Workbench: Park Tool Adjustable Torque Driver

MSRP: $73

With burly, all-metal internal construction and ergonomic, composite-molded grip, Park’s ATD-1 is a solid addition to any workbench that sees carbon fiber bike parts pass across it regularly.

The handle shape remains comfortable even when applying extra force, a calibrated clutch prevents over-tightening, and torque spec can be changed using a 5mm allen key between 4Nm, 4.5Nm, 5Nm, 5.5Nm, and 6Nm — the most-common torque specs on bicycles.

Magnetic bits store within the handle and include a 3mm, 4mm, and 5mm allen key, as well as a T25 bit. It’s a handy storage option, though fresh out of the box, the bits can be difficult to remove from their storage mount.

Adjusting the torque spec can be a bit of a pain because it involves the use of a second tool (5mm allen key), whereas many adjustable wrenches on the market adjust by hand. This comes into play when quick adjustments are necessary in the pits: Who wants to be searching for a misplaced 5mm allen key, just to use the torque wrench? Once turned into place, however, the indexed setting feels firm and it’s nice to have the peace of mind that the setting is exact.

Park has a long history of creating durable, exceptionally usable tools, and the ATD-1 is no different, but for the sake of convenience, a hand-adjustable torque setting knob would be preferable. In a shop, where the ubiquitous 5mm Allen key is always around somewhere, the ATD-1 is likely to become a mechanic’s go-to option. Otherwise, this is a burly, well-constructed tool worthy of any home mechanic’s workbench, though maybe not the best choice for the in-the-pits mechanic who’s often in a hurry.