9point8, the Canadian company that brought us the Pulse Dropper Seatpost, has created another unique idea. This time, using the inherent flex in a set of long allen keys, they created a simple measurement device that uses that known flex, and correlates it to the torque needed to make it flex that much. This may seem like a very simple idea, but it is how most automotive torque wrenches work as well, they just add a scale to a long bar that flexes under the load.
Many cyclists don’t use a torque wrench when they should, and this can be because the wrenches are large, cumbersome, and can be expensive. But now, rather than claiming to all your buddies that your hand is calibrated within 1Nm, these simple wrenches are no different to use than a standard allen key, and can measure many more torque values than the pre-set clicking t-handles that can only measure a single torque value.
Best of all, they are affordable. Only the 4mm is available right now, and is listed at $8.99. They list the 3mm as coming soon, and we hope that others will follow soon after. Click past the jump for a short video showing how they are used, and the specs…
SPECS –
- 4mm TorqueKey™
- Hex Size 4mm
- Torque Range 0-12Nm
- Weight 26g
- 3mm COMING SOON
- Hex Size 3mm
- Torque Range 0-4Nm
- Weight 18g