Does your torque wrench tighten to what it reads? Bike tools arriving in the workshop

If you do your own maintenance at home, you know the difference between a fine adjustment and a stripped bolt usually comes down to the tool. Bike tools are under the spotlight again: according to Escape Collective, their latest round-up of workshop news included a disc mount facer from Lebycle, the new Remco Hi-Lo repair stand and the latest torque tools from PrestaCycle, which did not come out well.

We won't give you specifications the source doesn't detail in its summary, but we will tell you what each new tool means for the way you work on your bike.

What's new in bike tools: what has arrived

• Lebycle Disc Tab facer: a first look at a tool for facing the mounts where the disc brake caliper is fixed. It's fine workshop work, but key when the caliper won't line up properly.
• Remco Hi-Lo: first test of a new repair stand. A good stand completely changes how comfortably you work on the bike.
• PrestaCycle: their latest torque tools gave questionable results in the outlet's test.

The round-up also includes other tools that don't appear in the summary, so if you want the full detail, the original piece is worth a read.

Why a torque wrench that measures accurately matters

A torque tool raising doubts is what matters most to anyone who rides. Today almost everything on a bike has a recommended tightening torque: stem, handlebar, seatpost, clamps and axles. And with carbon, going over or under is no small detail.

If you already have a torque wrench or a torque limiter, some practical ideas:

• Always respect the value marked on the component, not the one that "usually works".
• If the tool is a few years old or has taken knocks, compare it with another you trust or at a workshop.
• Tighten progressively and in a cross pattern when there are several bolts, as on the stem.
• Store the wrench in its rest position if it's an adjustable one.

Stand and facing: when to take the leap

A repair stand is one of the first purchases you'll most appreciate if you clean the drivetrain, adjust gears or bleed brakes at home. Working with the bike at the right height saves your back and lets you see better what you're doing.

The mount facer, on the other hand, is more for a workshop or an experienced mechanic. Even so, it's worth knowing it exists: if your disc brake always rubs no matter how much you centre the caliper, the problem may be the mounting surface and not the pad.

What to check if you buy a used bike or components

This is where the second-hand angle comes in. When you look at a used bike, check the bolts: marked or rounded heads usually point to tightening without the right tool. On a bike with disc brakes, ask to spin the wheel and listen for constant rubbing.

If you're building or upgrading your bike, in the second-hand components section you'll find parts at good prices, and in bike accessories stands and workshop tools from other cyclists also turn up.

And if there's a spare tool or a bike you no longer ride in your garage, you can post your listing for free and let someone else make the most of it. Your toolbox and your wallet will thank you.