---
title: "Tightening bike bolts to the correct torque"
language: en
topics: ["bike", "creating", "design", "howto", "minimal", "mobility", "sport"]
full_article_url: https://willem.com/en/2019-08-18_creating-a-minimal-road-bike/
---
# Tightening bike bolts to the correct torque

*Many parts carry their maximum torque in Nm; never guess a value.*

> Use a torque wrench and tighten each bolt to the maximum torque printed on the part in Newton meters (Nm). If no value is printed, look it up online. Never guess a value: your safety depends on it.

It is easy to apply too much pressure on bolts, junctions, bearings and tubes, so a good torque wrench is a worthwhile investment. Many bike parts have their maximum torque value written on them in Newton meters. If a part carries no value, look it up online rather than guessing: your life depends on the bike staying together while you ride it.
Two related habits help. Apply fresh grease when reassembling, because cleaning removes the old grease; grease keeps water away from bearings and prevents squeaky, ticking noises. And install the seat post first, so you can clamp the frame in a work stand by the seat post tube, which is usually the strongest tube on the bike, much stronger than the top tube.