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Velo Tool Mini Adjustable Torque Wrench
4/5/6nm 252g including case £34.99

The Velo Tool Mini Adjustable Torque Wrench 4/5/6nm is a pocket practical option for tackling lower stress jobs mid-ride, whether its raising saddle height, snugging bars, or Aheadset bearings tight. Its nicely made, pleasant to use and equally gentle on the wallet. The option of buying an extension bar for harder to reach fasteners-bottle cages being prime examples would be welcomed but, I’ve found other ¼” work just fine.

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Pros: Variable torqu, user-friendly, intuitive design, nicely designed carry case, competitively priced, ¼” head means ready supply of bits to compliment those supplied.

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Cons: No extension bar, carry case material is waterproof, but zipper isn’t.

velo tool mini torque wrench and case

Specification

mini torque wrench in case with bits and tools

Inside the solid, EVA lined carbon look case, there’s two mesh compartments with elasticated tops. This might seem overkill, given the tool’s dimensions (106x91x24mm) but it allows other tooling, including CO2 inflators, tyre levers, separate multi tool to be carried in a convenient, central place. The Torque wrench itself is aesthetically like the Park Tool ATD-1.2 Adjustable Torque driver and some other homages. Construction boils down to a mixture of hardened steel and sturdy ABS plastic. There are different grades, obviously, but the Velo Tool feels reassuringly solid.

velo tool mini torque wrench and bits

The hollow base holds a chamber with S2 steel bits- 4,5, 6mm and the T25 Torx, which though sparse on paper covers a wide range of fasteners on modern bikes. From derailleur hanger bolts, cable clamps, bottle, disc and cleat screws through to stem and seat post binder bolts.

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The bits are steel, treated to a chrome plated finish and slot positively into the end, reducing the likelihood of loss, when making road, or trailside adjustments.

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Besides, being ¼" other bits are readily popped in the hollow handle to suit your needs.  The CNC machined aluminium alloy torque dial is clearly marked 4, 5 and 6nm. To select, simply pull the dial out and turn until the desired nm aligns with the white line-a welcome surprise given some cannot be adjusted by hand but require an Allen key. Arguably not a deal breaker but another thing to consider and hardly welcome when the group’s waiting and you’re tweaking your saddle height for the 5th time.

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From here, you’re ready to go. Oh, and as with other torque wrenches, you’ll still need a multi tool, or standalone Allen keys to slacken stuff. You’ll damage the mechanism, if you don’t.

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In common with the Feedback Sports Reflex Torque Bit Driver, there’s no ratcheting function, which might sound problematic on paper, say when tackling bottle cage and similarly confined spaces. However, as many will point out, bottle cage screws are closer to 2 or 3nm, lower than the Velo tool’s minimum torque setting. 

velo tool mini torque wrench and bicycle head set and light

That said, you could always snug a loose set down, and because of the ¼” end, extension bars will also slot in. From the packet, I found the pod of bits a little tricky to access from the base and indeed exchange at the business end. However, things eased out given a few switches and without the compartments turning sloppy later down the line.

Performance 3.75/5

mini torque wrench botle cage

Having taken a few minutes to get familiar, I’ve grown very fond of the Velo Tool and aside from the mid ride tweaking also found myself defaulting to it for quick post ride adjustments and tune-ups.

torque wrench tightening seat post collar

Not least since in these contexts, it’s quicker than full size workshop models. Having reached the desired setting, the wrench will lock with a  very audible click, so no blaming the tool for over tightening, let alone wrecking something.

torque wrench tightening headset

4-6nm covers a lot of components. Front derailleur, ahead stem, seat post binder bolts, six bolt disc rotors, cleats, derailleur and brake cable clamp bolts, stem faces, accessory mounts to name a few. As ever, check specific torque figures before letting loose. Traditional bottle cage mounts will need an extension bar. Side entry cages are more of a lottery; bat wing types have been just fine with the stock tool.

Care/Durability 3.5/5

carry case with torque wrench

The padded case offers a good degree of protection from accidental knocks and though the fabric is waterproof, the zipper’s not but still offers decent protection from the elements, even if your luggage isn’t overly water-resistant.

 

To date, no issues with tainted electroplating but a passing wipe-over with an oily rag will keep this at bay. The nylon body seems very durable with no signs of wear despite the usual every day, accidental carelessness. The tool compartment also locks very securely, though has become easier to release with regular use.

Value 3.5/5

£35 is pretty good relative to the specification. Park Park Tool ATD-1 Adjustable Torque driver is also adjustable between 4 and 6nm, contains the same bits as the Velo Tool and Feedback Sports and uses 1/4inch, so easily customisable. It boasts all steel construction and has a more audible click but is double the Velo Tool’s price at £84.99.

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At the other end of the market, there are a couple that could trump the Velo Tool if you’re on a tight budget or just looking for a bargain. 

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The Merida Adjustable Torque Wrench 4-6nm comes in at £22.99. It also shares the same 4,5, 6 and T25 bits and is made from nylon and steel. Condor Mini Adjustable Torque Wrench is a tenner cheaper at £24.99.

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Very similar to the Merida and Velo Tool, boating hardened steel and “engineering grade” plastic, 4,5, 6nm adjustment, with 3,4, 5mm Allen key and T25 torx bits stowed in the handle. Giant Mini Adjustable Torque Driver has an even broader range, catering for 2,4, 5 and 6nm and comes complete with However, I’ve yet to get my mitts on these, so can’t make more useful comparison.

Summary

Ultimately, the Velo Tool Mini Adjustable Torque Wrench has impressed me with its design, features and price. The tool itself is intuitive to use and caters for the most common fasteners we’re likely to tackle during, or indeed, post ride. Thanks to the ¼ end you can add other bits for customisation. Being picky, the case material is waterproof, but water can still creep in via the zip. However, unless you’re riding through apocalyptic conditions, this is pretty academic.

Verdict: 3.75/5 Minor niggles aside a nicely executed, wallet friendly mini torque wrench.

 

Michael Stenning

 

Velo-Tool

 

PUBLISHED MAY 2025

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