancy carbon elements after a trailside readjustment.
Actual-life impressions
I’ve been taking part in with this light-weight Granite RocknRoll TQ wrench for a number of weeks now – together with utilizing it as a fidget spinner at my desk – and torque precision isn’t a promoting level in my thoughts. I’ve used quite a lot of related beam-style instruments. And our Bikerumor crew have handfuls of those low-cost “toque wrenches” in our toolboxes. A number of of us are device geeks, and don’t actually take one thing like this too severely. However it’s “higher than nothing”, and nothing is what a variety of cyclists have out on the highway, path, and even parking zone with regards to torque instruments.
But, now with the plethora of carbon elements and delicate torque settings on our bikes, extra moveable torque options are in all probability a step in the appropriate course.
So, it’s correct?
Probably not.
I’ve had a tough time getting dependable repeatable 4 or 5Nm torque settings when working with the curved white line within the window cutout (checked with this correct click-style torque wrench). However I used to be by no means off by greater than 1Nm. Shut sufficient that I tended to err a bit decrease and never fear about it.
I nonetheless benefitted from the speedy ratcheting, although. Bit ratchets velocity up a variety of duties – like putting in/eradicating bottle cages and different equipment in tight areas. In addition they supply the power to simply personalize what 1/4″ bits you favor. And this one does an important job of giving me the bit I really want, and the extension that I couldn’t dwell with out. Most, however not all, mini ratchets embrace some extension. However it’s an absolute necessity when adjusting brakes or fine-tuning cockpit setup.
So, my parting ideas?
The RocknRoll TQ is fascinating, if not excellent. Good for day-to-day ratchet use, however probably not helpful as a torque wrench with something near accuracy. But, it nonetheless is healthier than torque-ing by really feel whereas out on a experience.
Tech Specs
- Torque Vary: 2-10Nm
- Torque precision: +/-15%
- Dimension: 133x20x12mm (ratchet device solely) or 152x50x30mm (full device roll)
- Weight: 68g (device solely) or 186g (full device roll)
- Bits included: hex 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, torx T20, T25, phillips PH2 screwdriver
- Additional elastic pocket that may match some spare valve cores, a fast hyperlink, or Apple AirTag (not included)
- Outer belt-style loop to securely strap the device roll to physique or bike
Granite RocknRoll TQ – Pricing, availability & choices
The Granite RocknRoll TQ torque wrench mini-tool equipment sells for $60 with a black anodized physique. You get to choose from a black, grey, inexperienced, or crimson 600D polyester roll-up carrying case. For sixty bucks, inside there are 10 of the most typical 1/4″ bits, plus a 5cm extension for attending to these hard-to-reach bolts.
Like the thought, however need it in crimson? PrestaCycle first made this very same device again in 2021, the second iteration of their mini-TorqRatchet. Theirs will get a crimson ano physique, and some extra bits, however not the useful extender. These additionally occur to be on sale proper now for half the worth of the brand new one with a Granite brand. Or, go along with Granite, perhaps you do want the extra colourful device wraps. Who’re we to evaluate?
