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Park Tool TW5 2.0 Ratcheting Click-Type Torque Wrench
414g £99.99
The Park Tool TW5.20 Ratcheting Click-Type Torque Wrench follows Park’s tradition for nicely engineered tooling. With a range between 2 and 14nm, in 0.4nm increments, it will tackle most sensitive components and the push 'n’ twist selector with window means it’s a doddle to use. That said, those seeking a one does all should look toward its TW-2.2 Beam Type cousin, which will tackle high torque components such as bottom brackets and cassette lockrings. Bits don’t come as standard, either.
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Pros: Nicely made, easy to read gauge, tactile handle, reversible ratcheting mechanism.
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Cons: No bits included, torque range may be too narrow for some, 3/8” head less nimble in tight spaces.
Specification
Much as I'd expect from Park and indeed, this price point. Measuring 23cm, the wrench itself is made from hardened, tempered “industrial” steel, the head is electroplated the wrench treated to a hard wearing and in my view, fetching blue powder coat finish. Look closely and you'll note a handy sticker converting nm to inch pounds, which might be less relevant to contemporary bikes but useful for shop mechanics, or those with varied fleets. The ratcheted head reads left or right-hand threads and is easily switched between them.
Staying with the head a moment, as I said in my introduction, this is the larger 3/8" size, which will be a moot point if you've compatible sockets and converters will allow the use of ¼” bits. However, since none are supplied, you'll want one or the other before you can get busy. Setting the desired torque is just a matter of turning the base until the red gauge aligns in the window and is adjustable in .04 increments.
As we'd expect, (especially from this end of the market) the mechanism is calibrated to ISO 6789, which is very stringent and means it should be accurate for twelve months, which coincides with the guarantee period. Though rightly described as a click mechanism, this isn’t uniform across the range and at the lower end, it’s very quiet- momentary physical slop within the shaft being the primary indicator. This will feel intuitive to experienced mechanics, but newbies might find this counter intuitive and could overtighten stuff. Aluminium alloy fasteners for mudguards and bottle cages being prime examples.
Ease Of Use 4/5
I've given the game away a little while discussing the specification but with the above caveat in mind, its intuitive and the dial has a refinement tangibly higher than otherwise very serviceable (and likeable) entry-level models. Dial it back to zero, taking all tension out when you've finished and obviously, don't use it to loosen fasteners. The grippy composite handle has nice ergonomic fits particularly well in the palm and doesn't turn slippery, even used for extended periods on a hot day. Bits are fitted and released from the head by depressing the button while simultaneously slotting into position or pulling away.
Performance 3.75/5
I've appreciated the tunability when real precision called for. For example, a carbon post may tolerate 5nm or so, but I might go a fraction lower and be more generous with the gripper paste where some slight variance allows. Steel bottle and mudguard screws may be fine with 3nm but (unless manufacturer guidance suggests otherwise) I would be inclined toward 2-2.5 when tackling aluminium alloy examples. This degree of adjustment will be welcomed by experienced mechanics who are verry precise about torque.
It’s also particularly welcome on components like saddle cradles, Hollowtech II pinch bolts with a prescribed range. Having defaulted to M Part for several years, the click and other cues felt intuitive and meant I could just get into the zone when building “Muffin”; my updated four seasons fixed gear friend.
Continuing the precision theme, there's no discernible play in the shaft and tangibly less in the head, compared with some wallet-friendly favourites. Arguably to be expected, given the price differential, but another plus.
The ratcheting function certainly helps and very useful on things like pedals, but a larger 3/8" head can prove less convenient when working in confined spaces-bottle cages in small main triangles, or indeed, this wishbone rear stay being prime examples. There's been less knuckle clearance when tackling Ursula's bottle cage hardware, either in the main triangle, or beneath the downtube but I’ve quickly adapted. Talking of adaptors and sizing, it’s possible to buy converters from decent ironmongers, so buying the Park TW5.20 doesn’t hold you hostage to buying a new set of tool bits.
Madison, Park’s UK distributor graciously sent me their Park Tool SBS3 Socket and bit set (£169.99rrp) which contains no less than 37 bits made from forged, electroplated Chrome Vanadium steel, working out at £4.50 apiece. The whole kit is very comprehensive contains 3,4,5,6,8,10, 14 and 16mm hex bits, long-reach 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 15mm hex bits, long reach T20, T25, T30, T40 and T45Torx, 8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15-,17-, 19- and 1-inch sockets. The latter fits various Park Tool freewheel, Cassette, Lockring and bottom bracket tools. Finally, there are 24,26,27,28,30 and 32mm flat sockets for suspension forks-the 27mm socket has an external taper for narrow access fittings. Ther longer fittings do genuinely compensate for the larger head in confined spaces, too.
Without these, and in common with the similarly compact M Part , I might suggest one of the mini designs, such as this Efetto Mariposa if you were working exclusively on small, compact bikes.
How small? Well, loosely speaking I'd say 40cm. The 14mn limit may deter those looking for a single unit with more range - track nuts, old school square taper cranks, quill stems anyone? Nonetheless, Park is very explicit about its range, so hardly a criticism.
Care/Durability 3.5/5
Torque wrenches are precision instruments that do not appreciate being dropped, or treated with other, casual indifference. Always set back to zero, place in their box and store where it’s not likely to fall. Seven weeks down the line with a bike build and other extensive fettling, ours looks and performs packet fresh. Same goes for the tooling- not that I’d expect any different at this phase but reassuring. No freckling, or taint here.
Value 3.25/5
Depends on what you are seeking in a torque wrench. Very cheerful models can give change from £50 complete with a selection of bits. The Oxford and MPart reviewed in my three of a kind group test are perfect examples and arguably the most cost-effective introduction for home mechanics. Indeed, this is primarily why I’ve chosen to review the Park on its own.
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As I had expected, Park Tool TW5.20 Ratcheting Click-Type Torque Wrench offers greater refinement and user friendliness, which may take longer to recoup and may not justify the additional £40-50 for more periodic, or occasional fettlers. That out of the way, let’s look at some competition.
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Effetto Mariposa Giustaforza 1-15 Pro Evo Deluxe Torque Wrench features a range between 1 and 15nm. Lightweight and compact, it’s arguably particularly good for small bikes and confined spaces. It comes complete with a bicycle specific bit set, it’ll set you back £280, the Park and SBS3 tools saves £40.
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Those seeking a less comprehensive tool kit but wanting a single torque wrench for pretty much all contexts, might find Topeak D-Torq Digital Torque Wrench DX a better fit. This is a digital model with a range between 4 and 20nm, which entertains a wider range. However, you’ll be replacing cells periodically and parting with £230.
Summary
Much will depend upon what you are seeking in a torque wrench. There are better starter options and lots of choice for those seeking a single wrench for every bike related task. Nonetheless, Park Tool TW5.20 Ratcheting Click-Type Torque Wrench is refined, intuitive and pleasant to use. When bought with the SBS3 Socket and bit set, it also represents excellent value alongside models with a similar specification.
Verdict: 3.5/5 Refined benchmark for regular workshop use but lack of tooling may deter those starting out.
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Michael Stenning
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Madison.co.uk – The UK’s largest cycle parts & accessories distributor
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PUBLISHED JUNE 2025
