Spoke Torque Wrench

[jay cohen]

I saw in the new Classic Dirt Bike magazine an article and it showed them using a spoke torque wrench.  I never knew one existed before. I did a google search and found that they are definitely not cheap, running around 90 bucks plus the head you need which is about 10 more.  Are they worth it ? Does anyone use it ?  I just tap mine and listen, squeeze them, etc.

[bentrims]

Jay,
My friend has had one for years and it works great. It has never turned up in my tool box yet but he better pay attention when we travel together. I also use the tuning fork method. Works fine.
TB

[Ernie Phillips]

The objective of tightening a spoke is to achieve the proper tension.  With a threaded member, achieving the proper tension via torquing is a tricky affair.  Are the threades lubricated?  Are the threads clean and undamaged?  Tapping the spoke - ie tuning fork method is a good verification of proper tension.  My quess is that with new spokes and nipples and a new rim with everything lubed up just the same, a spoke torque wrench could be used to achive even spoke tension.

Ernie P.
Chattanooga, TN

[TGTech]

I concur with Ernie on this one. Many of the pro motocross mechanics have them and used them for NEW wheels, but once they're exposed to dirt and mud, they don't work as well because of the increased friction.

Dane