Topeak Nano TorqBar DX Review: A neat and compact pre set torque tool

There’s a large quantity of selection relating to instruments you possibly can carry with you out on the bike. I’ll be trying on the Nano TorqBar DX torque device from Topeak right here which is a compact pre-set torque device package. It’s a useful gizmo that’s sufficiently small to hold with you on rides, journey with or use at house. It additionally options in our greatest bike torque wrenches consumers information. 

The whole device itself contains a small plastic case housing device bits and three of Topeak’s pre-set torque TorqBits. The TorqBar itself can then be loaded with these bits and used as a daily device to work in your bike, or with the TorqBits to create a pre-set torque wrench so you possibly can work to the right specs to your bike. 

The device retails for £74.99 with all three pre-set TorqBits however you possibly can decide it up with simply the precise bit you want for much less cash. It may also be discovered at cheaper costs on-line usually. 

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 Design and Aesthetics  

The Nano TorqBar is a tidy piece of package, and the plastic case is especially neat and tidy when totally stocked with bits. 

The design may be break up into two halves. The TorqBar itself and the bit holder case as talked about. The Torqbar itself is a easy aluminium cylinder with a round cutout drilled into one finish. A smaller diameter plastic insert then slides into this cylinder (footage under). The plastic insert has area to accommodate two of the equipped metal device bits that are held in place by magnets to allow them to’t fall out. A spring-loaded button locks into the drilled cutout on the TorqBar physique to lock the insert in place and at last there’s a six-sided magnetic slot to load your chosen pre-set TorqBit. The Torqbar by itself weighs a scant 32 grams and is 11cm in size. 

The plastic case housing the device bits themselves is sturdy and its two hinged plastic ‘doorways’ each open up for simple entry. Neatly slotted inside are 3, 4, 5mm Hex bits and T20 and T25 Torx bits. You can in fact exchange these with bits of your selection, however they’re just about the principle contenders for engaged on bikes as of late. 

There are then three pre-set TorqBits subsequent to the bits that may sort out 4, 5 and 6Nm torque rankings. So it is a set designed to sort out jobs like seatposts and handlebar and stem changes given its measurement and torque rankings. These TorqBits match into the tip of the Torqbar after which then settle for no matter bit that you must use to work in your bike. 

Topeak does stress you undo bolts and fasteners with a bit solely and never with a Torqbit fitted, and that the device is nice to undo bolts with as much as a 20Nm ranking. It is not a giant, burly device so a little bit of frequent sense is required right here. It is not the device to undo one thing actually tight or large with. 

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Efficiency 

The Nano TorqBar DX proves to be a useful gizmo that is fairly versatile. It really works properly by itself after I’ve been simply usually engaged on bikes. I swapped handlebars on my cyclocross bike lately utilizing the Torqbar and insert with the 4 and five-mm hex bits. Its size makes it straightforward to work with and I actually like the best way you possibly can load a bit on the finish of the bar too which is helpful when initially threading issues like headset topcap bolts or disc rotor bolts house, this implies you should use it like a screwdriver to get issues going. 

When you find yourself able to torque a bolt to spec, simply load the TorqBit and bit you want and also you’re able to torque. There is not a loud ‘click on’ to listen to from the device however it does make a faint click on because the preset torque is hit and the tactile suggestions is offered. It is not tremendous loud so that you do want to concentrate, particularly on extra delicate parts.

The compact nature of the Torqbar means becoming it right into a saddlebag or your jersey pockets is well executed. You’ll be able to load and carry a most of 4 bits and one pre-set TorqBit into the TorqBar, although carrying two contained in the device does make issues neater once more, once more take a look on the footage for reference right here. You’ll be able to in fact carry the case too, however it’s yet another factor to fret about. 

With regards to the case, I would love a solution to connect the bar to the case to maintain them collectively. You can do that by discovering a rubber band or strap to suit, however it could be good to get one from the off and that is most likely my solely gripe. 

One level to recollect concerning pre-set torque wrenches and items is that they do have one thing of a lifespan and sometimes cannot be calibrated. In easy phrases, they could attain a degree when they’re not correct. Topeak cites the accuracy for the device of +/- 6% tolerance is assured for 5000 cycles, which is a whole lot of use. 

For comparability, premium adjustable torque wrenches calibrated to an ISO ranking ought to supply round +/- 1% to 2% throughout the complete vary (sometimes round 2Nm to 14Nm).

Excessive-end pre-set instruments may get as correct as 2% or 3% and have an extended lifespan, however for an merchandise of this measurement, worth and portability round 5000 makes use of inside 6% accuracy is actually not a grievance. 

When it comes to bit high quality, I examined the equipped hex and torx bits towards the most effective ones in my possession, some high-quality PB Swiss bits. The Topeak bits had been a barely slacker slot in T25 and 4mm fasteners, however general not unhealthy. 

The situation of the bolt you are tightening and your personal approach may have an effect on issues right here. I additionally in contrast the TorqBits to a Wera A5  torque wrench which is calibrated to a stringent 2017 ISO normal they usually had been just about the identical, so I really feel fairly assured they’re in spec and hopefully will probably be for size of time. 

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Verdict 

If you happen to’re working away all day every single day or doing numerous spannering then this device is not as related, it is most likely extra of an addition to your toolbox or trip package somewhat than a mainstay workhorse.

You’ll be able to, nevertheless, do so much with the TorqBar, my current bar swap utilizing it was a breeze. Its size is a power right here I believe. It is in regards to the size of my palm which implies it is easy to work with once you simply have a bit loaded for a spread of jobs. Then once you’re able to torque one thing you possibly can – a bonus over a daily multi-tool.

It is most likely greatest suited to travelling or carrying with you on rides to get you out of hassle. If you happen to arrive someplace and have to get your bike collectively it is going to be actually helpful and it is only a good factor to make use of, which can also be a motivation with purchases like this. 

It is a intelligent design, however I’m wondering if it is a little bit on the dear aspect. There are cheaper methods to do the identical jobs. We’re spoilt for selection as of late, and this device is one other good choice.