Silca T-Ratchet and Ti-Torque – First Look

Silca is no stranger to our pages (yes, we’re well aware). But the fact is that they keep on making products that we not only want to have the opportunity to test here at AeroGeeks HQ, but that we’d also love to have sitting our own personal garages and pain caves. And yes, while their products are often pretty expensive, time and again we have found that the price is more than justified by the true quality and engineering found in their products. So when they offer a new product at a discounted rate, we couldn’t help but notice.

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The T-Ratchet and Ti-Torque

The T-Ratchet and Ti-Torque started with a simple problem. How can you effectively tighten bolts with very specific tolerances while on the go? Silca tells us that more than 70% of all lightweight cycling component and fastener damage—cracked carbon fiber components, rounded hex heads, and stripped screw threads—occur while making adjustments on the road or trail.

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The T-Ratchet is a multi-configurable ratcheting mini-tool.  Ti-Torque is a Ratchet Extension which shows live torque readings when used with T-Ratchet.  T-Ratchet can quickly be configured as a short- or long-reach T-Handle tool capable of using any 1/4″ drive bit, then quickly converted to a high-torque configuration, which is also ideal for tight spaces.

Ti-Torque solves the portable torque measurement problem in a 100 x 12mm package, weighing 30 grams and capable of reading 2-8Nm of torque.  As the Ti-Torque becomes loaded, the internal Titanium beam deflects, allowing the live torque measurement to be read on the side of the tool.

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Initial rounds of testing start with two professional mechanic test users, using Ti-Torque during their day jobs with a major Pro Tour Team.  After seeing how they were using Ti-Torque to work on the bikes of the pros, Silca developed T-Ratchet to combine the features of the two most commonly used tools in the Pro Mechanic toolbox: the T-Handle Hex key and the Ratcheting Torque wrench.

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The T-Ratchet is made utilizing a 72-tooth custom designed ratchet mechanism forged and through-hardened to 56-58 Rockwell C. In the kit are 10 Bits for all common cycling fasteners, made from the hardest steel available for this application. The bits include 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, Ph2, T10, T20, and T25. The case for the T-Ratchet is hand sewn from SILCA’s custom black waxed canvas with reflective thread quilting and utilizes a magnetic closure. The case cleanly holds T-Ratchet, Ti-Torque, extender, and 10 bits while fitting in any jersey pocket, seat bag, or tool roll.

Wrapping Up

Another super-expensive tool from Silca? Yup. One that we would love to have not only here at AeroGeeks HQ, but in our own personal garages as well? Well, that’s hard to say without completing a full review. What we do know is that we cannot wait to get our hands on it and start wrenching. Make sure to check out all the details on their Kickstarter page and be sure to check back for our detailed review soon.

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