Review by Clint Adams
Pedro’s tool company is most known for their “green” approach to bicycle tools and care. The Tourqe Wrench 1.0 is their attempt at an affordable click style torque wrench. We should all recognize the importance of torque wrenches with today’s lightweight componentry. This tool as been in my toolbox for a long time and now I’ll share my thoughts with you.
Pedro's Torque Wrench 1.0 Box
From Pedros.com:
Micrometer style torque wrench makes an audible “click” when one reaches the desired torque setting on the handle. New, easy to use locking mechanism. Quarter-inch drive, chrome vanadium ratchet gear and head are heat treated to last. Torque wrench is adjustable from 20 – 200 inch-lbs and is accurate to within +/- 4 percent. Warranty: one year.
Setting Up the Pedro’s Torque Wrench
Pedro's Torque Wrench 1.0 In Box
Lucky for me, there isn’t a lot of set up required for this product. Like most torque wrenches I have used, it comes stock with a ¼ inch drive. All of my sockets are ½ drive, so I had to make a quick trip to the hardware store to pick up an adapter. After that, the Torque Wrench was ready to go and has seen constant usage since.
In the Real World with the Pro Torque Wrench
Pedro's Torque Wrench 1.0
Setting the Torque
Different bolts on the bike require different torques, so it’s important that it is easy to change settings on a torque wrench. The Pedro’s wrench requires little effort to change settings, but is slightly different than most major brands of click style wrenches. There is a locking knob on the bottom of the wrench that must be turned before turning the wrench handle to the desired setting. The action is smooth, but I find this to be slightly slower than the standard of pulling down and simultaneously turning of the wrench handle. This is only a minor hang up, however the wrench lacks newton meter settings. This is a major setback in my eyes, the majority of listed torque settings for bicycle parts are listed in newton meters. It is not a difficult task to convert newton meters to inch pounds, but I see this as something that should be not be necessary and would be easy to list on the wrench.
Wrenching
When the desired torque has been reached, the wrench head swivels and makes a “click” noise. This is an advantage over beam type torque wrenches because it takes away any guess work. The Pro Torque Wrench does this flawlessly and works as well as wrenches two or three times its price. The plastic handle becomes a little slick with greasy hands, but that can be solved with some handlebar tape or grip tape. The plastic handle rose a bit of concern for durability, but has not been an issue after nearly two years of service. After this much usage, the wrench has come out of tune slightly. This is no surprise, even the most expensive torque wrenches must be re-calibrated periodically. Getting a torque wrench re-calibrated can be very expensive and this service can cost more than the wrench costs brand new. For me, it makes a lot more sense to just replace the wrench than to have it re-calibrated.
Storing/Traveling
The Pedro’s Pro Torque Wrench comes with a nice plastic case that is mandatory for any click style torque wrench. This style of wrench can be damaged easily by impact or corrosion, so it is very important to keep them safe. My race tool box is small and does not have the room to accommodate the Pro Torque Wrench’s case. This means that on most days the wrench is getting banged around with other tools and doesn’t get treated as well as it should. I have been very impressed with the overall durability of the wrench even in abusive conditions. In comparison to more expensive torque wrenches of the same type, the Pro Torque Wrench is a little bulkier and heavier. This is not good for the race mechanics out there, but should be well worth the lower price tag for the average garage mechanic.
Overall Thoughts
Pedro’s has done a great job at producing a quality “click” type torque wrench that is both affordable and durable.
What I liked about the Pedro’s Torque Wrench:
- Price
- Smooth action
- Durability
Suggested Improvements:
- No newton meters
- Locking knob
- Weight
Buy A Pedro’s Torque Wrench
 PEDROS PRO TORQUE WRENCH |  PEDROS MINI TORQUE WRENCH |
Clint Adams started racing BMX when he was a kid and have been hooked on bikes ever since. He started working at a local bike shop my senior year in high school and have managed Atlanta Cycling’s service center for the past three years. He has completed Barnett Bicycle Institute’s Bicycle Repair and Overhaul course, and a Trek Certified Mechanic that is also Shimano DI2 certified. Clint a bike nerd and enjoy the technical side of bikes as much as I like riding them. He is currently working on my BA in Economics and plan to move into the sales side of the industry after he graduates.