1/4" Torque Wrench up to 20Nm; Norbar - alternatives?

[Tangledfeet]

I'm looking at investing in a decent 1/4" drive torque wrench for bicycle maintenance, etc, so don't need anything beyond 20Nm or so - Norbar seem to be the ones mentioned on most bicycle groups and forums.

Does anyone have any comments, recommendations or stories..?

Looking at the 11123 and the 13830 and struggling to tell the difference...

There's also the Teng 1492AG-E which even Amazon sell for about half the price of either Norbar...

Cheers.

 

[armalites]

The 11123 is Slimline, I don't think there are many other differences. One thing to bare in mind is reversible ratchet does not mean the torque facility works in reverse.

All my torque wrenches are Norbar and they are very nice, I think I have the 13830. I bought all of mine from Zoro on 20% off deals. They are were already one of the cheapest places.

 

[Tangledfeet]

Thanks @armalites

I edited my post as you typed your reply - cheers. Amazon sell a Teng which is about half the price... alas no deals to be had at Zoro at the moment sadly!

 

[SierraV6]

You won’t go wrong with Norbar to be honest. If you simply want something different you could try Unior (they make a lot of specialist bicycle tools). I looked at a funky Wera torque wrench in a shop a few months back, I noticed it was highly rated online so could be worth investigating. Or you could save a few £ and go with a Teng one, again I’ve not used one but they seem highly rated.

I always think with specialist tools such as this it’s worth checking the OM so that you don’t end up paying more for a rebranded product.

 

[tom2207]

I dont think i would buy teng anything ,
sturtevant richmont second hand off e bay some real bargains to be had in 1/4 drive , make sure you get the adjustable version though

 

[SierraV6]

I dont think i would buy teng anything ,
sturtevant richmont second hand off e bay some real bargains to be had in 1/4 drive , make sure you get the adjustable version though

I only have two items made by Teng, a 1/2 drive ratchet and a 27mm combination spanner and both seem ok. Not a brand I go for but a lot of people seem to rate them - presumably you don’t?

 

[mr haynes]

Have to agree won't go wrong with norbar, though my wee teng has always felt fine.

As an aside, you reminded me i, in the dim and distant past, got a wee torque set purely for bike use....never even been out the wrapper till today

 

[armalites]

Norbars are really nice and they are made in the UK. They have a proper quality feel about them.

 

[Wallace]

I have a 3/8" Facom in as new condition that I have been planning on selling if that is any use.

 

[Parm]

If only you said before. I had a low range Norbar that was no good to me. I gave it away to one of the lads in the village

 

[Welderpaul]

Just avoid the bike tool 'brands' they tend to be rebranded junk from my experience.

I have a 1/2 Norbar and a 3/8 Norbar, reserved just for bike stuff. You wont go far wrong as others have said.

The main reason i use a torque wrench when tightening bike fixings is to avoid stripping threads in soft alloy thinking 'just a bit more...just a bit more...balls!!' Least when it clicks i know to leave it alone.

 

[p0689109]

Old fashioned break back style Britool has always been my choice. I pick a lot up from auction. They are made to last and are worth a look.

 

[Tangledfeet]

Thanks all.

Norbar to seem to be the one to go for... Teng I'm not so sure about. I'm going to hold fire, certainly until next pay day anyway.

Bummer @Parm - I'd have give you something for it if it had been suitable!

@Wallace I think 3/8" is probably overkill but what's the model and range..?

@tom2207 I'll have a gander at eBay as I'd never considered second hand; there's a calibration place just down the road as it happens...

 

[Rannsachair]

I have Teng, Norbar and Britool. The Norbar is easier to read, perhaps just me, but I like Teng tools and the Torque wrench is no exception, appears well made.

 

[armalites]

If you ever have a break from buying on Zoro then they often send out a "20% off next order" code. I find their prices change almost daily and sometimes when you've got a code the prices are high but if you can hit them when they are low and a vooucher you are laughing. They tend to be one of the cheapest for Norbar anyway. I bought two Norbars on a voucher code about a year a go and one of them worked out £20 cheaper than I could find it anywhere.

 

[p0689109]

Britool/facom Expert part no E100105 £95.94 with Prime tools. I Googled it.

 

[armalites]

I have Teng, Norbar and Britool. The Norbar is easier to read, perhaps just me, but I like Teng tools and the Torque wrench is no exception, appears well made.

I have some Teng stuff and I like the satin finish on sockets, the Kennedy Pro stuff is the same. I've got a 3/8 socket set that has a composite ratchet. I like the composite ratchets especially in winter. It came free with a Land Rover Owner subscription a few years back, I have broken a Teng socket and a long hex bit, sent it back and got new ones within a couple of days no issues

 

[tom2207]

I only have two items made by Teng, a 1/2 drive ratchet and a 27mm combination spanner and both seem ok. Not a brand I go for but a lot of people seem to rate them - presumably you don’t?

Ive seen a friend go through about six 1/2 ratchets in two years , granted they were used not looked at . but as you say many like them , I jut think they are priced higher than their value.
Many will say the same about snap on and bahco etc Draper Expert would get a higher rating in my eyes , in fact , you could do a lot worse than draper expert in most areas.

 

[Migmac]

Son just bought a teng one, feels quality to me. I was looking at bike specific ones for using when I’m working on rifles, they didn’t look very good. I’m sorted now he’s bought the Teng

 

[tom2207]

Son just bought a teng one, feels quality to me. I was looking at bike specific ones for using when I’m working on rifles, they didn’t look very good. I’m sorted now he’s bought the Teng

perfect result ,,,, but you know really that you still want one ,,,,