Silca T-Ratchet + Ti-Torque Kit

Like many cyclists, I own some tools.  The tools I use the most are hex wrenches.

A set of hex wrenches will loosen and tighten almost every fastener on a bicycle.  Hex wrenches like the ones above are not perfect tools though.

One drawback is that some hex nuts, especially those which hold carbon components in place, should be tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications using a torque wrench.  Trying to tighten by feel is risky.  A cracked carbon component is expensive to replace.

A second drawback is that hex wrenches are not easy to use when there is limited space around a hex bolt because it is surrounded, for example, by a bottle cage, or the hex bolt is hard to see because it is buried in a recess in a seat post.  Having to constantly reseat the hex wrench in tight confines, or when the hex bolt cannot be seen, is frustrating.

The Silca T-Ratchet + Ti-Torque Kit addresses both those drawbacks.  The titanium torque beam lets you tighten bolts to a set pressure.  The reversible ratchet lets you spin bolts without having to disengage and re-engage the bit with the bolt head.

Photograph courtesy of silca.cc

Silca has a reputation for making tools of the highest quality, with expertly finished components that are aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing.  This is certainly true of the T-Ratchet + Ti-Torque Kit.

The steel 72-tooth reversible ratchet, titanium torque beam, steel extension bit, and stainless steel handle extension can be set up to work in either a T or an L-handled configuration.  The four parts of the system are held together through magnetic interfaces.  This sounds like it may be prone to failure, but the connection achieved is tight and secure.

Photograph courtesy of road.cc

The set comes with ten hardened steel bits:  six hex keys ranging from 2mm to 6mm in size, T10, T20 and T25 torx keys, and a 2mm Phillips Head bit.

Photograph courtesy of road.cc

Everything is kept in a beautiful waxed canvas cloth case. The case has small compartments for the various elements of the torque and ratchet system, as well as for all the bits. The case is magnetically sealed, meaning that it snaps shut and is kept nice and compact.

The Silca T-Ratchet + Ti-Torque Kit is now my set of choice for working on hex and Torx bolts.  The way in which you can use the tool in a T or L configuration, with a short or long reach, means no adjustment is out of bounds.

The torque beam will measure between 2Nm and 8Nm, which covers all the areas of the bike that you are likely to need to tighten to a set pressure, such as handlebar faceplates, stems and seat posts.

Photograph courtesy of silca.cc

The Silca T-Ratchet + Ti-Torque Kit is a very high-quality toolset that is well worth the (big) investment.