- Lightweight and portable so they can come with you
- Clutch mechanism removes possibility of overtightening
- Neat storage box keeps everything together
- Expensive relative to a conventional torque wrench
- Only three fixed torque settings on offer
Topeak's Nano Torqbox DX offers up a selection of three adaptors with fixed torque setting plus four hex bits to allow you to quickly, easily and accurately tighten up components using a normal Allen key to drive them. They're quality little units that work well and are much more portable than a conventional torque wrench.
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The Nano TorqSockets are offered on their own in 4, 5 and 6Nm pre-set ratings, but this neat little box bundles them together with matching hex driven 3, 4 and 5mm Allen bits plus T20 and T25 Torx, all weighing in at 129g. The sockets themselves are driven with a 5mm Allen key, so you can use them with a multitool - the box has a rubber strap to attach it around one - or a full size item.
It's really nice that the bits use a clutch that slips when the correct torque is reached - designs that 'click' when you reach the desired tightness often allow you to overtighten if you keep pushing. They're also colour coded so you can quickly check you have the right one and the bits and Allen key driver are both held in by magnets so nothing flops out.
I've found them to be really useful to have in my workshop stuff to make sure I've got sensitive carbon components snugged down correctly and - whisper this - I also use them when tightening disc bolts down with an electric driver to ensure I don't overdo things as they just slip when they hit the right torque.
At £50, this kit offers better value than buying the sockets individually but it is still possible to pick up a conventional 1/4" drive adjustable torque wrench with a load of bits for under £40. That offers a greater range of adjustment but it's much fiddlier to use and certainly nowhere near as portable.
If you're after a quick and easy way to make sure you're tweaking your bolts just so, then the Nano Torqbox DX is a fine way to do that, although you do pay somewhat of a premium for the pleasure. They're well made, well thought out and work perfectly, making them what I reach for when it comes to parts that need a delicate touch.
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