Do you really need to torque a through axle?

[BEC111]

I know that the rule of thumb is pro torquing most fasteners on our bikes but most cycling oriented torque wrenches don’t support the 15 NM my Vado SL requires. I only take my wheels off a couple of times a year so it’s hard to justify the cost of an appropriate wrench. Also the ones I’ve found don’t seem suitable for carrying for use in case of emergency. So putting the wheel back on in the field means no torquing.

Quick release axles use hand pressure to lock. Shouldn’t that be adequate even if not accurate?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

In my experience, 10-12 Nm is enough. If you take a regular 6 mm hex wrench, hold it 1/3rd length (counting from the axle), and use the usual hand force, it is enough to tighten the axle properly.

If it is the 6 mm hex bit of the multi-tool, use the full length of the tool to achieve the same.

A good bicycle torque wrench is for 2-20 Nm.

 

[BEC111]

In my experience, 10-12 Nm is enough. If you take a regular 6 mm hex wrench, hold it 1/3rd length (counting from the axle), and use the usual hand force, it is enough to tighten the axle properly.

If it is the 6 mm hex bit of the multi-tool, use the full length of the tool to achieve the same.

A good bicycle torque wrench is for 2-20 Nm.

I’ve used my Lezyne which torques to 11 (not a Spinal Tap model) and given it a bit extra, so that‘s probably ok on the road. I’ll have to find one for the garage so I can be more accurate either after getting home from the field repair or for maintenance.