Granite RocknRoll TQ is a Nice Mini-Ratchet, an OK Torque Wrench, Nothing New – Review
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Granite Design – makers of creative Stash tools & simple Strap solutions – have a new RocknRoll TQ torque wrench tool kit. It’s a compact but not tiny ratchet driver for 1/4″ bits, with the added benefit of a beam-style torque wrench built into the end. Roll it all up in a handy carrying case and it’s small enough to tuck into your pack for rides, strap directly to a bike, or toss in the car for trailhead adjustments. It’s a nice solution, but not perfect. And also, it’s not really all that new. We’ve seen variations of this wrench for more than 5 years now.
If you are looking for a precise torque wrench – stop reading now and go browse our site for something more suitable. This ratcheting mini-tool includes a torque function. But with a hard-to-gauge torque ‘window’ and a claimed accuracy of just +/-15%, it is more of a tool to give you a ballpark idea of how much torque you are putting into a bolt.
It’s also not really a new product. We already wrote about this same tool several years back when PrestaCycle first introduced it in 2018, then updated it to this exact version in 2021. This one is open-mold, but Granite does plenty of other unique tools.
But there is still value in that. In a compact size that you can actually take on a ride, it’ll help prevent significantly over-tightening a bolt on your fancy carbon parts after a trailside readjustment.
Real-life impressions
I’ve been playing with this lightweight Granite RocknRoll TQ wrench for several weeks now – including using it as a fidget spinner at my desk – and torque precision is not a selling point in my mind. I’ve used a number of similar beam-style tools. And our Bikerumor crew have handfuls of these low-cost “toque wrenches” in our toolboxes. Several of us are tool geeks, and don’t really take something like this too seriously. But it is “better than nothing”, and nothing is what a lot of cyclists have out on the road, trail, or even parking lot when it comes to torque tools.
Yet, now with the plethora of carbon parts and sensitive torque settings on our bikes, more portable torque solutions are probably a step in the right direction.
So, it is accurate?
Not really.
I’ve had a hard time getting reliable repeatable 4 or 5Nm torque settings when working with the curved white line in the window cutout (checked with this proper click-style torque wrench). But I was never off by more than 1Nm. Close enough that I tended to err a bit lower and not worry about it.
I still benefitted from the speedy ratcheting, though. Bit ratchets speed up a lot of tasks – like installing/removing bottle cages and other accessories in tight spaces. They also offer the ability to easily personalize what 1/4″ bits you prefer. And this one does a great job of giving me the bit I actually need, and the extension that I couldn’t live without. Most, but not all, mini ratchets include some extension. But it is an absolute necessity when adjusting brakes or fine-tuning cockpit setup.
So, my parting thoughts?
The RocknRoll TQ is interesting, if not perfect. Nice for day-to-day ratchet use, but not really useful as a torque wrench with anything close to accuracy. Yet, it still is better than torque-ing by feel while out on a ride.
Tech Specs
- Torque Range: 2-10Nm
- Torque precision: +/-15%
- Size: 133x20x12mm (ratchet tool only) or 152x50x30mm (complete tool roll)
- Weight: 68g (tool only) or 186g (complete tool roll)
- Bits included: hex 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, torx T20, T25, phillips PH2 screwdriver
- Extra elastic pocket that can fit some spare valve cores, a quick link, or Apple AirTag (not included)
- Outer belt-style loop to securely strap the tool roll to body or bike
Granite RocknRoll TQ – Pricing, availability & options
The Granite RocknRoll TQ torque wrench mini-tool kit sells for $60 with a black anodized body. You get to pick from a black, gray, green, or red 600D polyester roll-up carrying case. For sixty bucks, inside there are 10 of the most common 1/4″ bits, plus a 5cm extension for getting to those hard-to-reach bolts.
Like the idea, but want it in red? PrestaCycle first made this exact same tool back in 2021, the second iteration of their mini-TorqRatchet. Theirs gets a red ano body, and a few more bits, but not the helpful extender. Those also happen to be on sale right now for half the price of the new one with a Granite logo. Or, go with Granite, maybe you do need the more colorful tool wraps. Who are we to judge?
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